ASIAN FINANCIAL FORUM ONLINE: “RESHAPING WORLD ECONOMIC LANDSCAPE” 18-19 JANUARY 2021

We would like to invite you to join Asian Financial Forum Online which will be held virtually on 18 and 19 January 2021.

2020 has certainly been a challenging year. The COVID-19 pandemic not only posed an immense threat to the health and vitality of the global populace, it also brought about far-reaching disruptions to the global markets as well as accentuated the need for reshaping economic and social dynamics. The AFF, as Asia’s premier forum for global leaders in government, finance and business at the beginning of each year, is uniquely positioned for examining the challenges at hand and strategising the road to recovery and beyond.

With your support over the years, the AFF has gone from strength to strength, with the most recent edition attracting more than 3,500 financial and business leaders, as well as leading investors and entrepreneurs, from 48 countries and regions to exchange insights and intelligence, establish connections, and explore business and investment opportunities.

The AFF in 2021 will continue to uphold these three pillars through a comprehensive virtual platform. In-depth discussions on topical issues such as global economic outlook, responsible and impact investment, asset and wealth management, insurance, risk management and green finance, alongside a series of InnoTalks and Fireside Chats covering the latest in innovation and technology (including fintech, 5G and cyber security), will drive thought leadership and global discourse, while the Fintech Showcase and the FintechHK Startup Salon will present the latest solutions and next-gen business ideas from worldwide financial institutions, technology firms and startups. The AFF Deal Flow Matchmaking Session and the InnoVenture Salon will return to provide business matching and capacity building arrangements for investors, project owners and entrepreneurs across all regions and sectors, while worldwide investment agencies will also return to the Global Investment Zone to showcase the latest opportunities.

We are delighted that the AFF 2021 will again feature some of the world’s most influential leaders and distinguished speakers, including:

- Prof Paul Romer, 2018 Nobel Laureate for Economic Sciences
- Mr Alexis Ohanian, Co-Founder of Reddit
- Dr Luc Julia, Co-creator of the Apple Voice Assistant, SIRI
- Ms Jennifer Pryce, President and CEO, Calvert Impact Capital
- Mr Jean Raby, Chief Executive Officer, Natixis Investment Managers International
- Mr Vineet Rai, Founder & Chairman, Aavishkaar Group
- Mr Stephen A. Schwarzman, Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder, Blackstone
- Mr Mark Tucker, Group Chairman, HSBC Holdings plc
- Mr José Viñals, Group Chairman, Standard Chartered PLC
- Mr Yoshio Hishida, Representative Director and President, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management Co., Ltd.

For the most updated information about the Forum, please visit www.asianfinancialforum.com.

.. and many more.

Please kindly contact Ms Giang Thien Nghi (Jennifer) via email : tn.giang@hktdc.org for complimentary code if you have interest.

------------------------------------------

Hong Kong Trade Development Council

Related News

MEMBER CORNER / PROMOTIONS

DOING BUSINESS WITH CHINA 2.0

As China continues to evolve into a global powerhouse in innovation, technology, and advanced manufacturing, understanding how to effectively engage with this market has never been more critical. Doing Business with China 2.0 is a flagship executive programme designed to equip business leaders with practical insights, strategic perspectives, and first-hand exposure to navigate China’s rapidly changing landscape.

Apr 17, 2026

HR / LABOUR/ EMPLOYMENT

VIETNAM TAPS AI TO CONNECT MILLIONS OF WORKERS WITH EMPLOYERS

Vietnam’s Ministry of Home Affairs on April 14 launched a national job exchange at vieclam.gov.vn, a key digital platform designed to directly connect more than 53.6 million workers with nearly one million businesses. The platform goes beyond a conventional job portal, positioning itself as a nationwide data-integrated ecosystem. Its technological highlight is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically analyze and match job vacancies with workers’ skills and experience.

Apr 16, 2026

INFRASTRUCTURE / CONSTRUCTION / LOGISTIC / PORT

HCMC SET TO START WORK ON SEVEN MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

Ho Chi Minh City plans to simultaneously break ground on seven major infrastructure projects worth a combined VND380 trillion on the occasion of Vietnam’s Reunification Day (April 30). The projects are highly expected to unlock public investment and fuel economic growth. To prepare for the simultaneous launch, relevant departments and authorities have worked to streamline administrative procedures while maintaining legal compliance, with the goal of meeting conditions for groundbreaking on the occasion of the national holiday.

Apr 16, 2026

INFRASTRUCTURE / CONSTRUCTION / LOGISTIC / PORT

VIETNAM GETS US$2.64 BILLION FROM SEAFOOD EXPORTS IN Q1

Vietnam’s seafood sector booked around US$927 million in export revenue in March, bringing the total in the first quarter of this year to US$2.64 billion, showed data from the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP). China was the primary export market in Q1. Other markets such as the U.S., Japan and South Korea imported less due to weakened consumer spending and stringent technical barriers.

Apr 16, 2026

HOSPITALITY / TOURISM / ENTERTAINMENT

VNAT EYES 25 MILLION FOREIGN VISITORS IN 2026

In the first quarter of the year, international arrivals amounted to 6.7 million, up 12.4% from a year earlier and the highest level on record. Domestic travel reached an estimated 37 million trips, with total tourism revenue at around VND267 trillion. Global developments pose risks. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have driven up fuel prices, increasing transport and tourism service costs.

Apr 16, 2026

BANKING / FINANCE / INSURANCE / TAX

US$250-MILLION DEAL ADVANCES VIETNAM’S GREEN CREDIT PUSH

Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV) has secured a US$250-million sustainable financing package to support green agriculture and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), marking a major step in mobilizing international capital for priority sectors. The facility was arranged in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), alongside international partners including the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of Canada.

Apr 16, 2026