China News Service, Hong Kong, September 23. Title: Interview with Shi Meilun, Chairman of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange: Firmly optimistic about the future of Hong Kong's International Financial Center

　　China News Agency reporter Liu Chenyao

　　"I am firmly optimistic about the future of Hong Kong as an international financial center. As a large international financial center, Hong Kong has many advantages such as the free flow of funds and information, a sound legal system, the use of an international language, proximity to large economies, and ample liquidity." In an interview with a reporter from China News Agency a few days ago, Hong Kong Stock Exchange Chairman Shi Meilun had no doubt about the future glory of Hong Kong.

　　Recently, the national "14th Five-Year Plan" propaganda team came to Hong Kong to preach, the "Comprehensive Deepening of the Reform and Opening Plan of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone" was launched, cross-border financial management was launched, and the bond link "Southbound Link" was about to run... With the frequent implementation of various central preferential policies for Hong Kong, Shi Meilun saw great opportunities for the development of Hong Kong's financial industry.

Reason 1: The rise of any international financial center cannot be separated from the rise of the country’s economy

　　Shi Meilun, who joined the Hong Kong Securities Regulatory Commission in 1991, served as the vice chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission in 2001, and returned to Hong Kong's financial industry in 2004, is well versed in the financial systems of the two places.

Regarding the statement in the "14th Five-Year Plan" that "supports Hong Kong in enhancing its status as an international financial center, and strengthening the functions of a global offshore RMB business hub, an international asset management center and a risk management center", she is sincerely delighted and bluntly said that this is unique to Hong Kong's financial market. Affirmation of advantages.

　　Shi Meilun told reporters that as an industry that serves the real economy, the development of the financial industry is always closely linked to the development of the economy. The rise of any international financial center cannot be separated from the rise of the country's economy.

“Relying on the motherland and facing the world is Hong Kong’s greatest advantage.” Shi Meilun said that China’s rapid economic growth will inevitably bring about huge investment and financing needs and risk management needs. In the future, there will be more overseas funds hoping to invest in China, and will also As more mainland funds need to go overseas, the Hong Kong market should continuously upgrade the three functions required by the plan to serve these financial needs.

Reason 2: Hong Kong is an international capital market at the door of China, and it is also the most important international financial market for the West in Asia.

　　Shi Meilun said that he was not surprised when the "Qianhai Plan" was released, because since he became the chairman of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2018, he has seen multiple win-win results created by the Hong Kong financial industry and mainland counterparts in the past few years.

　　"Hong Kong is the international capital market at the door of China, and it is also the most important international financial market for the West in Asia." Shi Meilun believes that the financial industry is the common core industry of Shenzhen and Hong Kong, and the two cities have tremendous financial cooperation. Potential and space.

The Hong Kong financial market has a good rule of law, an internationally recognized regulatory mechanism, an open business environment, professionals from all over the world and abundant liquidity. It also has trust from the Mainland and can play a role in interconnection, RMB internationalization, and other aspects. China's "experimental field".

Reason 3: The Hong Kong Stock Exchange is open and transparent, stable in operation, internationally recognized, and ample liquidity

　　In 2021, the global economic recovery is affected by the epidemic and lacks new momentum. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange's IPO (initial public offering) in the first half of the year has been strong. There were 47 IPOs in the Hong Kong market with a financing amount of 212.96 billion Hong Kong dollars, doubling the same period last year.

What Shi Meilun attributed to this was his confidence in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange's openness and transparency, stable operation, international recognition, and abundant liquidity.

　　However, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, which is firmly established among the top three exchanges in the world, does not just want to shine in the IPO market.

Shi Meilun revealed that last year the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Hong Kong Securities Regulatory Commission jointly initiated the establishment of an inter-institutional steering group for green and sustainable finance. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange is one of the members.

The steering group will assess the feasibility of Hong Kong's development into a regional carbon trading center, study the deepening of cooperation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and actively explore the opportunities brought by domestic and foreign "cap and trade" carbon markets and voluntary carbon markets.

　　On September 24, the “Southbound Link” of Bond Connect will be launched in both places at the same time. This will promote the development of Hong Kong’s fixed-income product market and consolidate Hong Kong’s position as the world’s premier offshore renminbi center, while also providing opportunities for mainland Chinese investors More abundant overseas investment options have also promoted the further opening of the mainland capital market.

"The Hong Kong Stock Exchange will continue to support the smooth operation of Bond Connect through the joint venture company Bond Connect established by us and the China Foreign Exchange Trading Center." Shi Meilun said.

　　In addition, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange is also committed to promoting the internationalization of the renminbi and has participated in the newly established Guangzhou Futures Exchange. It looks forward to working with the Guangzhou Futures Exchange to promote the development of a green and low-carbon market in the Greater Bay Area.

"As long as Hong Kong's financial industry can continue to use its strengths and provide the country's needs, it will certainly be able to achieve greater brilliance."

　　During the conversation, Shi Meilun always smiled, showing warmth and determination.

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