The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, began his visit to Bahrain yesterday  (Bahrain time).

In the morning, Mr Chan met with the Chairman of Bahrain’s Social Insurance Organization, Mr Mahmood Hashim Al Kooheji, and exchanged views on retirement protection and relevant government policies. He then met with the Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain, Mr Rasheed Mohammed Al Maraj, covering such issues as the global economy, financial and regional development, etc.

In the afternoon, Mr Chan joined a luncheon meeting with the Minister of Finance and National Economy of Bahrain, Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, and exchanged views with financial officials on issues of mutual interest, and discussed the strengthening of bilateral economic and trade ties.

At the meetings, Mr Chan elaborated on the unique status and advantages of Hong Kong as a gateway to the Mainland, and welcomed Bahrain’s financial services and businesses to make full use of Hong Kong to tap the tremendous business opportunities offered by the Mainland, particularly the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, as well as other emerging markets of Asia. He also explained the latest measures to attract enterprises and talents announced under the Policy Address, and welcomed enterprises and talents in Bahrain to come to Hong Kong for development.

In the evening, Mr Chan attended a dinner hosted by the Honorary Consul of Bahrain in Hong Kong, Mr Oscar Chow.

Mr Chan will continue his visit in Bahrain, today (October 24, Bahrain time) and will head for Riyadh in Saudi Arabia thereafter.