Ambassador Chen Xu's Speech at APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting

Distinguished Minister Lan Fo'an. Executive Director Pedrosa. Honorable Ministers. Distinguished guests.

I am delighted to gather with you in Hong Kong for the 2026 APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting. My sincere thanks to the Ministry of Finance. For the efficient and pragmatic organization and preparation. My heartfelt thanks to the Hong Kong SAR Government for the thoughtful arrangements and warm hospitality. APEC is the highest-level economic cooperation mechanism in the Asia-Pacific region. It has the broadest scope and greatest influence. As the host of APEC 2026, China will work with All members focus on building an Asia-Pacific community, promoting the theme of shared prosperity. Centered on openness, innovation, and cooperation, these three priority areas. We will steadily advance work in all fields. Exchanges and cooperation among various mechanisms. We have successfully held over 300 events. Various meetings and events under the APEC framework. Including professional ministerial meetings and Digital Week, achieving multiple practical outcomes.

Members reaffirmed support for the FTAAP process, approved the APEC Services Roadmap, outlined the vision for APEC digital and AI cooperation, enhanced women's digital literacy and entrepreneurship, discussed tourism facilitation measures in the Asia-Pacific region, clarified pathways for forest governance and forest product trade cooperation, established guiding principles to enhance food system resilience, enhanced capacity for innovation and resilience of SMEs in the Asia-Pacific region, deepened the concept of an Asia-Pacific energy community, and further advanced the modernization of human resources in the Asia-Pacific region, strengthened cooperation on smart transportation and connectivity.

These outcomes further built consensus for an Asia-Pacific community. This laid a solid foundation for the success of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. These outcomes were achieved through the joint efforts of all parties. It also benefits from our adherence to the APEC model. We have been steadily advancing practical cooperation. The so-called APEC model That means staying action-oriented, always putting people first, focusing on economic cooperation, upholding consensus. This meeting is the final ministerial meeting of APEC China Year. Minister Lan Fo'an's speech just now reflects China's role as the host in ensuring the success of this meeting. in building an Asia-Pacific community with firm will and determination. I believe as long as we maintain unity and sincerity, and strengthen cooperation under the APEC model. This meeting will surely be a complete success. contributing more practical outcomes to the Shenzhen APEC Leaders' Informal Meeting.

Dear colleagues, currently, the world economy has entered a new period of turbulence and change. Unilateralism, Protectionism is spreading. Industrial and supply chains are restructuring faster. The problem of uneven development in the Asia-Pacific has become more prominent. Against this backdrop, strengthen APEC economies' macroeconomic policy communication and coordination, make good use of various fiscal and financial tools to maintain economic stability, promoting regional economic integration is of great significance.

Today, we gather in Hong Kong. Focusing on fiscal policy, supporting people's livelihood development, facilitating digital infrastructure financing, promoting inclusive finance development and other topics for in-depth discussion. This will help fiscal policy stabilize growth and protect livelihoods. It will also promote transformation. Unleashing the vitality of Asia-Pacific development. Providing solid fiscal and financial safeguards for building an Asia-Pacific community.

Dear colleagues, Hong Kong is an international financial, trade, and shipping center. It is the core engine of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. It is also a vital bridge connecting China with the Asia-Pacific and global markets. This APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting is the first APEC ministerial meeting hosted by Hong Kong. I hope you have the chance to explore more. Take a look and experience Hong Kong's unique charm. Its vibrant energy and boundless vitality. I wish this meeting a complete success. Thank you.