What does the IMF Resident Representative Sub-Office do?

The IMF Resident Representative Sub-Office in Hong Kong SAR was opened in 2001. Its main tasks are three-fold. First, the office monitors economic and financial market developments in Hong Kong SAR, including their implications for the Asia region and the mainland of China. Second, in close collaboration with IMF headquarters, the office provides policy advice to the Hong Kong SAR authorities on current economic issues. Third, the office maintains close contact with the IMF resident representative office in Beijing. Both offices work together on common issues.

From left to right: Hongyi Chen, Olaf Unteroberdoerster, and Atta Tse

The current Resident Representative is Mr. Olaf Unteroberdoerster. Olaf studied economics and business administration in Germany, France, Japan and the United States and holds a Ph.D. in international economics and finance. He joined the IMF in 1998 and has worked in the Middle East and Central Asia Department, the Policy Review and Development Department, and the Asia Pacific Department. Before coming to Hong Kong SAR in February 2007, he worked as the Senior Desk Economist on Malaysia.

Ms. Atta Tse, the Office Manager (on secondment from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority), has been working with the IMF office in Hong Kong SAR since July 2003. Atta is in charge of all administrative issues, including the post accounts, and office facilities. She holds a BA degree in business administration and ensures the smooth and efficient running of the office.

Mr. Hongyi Chen, Senior Economist (on secondment from Hong Kong Monetary Authority), joined the office in March 2008. Hongyi monitors and analyses economic and financial developments in Hong Kong SAR and manages various databases. Hongyi holds a graduate degree from Columbia University and previously was a senior manager in the external department at the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.