Finance Minister Lan Fo'an's Speech at APEC Finance Ministers Meeting

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

Distinguished Finance Ministers. Heads of Delegations, Ambassador Chen Xu. Executive Director Pedrosa. Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. Good afternoon, everyone. It's a pleasure to meet friends, old and new, here in Hong Kong, China. As the Chair of the 2026 APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting. I sincerely welcome you all to this meeting.

President Xi Jinping pointed out. The Asia-Pacific must tackle challenges. and create new glory. The key is to uphold the spirit of the Asia-Pacific family. Work together to build an Asia-Pacific community. Guided by this spirit. China's Ministry of Finance has set this year's APEC finance track priorities. First in Shanghai, then in Chengdu. Successfully held the Finance and Central Bank Deputies' Meeting. Senior Finance Officials' Meeting. Received strong support from member economies. We enhance exchanges and mutual learning, building consensus for cooperation. Injecting new momentum into Asia-Pacific financial cooperation.

Dear colleagues, currently, The international situation is turbulent and intertwined. Geopolitical conflicts have spillover effects. World economic growth faces multiple challenges. Meanwhile, AI and other new-round tech revolutions and industrial transformations are accelerating breakthroughs. New development momentum is gathering. As the engine of global economic growth, It shoulders greater responsibilities. All parties should firmly implement the consensus of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. and contribute to regional prosperity.

First, strengthen macroeconomic policy dialogue. Maintain regional economic and financial stability. The current international economic environment is highly uncertain. Member economies should strengthen the soundness of their macroeconomic policies. Meanwhile, We should strengthen policy communication and coordination. Guard against negative spillover effects from policy adjustments.

Second, accelerate economic transformation. Enhance economic resilience. Seize digital and green transformation opportunities. Promote AI and the digital economy. Foster innovation cooperation in green and low-carbon fields. Cultivate new economic growth points.

Third, prioritize development. Promote shared prosperity. Deepen practical cooperation in finance. Foster an open regional economic environment. At the same time, maintain stable and smooth industrial and supply chains, and advance regional economic integration.

With the joint efforts of all parties, China has promoted four key agenda items under this year's APEC finance cooperation mechanism. Fiscal policies supporting people's livelihoods. Digital infrastructure financing. Promoting inclusive finance development tailored to local conditions. Promoting youth financial talent exchange and cooperation. Initial results have been achieved. We will continue in-depth discussions during these two days. Seeking consensus. Promote practical outcomes in APEC China Year financial cooperation mechanisms.

Dear colleagues. China is a member of the Asia-Pacific family. China's development is inseparable from the Asia-Pacific. Facing complex and severe situations at home and abroad. China's economy has shown strong resilience and vitality. In the first three quarters of 2026, China's economy grew by 4.6 percent. For many years, China has contributed around 30 percent to global economic growth. It remains a key engine driving regional and global prosperity. 2026 marks the first year of China's 15th Five-Year Plan. China is steadfastly advancing high-quality development. Accelerating the cultivation of new growth drivers. Deepening the building of a unified national market, focusing on expanding domestic demand, and vigorously boosting consumption. Looking ahead, China will further deepen reforms comprehensively, and continue expanding high-standard opening up. creating new opportunities for Asia-Pacific and global development.

Dear colleagues, Spring harvest and autumn abundance, all things reach fruition. This finance ministers' meeting is the final event of the 2026 APEC finance cooperation mechanism. As the host. We sincerely thank you all for your strong support. Let us keep up the momentum and continue building consensus. To deliver practical outcomes for the leaders' informal meeting. I wish the meeting a complete success. I wish all colleagues a pleasant stay in Hong Kong. Thank you, everyone.