HK must ensure security in development: FS

Financial Secretary Paul Chan on Sunday said Hong Kong must place security at the heart of development amid risks to the financial and energy markets from geopolitics. Writing in his weekly blog, Chan said global uncertainties showed that national security affects various fields, such as finance, energy, technology and food supply. Hong Kong must adopt a holistic approach to national security and improve its ability to prevent risks as well as adaptability, he added. Chan went on to say that the SAR should safeguard security while opening up as the city serves as an international financial, trade, shipping and innovation centre. He said Hong Kong’s financial system has been stable and efficient, supporting the smooth operation and rapid development of the market. Hong Kong also saw stable energy supplies despite the global crisis, thanks to the country’s support, Chan added. In the long run, Hong Kong would continue to push ahead with its green transformation and introduce more zero-carbon energy sources, he said. Edited by Tony Sabine