Paul Chan: Confident that full-year GDP growth will reach the forecast target.

On September 27, Paul Chan Mo-po, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR Government, said in a blog post that driven by demand for artificial intelligence and related electronic products, Hong Kong's total merchandise export value in August reached HK$667.9 billion, up 53% year on year; in the first eight months combined, it rose 42.5%. According to the latest assessment by the government's economic adviser, Hong Kong is confident of meeting the revised full-year GDP growth forecast target of 3.5% to 4.5%. Paul Chan Mo-po said that artificial intelligence also brings governance challenges. As major economies begin discussing AI governance, data, compliance and risk management, Hong Kong can play a unique role in providing "rules" and "trust." With its common law system, common law talent proficient in both Chinese and English, internationally connected standards and professional services, and financial support, Hong Kong can provide solutions trusted by all parties in areas such as model training, cross-border data, privacy protection and dispute resolution. Paul Chan Mo-po pointed out that artificial intelligence will bring new job types and new tracks to Hong Kong, requiring talent who understand the AI industry, talent who dare to explore applications with AI, and talent in areas that AI cannot do no matter how powerful it becomes. The AI literacy of the workforce and broader skills upgrading are not only about future competitive advantages in the market, but also about Hong Kong's need to adapt to AI development, as well as residents' work and lives. According to the government's latest manpower projection, of Hong Kong's overall manpower shortage of 130,000 by 2028, the gap is concentrated in job types most reliant on interpersonal interaction, on-site judgment and complex craftsmanship. At the same time, Hong Kong is fully supporting residents in learning and using AI more. The "AI for All" popularization program will launch more than 200 training courses and activities by the first quarter of 2028; the AI skills upgrading program is expected to benefit at least 40,000 employees; the new Policy Address proposes a "30,000 youth jobs and internship scheme," which, together with the business sector and major employer groups, covers first jobs in the business sector, innovation and technology and startup internships, as well as internships in the financial services sector and on-the-job training in the construction industry, providing young people with preparation and assistance for entering the workplace and new tracks. It is reported that Paul Chan Mo-po arrived in Doha, Qatar, to attend the annual meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Paul Chan Mo-po said he would share Hong Kong's experience with governors of member states on topics such as promoting infrastructure construction, enhancing regional connectivity and sustainable development, and would also introduce the new opportunities and new advantages Hong Kong enjoys in aligning with national development strategies.