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The Hong Kong government announced that Financial Secretary Paul Chan departed late on September 26 for Doha to participate in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank gathering. The 11th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors opened under the theme “Tomorrow’s Infrastructure: Impact and Innovation” and convened officials from member economies alongside business executives to examine sustainable development projects. Chan is scheduled to address a dedicated session on digital public infrastructure while engaging directly with counterparts on regional connectivity initiatives.
According to the government statement Chan will attend the formal Board of Governors session and conduct separate discussions with other AIIB governors as well as Qatari and international political and business leaders during his stay. The visit builds on prior exchanges between Hong Kong and Gulf states with the Financial Secretary expected to highlight the city’s role as an international financial centre. A separate Qatar News Agency dispatch confirmed that Chan held talks with Qatar’s Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari on September 27 focusing on bilateral investment and economic matters.
The same Qatari report noted that Chan also met members of the Qatari Businessmen Association to explore partnerships in financial services healthcare logistics technology and trade. Association representatives emphasised opportunities for banks and investment funds from both sides to collaborate more closely in the period ahead. Chan described the session as valuable for expanding business networks and encouraging two-way investment flows between the communities.
Established in 2016 the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has grown into a significant multilateral lender supporting projects across Asia and beyond with a focus on green and digital infrastructure. The annual meeting serves as its premier forum for setting strategic priorities and reviewing operational progress among its more than 100 member jurisdictions. Hong Kong maintains active involvement in the institution aligning its participation with broader efforts to deepen ties with emerging markets.
This latest engagement follows the Chief Executive’s delegation visit to Qatar in May 2025 that emphasised economic cooperation and sovereign wealth fund opportunities. The Financial Secretary’s programme reflects continued momentum in strengthening Hong Kong-Qatar relations particularly in finance and infrastructure where both sides see complementary strengths. Qatari counterparts have expressed interest in leveraging Hong Kong’s capital markets to support expansion into Asian economies.
Chan is due to leave Doha in the early hours of September 29 Qatar time and return to Hong Kong that same afternoon local time the government statement indicated. During his absence Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong will assume the role of acting Financial Secretary. The arrangement ensures continuity in Hong Kong’s fiscal and economic policy functions while the Financial Secretary advances the city’s international partnerships abroad.
