The 18th Asian Financial Forum, jointly organized by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, opened in Hong Kong on the 13th, bringing together over 130 global political and business leaders, business leaders, technology experts, and renowned economists to explore new forces for future economic growth and promote global cooperation. In his welcoming speech at the opening ceremony, Lin Jianyue, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, stated that innovative elements such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, financial technology, and healthcare are expected to become important driving forces for economic growth and human development. This year's forum is themed "Launching a New Engine of Growth" and discusses how the financial industry can support the new generation of innovative enterprises and industries to unleash their potential. Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam stated in her speech that Hong Kong is ready to drive the next growth engine and contribute to the overall development of the region. Looking ahead to the future, Hong Kong will focus on three areas of work: firstly, enhancing its existing advantages and consolidating its competitiveness as an international asset management center and wealth management center; The second is to explore new economic growth points, including building an international gold trading center and promoting the development of financial technology; Third, expand overseas networks, especially focusing on the joint construction of the "the Belt and Road" countries. Zhou Ji, Deputy Director in charge of daily work of the Central Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, stated that Hong Kong will rank third in the global financial index in 2024, and is also the world's freest economy. It ranks fifth among the most competitive cities and regions in the world, fully demonstrating the superiority of the "One Country, Two Systems" system and widely recognized by the international community. In the future, the central government will continue to fully support the consolidation of Hong Kong's position as an international financial center, trade center, and shipping center, and support Hong Kong in accelerating its pace of technological innovation. Zheng Yanxiong, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central Government in Hong Kong, also attended the event on the 13th. It is reported that the two-day forum will feature over 40 different themed speeches, policy dialogues, "Fireside Talks," and specialized workshops, focusing on topics such as global economic outlook, opportunities in China, new market opportunities, investment prospects, artificial intelligence, financial technology, etc. It is expected to attract about 3600 financial and business professionals from 50 countries and regions to attend. (New Society)