The Hong Kong Government hosting an international conference in New York in a bid to further cement the country's position as a key investment gateway between the US and the fast growing Asian region.

The conference, which will be held on 1 March at the Plaza Hotel in New York, will focus on two themes: Hong Kong as the gateway to China and its place in the global economy, and the development of the state as Asia's primary asset management hub. The event is organised by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, and Invest Hong Kong, with the support of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Securities and Futures Commission.

The conference comes at a high time for Hong Kong, especially with the increased use of the renminbi in trade and finance. Keynote speakers at the conference are Professor KC Chan, secretary for financial services and the treasury, Martin Wheatley, chief executive of the SFC, and Eddie Yue, deputy CEO of the HKMA.

"Hong Kong's advantages go beyond its location. It has already established itself as a major asset management centre in Asia, but we believe there is potential to become one of the world's leading asset management centres. Our position as a gateway to China means we can help overseas managers gain access to the country's increasing wealth," Professor Chan said in a statement.

Other speakers at the event include executives from Deutsche Bank, Credit Suisse, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, HSBC, and Clifford Chance. Simon Galpin, director-general of investment promotion at InvestHK, will make the closing remarks.