In a significant move underscoring China's support for Hong Kong as a key international financial hub, the People's Bank of China (PBOC) has announced a series of strategic measures designed to solidify the city's status.

Announced on Monday at the 18th Asian Financial Forum in Hong Kong, these measures were detailed by PBOC Governor Pan Gongsheng, reflecting a collaborative effort among key financial regulators from mainland China and Hong Kong.

The central bank's initiatives focus on strengthening the offshore renminbi market, an essential aspect of Hong Kong’s financial identity, and optimizing financial market connectivity between Hong Kong and the mainland.

These efforts are part of a broader agenda to enhance the convenience and efficiency of payment and settlement systems within Hong Kong.

Among the proposed actions is the introduction of a renminbi trade financing liquidity arrangement.

This will include tenures of 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months, with a total funding quota of 100 billion yuan (approximately 13.64 billion USD).

This facility aims to provide a stable and economical source of funding for renminbi trade financing available to commercial banks operating in Hong Kong.

Moreover, the PBOC plans to support Hong Kong’s endeavors to introduce offshore renminbi government bond futures.

Such a development is poised to enhance Hong Kong's bond market by adding depth and diversity, potentially attracting a broader range of international investors.

Furthermore, the regulators will refine the southbound bond connect mechanism to support mainland Chinese investors wishing to purchase multi-currency bonds more adeptly.

This will include extending settlement times and expanding the scope of eligible investors and custodian banks, thereby encouraging greater cross-border bond investment flows.

Governor Pan emphasized the crucial role of a vibrant capital market in underpinning Hong Kong's stature as an international financial center.

He pledged support for high-caliber enterprises aiming to list and issue bonds in Hong Kong and mentioned plans to increase the proportion of China's national foreign exchange reserves allocated in Hong Kong.

This ambitious agenda is intended to unlock new growth avenues for Hong Kong's financial industry.

The Asian Financial Forum, still ongoing, assembles approximately 3,600 financial and business professionals from over 50 countries.

This year, the forum hosts more than 40 sessions that cover a broad spectrum of topics, including global economic prospects, emerging market opportunities, and innovations in artificial intelligence and fintech, with a keen eye on sustainability and philanthropy.