Secretary for Development Mr. Cheung: Optimistic about the market prospects in the Year of the Horse and will explore new initiatives to enhance market competitiveness.

On February 20th, Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po attended the Hong Kong Stock Exchange's Chinese New Year market opening ceremony and stated that he was optimistic about the market outlook for the Year of the Horse. Despite the expected complex and volatile external environment, Hong Kong, with its fair market environment, will continue to promote market reforms, enhance market infrastructure and development, and manage risks and disruptions. Paul Chan Mo-po believes that technological changes, such as AI, life sciences, and quantum computing, are reshaping Hong Kong's competitiveness and influencing market development. The Hong Kong SAR government will continue to attract more technology companies to list in Hong Kong, and collaborate with regulatory agencies to explore new initiatives to enhance market competitiveness and trading mechanisms. Paul Chan Mo-po pointed out that the Hang Seng Index rose by 6,500 points last year, a 32% increase compared to the previous year, making it the best-performing Year of the Snake in history, which gives him hope for the Year of the Horse. Hong Kong, under the principle of "One Country, Two Systems," leverages its advantages and will play a crucial role as a super-connector in the 15th Five-Year Plan. Additionally, the mechanisms for mutual connectivity continue to deepen and expand, bringing higher liquidity to the capital market.