Hong Kong’s finance chief has called on American businesses to invest in the city as he begins his latest visit to the country, even as global concerns grow over the possible re-escalation of the US-China trade war.

The government on Wednesday said that Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po arrived in New York the previous day and attended the annual gala dinner of the National Committee on United States-China Relations (NCUSCR), a non-profit organisation that promotes understanding between the two countries.

During the event, Chan met Charlene Barshefsky, the organisation’s chairwoman and former US trade envoy from 1997 to 2001, during which she negotiated on behalf of the country for China’s entry into the World Trade Organization.

“During their meeting, they exchanged views on current China-US economic and trade relations, as well as issues relating to trade, investment and financial markets between Hong Kong and the US,” the statement said.

Chan also noted the US and Hong Kong had “strong and close” economic ties and that the city would continue to maintain its status as a free port and uphold its common law system, among other things, despite “significant uncertainties” facing the global economy.

“Hong Kong continues to welcome US businesses to invest and expand their presence in the city,” Chan said.