Financial Secretary Paul Chan on Sunday said the Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit which ended on Thursday, showcased to the world that Hong Kong is opening up and returning to normal.

Writing on his blog, Chan noted that participants told him they had been able to experience the SAR's unique advantages and extensive opportunities as an international financial hub.

He said they were also looking forward to the Rugby Sevens tournament, which wraps up on Sunday, adding that the atmosphere was excellent during the first two days of the event.

The financial chief added the SAR will host another financial summit next year.

Meanwhile, Chan pointed out that the outlook for the local economy in 2022 would not be optimistic, as the SAR saw its GDP shrink by 4.5 percent from a year ago in the third quarter.

But he played down concerns by saying that if the Covid-19 situation was under control, and with external events to be resumed, the economy would gradually strengthen.