Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee announced 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, detailing initiatives to secure the long-term development of the city's pillar industries. The plan focuses on strengthening Hong Kong's four centres—finance, trade, maritime, and aviation—while developing a hub for high-calibre talent and enhancing its competitive edge as an international city.
As an international financial centre, Hong Kong will deepen its global offshore Renminbi business and capital market, develop an international asset and wealth management centre and an international risk management centre, enhance the securities market, and expand fixed income and commodity trading. The city became the world's largest cross-boundary wealth management centre this year. A central clearing and settlement system for gold will be launched in the first quarter of 2027, as part of efforts to develop a commodity trading ecosystem with gold as an entry point. "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'."
In trade, Hong Kong was ranked the world's fifth-largest entity in merchandise trade in 2025. The government will consolidate its status as an international trade centre and play a greater role in the high-level opening up of the Chinese Mainland. The Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global, established last October, has assisted over 340 Mainland enterprises with listing and raising capital in Hong Kong, aligning with overseas standards, acquiring industry certifications, and fulfilling compliance requirements. It will strengthen collaboration with professional organisations 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. "We will actively forge free trade agreements and investment agreements with economies that are of development potential or strategic locations."
As an international maritime centre, Hong Kong has ranked fourth globally in maritime comprehensive strength for seven consecutive years. The plan will drive a "volume to value" transformation of the Hong Kong Port, capitalising on high value-added maritime services to develop Hong Kong into a "Global Maritime Capital". The industry will develop "Finance + Shipping", building an integrated ecosystem where Hong Kong-invested enterprises adopt Hong Kong law, take out Hong Kong insurance, and choose arbitration seated in Hong Kong.
In aviation, Hong Kong's passenger throughput rose 15% year-on-year last year to 61 million, with flights to over 220 destinations. Air cargo throughput reached 5.07 million tonnes, making its airport the world's busiest cargo airport for the 15th year since 2010. To strengthen its international aviation hub status, Hong Kong will expand its aviation network and diversify business opportunities, visiting South America, Africa, Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Caucasus to expedite new air services agreements and traffic rights.
For innovation and technology, the government will promote artificial intelligence applications across trades, balancing innovation and security. Hong Kong will focus on core technologies such as life and health, AI and robotics, microelectronics, new energy, advanced manufacturing, and new materials, aiming to raise the ratio of Total Domestic Expenditure on Innovation Activities to GDP to 3% after 2030.
These initiatives are expected to reinforce Hong Kong's long-term stability and prosperity, providing a firm foundation for its role as a global city. For more information, visit Brand Hong Kong.
