Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the National Day Reception of the Republic of Türkiye today (October 29):
Consul General Emirhan Yorulmazlar (Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in Hong Kong), Deputy Commissioner Hua You (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening.
It is a pleasure to join you to celebrate the 103rd anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye. On behalf of the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government, I extend our warmest congratulations to the Government and people of Türkiye.
Consul General, a very warm welcome to Hong Kong. One month into your posting, I hope this city is already beginning to feel like home.
Hong Kong and Türkiye are different in many ways. But I suspect you have already recognised something familiar: we are both places where East meets West. Where cultures interact. And where connections open doors.
Türkiye stands at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, with a history that speaks to centuries of exchange between peoples and civilisations. Its architectural treasures and cultural heritage are celebrated around the world.
But Türkiye's story is not only about what it has preserved. It is about what it is building – in innovation, technology and industry.
That combination of respect for the past and ambition for the future resonates with Hong Kong. We, too, draw strength from our heritage while looking outward. We, too, understand that connecting people, markets and ideas creates opportunity.
The task before us is to turn that shared outlook into more impactful outcomes.
Our economic ties are growing stronger. Last year, bilateral merchandise trade rose by 8.8 per cent to reach US$2.3 billion. Trade in services has also seen strong growth, rising by an average of 16.5 per cent a year between 2020 and 2024.
These are encouraging figures. And now we need to build on them.
Earlier this year, our Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement and Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement came into effect.
Their value lies in what they enable: greater certainty for businesses, stronger confidence to invest, and a more robust foundation for long-term partnerships.
Financial innovation offers another avenue for closer co-operation. In June, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen fintech collaboration. This provides a foundation for turning our shared ambition into practical benefits for businesses and people.
The goal is not simply more advanced technology. It is better financial services – making it easier for businesses to transact and for people to access the finance they need. That is the promise we should work together to deliver.
Türkiye is an important node in the Belt and Road Initiative. Hong Kong can help Turkish businesses connect with opportunities in the Chinese Mainland and across Asia.
As an international financial centre, we offer more than a gateway to these markets. We offer access to the capital and financial services businesses need in order to expand with confidence.
A Turkish company seeking to grow can reach international investors in Hong Kong by listing equity or issuing bonds. A business developing clean energy or greener infrastructure can tap our green and sustainable finance and professional services to help bring projects to life.
For Turkish enterprises trading with the Chinese Mainland, our offshore Renminbi services can support payments, financing and currency risk management.
These are practical tools for practical needs: funding a project, entering a market, managing uncertainty. Combined with our professional expertise and international networks, they make Hong Kong a valuable partner for Turkish businesses with ambitions across Asia.
But a lasting relationship needs more than tradeand investment. It needs people who know one another, understand one another and want to do more together.
Culture helps build those connections.
Next month, Turkish traditional dance, arts and crafts will feature at the Asia+ Festival 2026. It will be an opportunity for Hong Kong audiences to experience Türkiye's rich culture – and to discover more of the people behind it.
Consul General, ladies and gentlemen, we have much to build on: growing trade, new investment agreements, closer fintech collaboration and vibrant cultural exchanges.
Let us make the most of it. Let us turn agreements into partnerships, connections into opportunities, and shared ambition into shared prosperity.
Consul General, I wish you a rewarding, enjoyable – and very busy – posting in Asia's world city.
Thank you very much.
