Financial Secretary Paul Chan on Sunday said hosting the recently concluded Apec Finance Ministers' Meeting carried multi-layered significance for Hong Kong. The two-day event wrapped up in the SAR on Wednesday. Speaking on a Commercial Radio programme, Chan said many participants came from the political and business sectors, allowing them to see and understand Hong Kong first-hand and observe how the city serves as a bridge connecting the mainland and the rest of the world. He pointed out that there are many areas for collaboration and new market opportunities for the SAR’s professional services sector. “Through communication and exchanges, we understand their needs better. For example, many countries need infrastructure, and infrastructure needs investment, professional services, and even operational management. Some enterprises want to enter the mainland market. We told them that in these areas, they can collaborate with Hong Kong,” he said. The financial secretary acknowledged that it is sometimes difficult for Apec member economies to reach a consensus on issues, given their differing political stances, development stages, and needs. But he stressed, Hong Kong would strive to seek common ground while respecting differences, aiming to maximise room for collaboration wherever possible. Speaking on a TVB programme, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui said Hong Kong had demonstrated its soft power in hosting the event. "The Apec finance ministers issued a joint statement as the meeting concluded. This proves that Hong Kong not only brings people together, but also helps deliver results," he said. "We can help our country foster regional collaboration across the broader Asian region." Some delegates also chose to stay behind for a few extra days after the meetings wrapped up to explore more of the city, Hui said. Edited by Tony Sabine