Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee unveiled the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) and his fifth Policy Address on September 16, rolling out measures to reinforce the city's key economic centres. The plan signals a strategic shift toward long-term planning to maintain Hong Kong's competitiveness as an international financial, maritime, trade, and aviation hub, and to develop a hub for high-calibre talent.
Under the plan, Hong Kong will deepen its role as an international financial centre by expanding offshore Renminbi business, developing asset and wealth management, and enhancing securities and commodity trading. The city has become the world's largest cross-boundary wealth management centre this year, and the government aims to build a more attractive ecosystem. A central clearing and settlement system for gold will launch in the first quarter of 2027, marking a step toward a commodity trading ecosystem. "The significance of the First Five-Year Plan for Hong Kong lies in a mindset shift; we must plan Hong Kong's financial development with a longer-term vision and broader perspective," said Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury. "Each of our initiatives centres around one objective, which is to elevate Hong Kong from a 'corridor of capital' to a 'destination of choice'."
As the world's fifth-largest merchandise trading entity in 2025, Hong Kong plans to consolidate its trade centre status. The Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global has assisted over 340 Mainland enterprises since October, and will expand collaboration to train talent and enhance professional services. "In alignment with the National 15th Five-Year Plan's call to advocate and practise true multilateralism, the First Five-Year Plan proposes to continue expanding international economic and trade network," said Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development. He added that Hong Kong will forge free trade and investment agreements with strategic economies and expand overseas offices.
In maritime, Hong Kong ranked fourth globally in comprehensive strength for seven consecutive years. The plan aims to transform the port from "volume to value" by developing high-end maritime services, including "Finance + Shipping," to establish Hong Kong as a "Global Maritime Capital." The city will leverage its maritime finance, insurance, and arbitration under common law to create an integrated ecosystem.
Aviation remains a key pillar. Passenger throughput rose 15% year-on-year to 61 million, with flights to over 220 destinations, and air cargo reached 5.07 million tonnes, making Hong Kong International Airport the world's busiest cargo airport for the 15th year since 2010. The government will expand air services agreements, particularly in South America, Africa, Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Caucasus, to diversify business opportunities.
Hong Kong also aims to become an international innovation and technology centre, promoting AI applications across trades while balancing innovation and security. Focus areas include life and health, AI and robotics, microelectronics, new energy, advanced manufacturing, and new materials. The government targets raising total domestic expenditure on innovation activities to 3% of GDP after 2030.
These initiatives are designed to secure Hong Kong's long-term stability and prosperity by reinforcing its competitive edge as an international city. For more information, visit Brand Hong Kong.
