This year's AFF will feature discussions on a wide range of issues including the new global economy, fintech, sustainable and inclusive development and green finance, offering participants a head start in identifying new economic challenges and opportunities.

Overcoming obstacles and moving forward

Margaret Fong, HKTDC Executive Director, and Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, officiated at this morning's opening ceremony. In her welcome remarks, Ms Fong stated that the global economy will continue to face challenges against the backdrop of the Sino-US trade dispute and increasing geopolitical tension. At the same time, Hong Kong is also expected to experience unprecedented challenges in the face of a difficult local and international economic environment. However, she also pointed that the city has always shown great perseverance and will continue to adapt to an ever-changing business environment.

Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said in her opening remarks: "Hong Kong, with its strategic regional location and its extensive, ever-deepening cultural and financial links with the mainland, is China's international financial centre, contributing to the sustainable progress of the country, the region and the world." She added that the Asian Financial Forum represents Hong Kong's wide-ranging strengths and resilience as an economy and a community.

Dr. Janet L. Yellen shares perspectives on monetary policy

The keynote luncheons at the AFF are always highly anticipated. The keynote speaker on the first day this year was Dr. Janet L. Yellen, Chair, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System (2014-2018), in a session moderated by Norman Chan, Senior Advisor of the Hong Kong Academy of Finance. Dr Yellen shared her perspectives on the independence of central banks and the implementation of monetary policy, and also offered her views on the global economy and the impact of the Sino-US trade conflict. Dr Yellen took questions from the audience on related issues.

Heavyweight international speakers address how to redefine growth

The AFF opened with a plenary session titled "Redefining Growth: Innovation, Breakthrough, Inclusiveness" at which policymakers shared their insights and expertise on innovative ways to provide impetus to the development of the financial services sector, and how to enhance inclusive development amidst increasing challenges in the global macro-environment. Heavyweight international speakers included Jin Liqun, President and Chairman, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; Peter Szijjarto, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Hungary; and Uttama Savanayana, Minister of Finance, Thailand.

Continues on http://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/56724/