EU and Hong Kong in talks to launch financial services dialogue

Senior officials from the European Union and Hong Kong are negotiating the launch of a financial services dialogue, as European companies show interest in opportunities within Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis. Ambassador Harvey Rouse, head of the EU Office in Hong Kong, announced the discussions at the Greenway 2026 forum on Tuesday. He emphasized that Hong Kong has become a leading center for green and sustainable finance in Asia, and that both the EU and Hong Kong, as world leaders in this field, can deepen cooperation on sustainable innovation and the green transition.

Rouse noted that senior-level exchanges between Hong Kong and the European Commission have intensified over the past year, with reciprocal visits. The proposed financial services dialogue aims to enhance cooperation, particularly in areas like green finance. He also highlighted potential for European firms to provide investment and expertise for Hong Kong's green transition, especially as the city develops the Northern Metropolis — a vast 30,000-hectare megaproject near the mainland China border.