HONG KONG - Hong Kong will launch the Financial Services Development Council on Thursday to further boost the city's financial cooperation with Chinese mainland and cement its role as an international finance center, Chief Executive CY Leung said Monday.

The council will focus on realizing many local and overseas development opportunities and serving as a common platform for informed discussion on policy and public-private collaboration. It will also be an ambassador for the industry locally and overseas, Lung told the 6th Asian Financial Forum.

Leung said that the government would spare no effort to enable local businesses and companies outside Hong Kong to gain opportunities in Chinese mainland.

Leung expressed the belief that the city would continue to play an important role in the international economic arena where Asia is now a focus.

Themed "Asia: Shaping the Next Global Landscape," the 6th Asian Financial Forum (AFF) is held in Hong Kong on Jan 14 and 15. More than 90 global finance ministers, business and financial leaders will discuss Asia's expanding role in the global economy.