Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po recently stated that Hong Kong can serve as a key intermediary for major global economies seeking to establish artificial intelligence (AI) governance. In his weekly blog post, Chan emphasized that as nations grapple with the complexities of AI development, data management, and risk mitigation, Hong Kong offers a distinct set of advantages that could facilitate international cooperation.

Chan highlighted the city’s common law legal system as a primary asset, suggesting it provides the necessary stability and predictability for establishing global rules. He also pointed to Hong Kong’s role as an international hub for professional services and its alignment with global standards as factors that could help build the 'trust' required for cross-border AI compliance. By positioning itself as a neutral ground for these discussions, the city aims to play a constructive role in how major powers approach the regulation of emerging technologies.

While the proposal focuses on the city's institutional strengths, it arrives at a time when global AI governance remains a fragmented landscape. Major economies, including the United States, China, and members of the European Union, are currently developing their own distinct regulatory paths. Chan’s comments suggest that Hong Kong intends to market its legal and professional infrastructure to bridge these gaps, though the report does not detail specific mechanisms for how these governance solutions would be implemented or accepted by competing global powers.