The inaugural LEAP East 2026, held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from July 8-10, drew more than 35,000 technology professionals, policymakers, and investors from 30 countries and regions. The conference, the first LEAP summit staged outside Saudi Arabia, featured over 340 speakers, 450 exhibitors, and over 400 investors, covering artificial intelligence, deep tech, smart cities, and new energy industries.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan said, "This turnout speaks volumes about the global appeal of LEAP East and the strength of our shared vision." He noted the conference will continue to be held in Hong Kong for the next three years. Top officials including Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, and Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha also attended.
Chan highlighted Hong Kong's unique position: "Hong Kong is perhaps the only city in the world that connects seamlessly to both the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world at the same time." He cited Hong Kong's common law system, robust intellectual property protection, free flow of capital and data, low taxes, and stability as foundations for business and creativity. He invited Saudi and Gulf enterprises to use Hong Kong for fundraising and risk management, and expressed commitment to cooperation in innovation, infrastructure, green tech, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing.
Professor Sun noted Hong Kong's start-ups surged 40% since 2021 to 5,200 in 2025. The Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster ranked first globally in the Global Innovation Index 2025, and Hong Kong ranked fourth in the World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2025 and second in the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026. Hong Kong also led the world in IPOs in 2025, with 119 listings raising about US$35 billion. Sun met with Alswaha to discuss innovation collaborations.
Chan revealed plans to lead a Hong Kong delegation to Saudi Arabia later this year, bringing companies in infrastructure, green tech, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing, plus finance and professional services, to explore concrete projects. The event underscored deepening Saudi-Hong Kong ties and Hong Kong's role as a "super connector." More information is available at Brand Hong Kong.
