Nearly a fourth of bosses believe the Belt & Road Initiative would raise finance salaries

Several large-scale infra projects will drive up demand for such talent.

Nearly a fourth (24%) of Hong Kong chief financial officers believe that the Belt and Road (B&R) Initiative will entail higher salaries for in-demand professionals in the financial services sector, according to Robert Half.

Also read: Bosses willing to hike salaries by 7.5% for top financial talent

In addition to an increase in business investment and job opportunities, the slew of large-scale infrastructure projects aimed at connecting Eurasian countries is poised to drive up demand for professionals with the right financial background.

“The initiative is expected to have a direct and positive impact on the local finance employment market as new infrastructure projects drive up demand for those with the necessary financial expertise to manage the implications of these initiatives,” said Adam Johnston, managing director of Robert Half Hong Kong.

Also read: 7 in 10 employees expect a year-end raise for 2018

Additionally, over a third (32%) believe that the B&R will deepen Hong Kong’s financial connectivity whilst 25% believe it will lead to further growth and expansion. Only 5% of bosses believe that the B&R will have no impact to businesses in Hong Kong.

The B&R is a development strategy laid out by President Xi Jinping significant development strategy that aims to facilitate the flow of capital, goods and services between China and 65 participating countries.