Sixth Asian Financial Forum Opens on Monday More than 90 High-Profile Speakers to Take Part in Two-Day Forum

Hong Kong, Jan 9, 2013 – (ACN Newswire) – Some 2,000 business and government leaders from around the world will take part in the Asian Financial Forum, 14-15 January, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Under the theme “Asia: Shaping the Next Global Landscape”, the sixth edition of the forum will spotlight Asia’s fast-expanding role in the global economy. The two-day financial summit will tackle such key issues as China opportunities, the future of the Eurozone and the world’s food and agriculture sector.

Forum highlights were presented today at a press conference led by AFF Steering Committee Chairman Benjamin Hung, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Ltd, and Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Assistant Executive Director Raymond Yip.

China Spotlight

Speaking at the press conference, Mr Hung noted that “the Chinese mainland’s economic policies will remain a focal point for the world.” That reality, he said, will be reflected in this year’s AFF. “Along with a panel discussion on China opportunities, the forum will feature workshops on China’s agenda for reforming its financial system, trends and opportunities in the global use of the renminbi, and the China-ASEAN business partnership.”

“Beyond China, there is much on the AFF agenda to look forward to,” added Mr Yip. “We have a panel discussion on global investment opportunities and another on food and agriculture. And this year’s workshops range from Asian financial integration to a spotlight on Myanmar investment and a look at private wealth management.”

Also speaking at the press conference, Deloitte China Global Financial Services Industry Leader of the Southern Region Eric Tong said the Deloitte Workshop will “discuss financial market cooperation in Asia. Through the workshop, we hope to share with the delegates some strategic insights.” For the fourth year in a row, Deloitte is the AFF’s Diamond Sponsor.

Professor Lawrence H. Summers, the Charles W Eliot University Professor at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, will be the keynote luncheon speaker on 14 January. Professor Summers was Director of the National Economic Council under the administration of United States President Barack Obama, and Secretary of the Treasury under US President Bill Clinton. International Monetary Fund Deputy Managing Director Dr Zhu Min will be the 15 January keynote luncheon speaker.

Prominent Speakers

A wide variety of high-profile speakers will participate in AFF 2013. Government and institutional officials include: Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Wayne Swan; Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago President and CEO Charles Evans; Italy’s Minister of Economy and Finance Vittorio Grilli; Korea’s Minister of Strategy and Finance Bahk Jaewan; and Luxembourg’s Minister of Finance Luc Frieden.

Prominent leaders from the Chinese mainland include: Chairman of China Securities Regulatory Commission Guo Shuqing; China Investment Corporation Chairman and CEO Lou Jiwei; President and CEO of China International Capital Corporation Ltd Levin Zhu; COFCO Corporation Chairman Frank Gaoning Ning; SOHO China Chairman Pan Shiyi; and Vice Chairman and CEO of Fosun Group Liang Xinjun. Other corporate leaders taking part include: Prudential plc Chairman Paul Manduca; Far Eastern Group Chairman Douglas Hsu; and CT Corp CEO Frits Seegers.

Deal Makers

AFF 2013 highlights include the Deal Flow Matchmaking Session featuring one-to-one meetings between investment project owners and potential collaborators. Riding on the trend of the Chinese mainland’s outbound investment, the session will also offer meetings between Chinese investors seeking investment opportunities abroad and overseas project owners looking for Asian capital.

Networking and the Media

The forum’s Networking Lounge will serve as a resources and hospitality centre and general gathering place throughout the event’s two days. This year, Bloomberg, CNBC and China Business News will feature live interviews at the lounge. In addition, AFF participants can take part in a variety of activities on 16 January, including visits to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. A day-long excursion to Shenzhen will also be offered.

The Asian Financial Forum is organised by the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

The third Asia Private Equity Forum, organised by the HKVCA, will be held on 16 January, focusing on Asian private equity prospects. For details, please visit:www.hkvca.com.hk .

Website:www.asianfinancialforum.com
Videos: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL437A46808DDF0FF5&feature=view_all

Media Accreditation and Interview Requests

Media accreditation will be done on-site at AFF 2013. Media representatives need only bring along their business card to the press registration counter, located at the entrance to Hall 5F-G of the HKCEC. AFF interview requests should be sent, along with proposed questions, by 10 January, to the HKTDC’s Corporate Communication Department.

About HKTDC

A statutory body established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is the international marketing arm for Hong Kong-based traders, manufacturers and service providers. With more than 40 global offices, including 11 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China and throughout Asia. The HKTDC also organises trade fairs and business missions to connect companies with opportunities in Hong Kong and on the mainland, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and online. For more information, please visit:www.hktdc.com . Follow us on Google+, Twitter @hktdc, LinkedIn.

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Contact:

HKTDC

Corporate Communication Department

Joe Kainz

Tel: +852 2584 4216

Email: joe.kainz@hktdc.org