Hong Kong’s finance chief has pitched the city’s strengths as a capital-raising centre during a charm offensive in Indonesia, but one business lobbying group has warned some firms remain wary of making a commitment due to their unfamiliarity with the financial hub.
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Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po told government officials and business elites gathered at a symposium in Jakarta on Wednesday that companies in Southeast Asia’s most populous nation should find the city’s capital markets “attractive and advantageous”, in part due to its proximity to mainland China and robust stock exchange.
“Indonesian companies listed on the Hong Kong exchange will be able to tap into both international and mainland capital,” he said.
Noting companies were diversifying operations amid rising geopolitical tensions, Chan highlighted the appeal of Hong Kong’s management and corporate treasury services, logistics consultants and extensive international connections.
“These fundraising options are there for you to explore … to service your needs,” he said, adding the city’s capital markets would suit financing infrastructure projects under the nation’s “2045” development plan. “We encourage your infrastructure projects to seek funding in Hong Kong.”
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The minister was speaking at the “Think Business: Think Hong Kong” symposium, organised by the Hong Kong Trade and Development Council, which was joined by a 100-strong delegation from Hong Kong, including senior executives, innovators, start-ups and professional service providers.