Hong Kong is experiencing a surge in global enterprise investment, with 413 companies newly arrived or expanded in the city during the first half of 2026, according to Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK). At a welcome reception on June 25, the government investment promotion agency announced that these enterprises are expected to contribute over HK$53 billion (US$6.8 billion) in foreign direct investment and create more than 8,600 new jobs.
Chief Executive John Lee emphasized Hong Kong's status as one of the world's best places to do business, citing its ranking as the freest economy by the Fraser Institute and the second most competitive economy in the latest IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook. “In choosing Hong Kong for your Asian and global business expansion, you share my belief in Hong Kong's flourishing future,” Lee said. “You have made a wise choice.”
Under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong offers a business-friendly environment, a simple low-tax regime, and a common law system that connects seamlessly with global financial centers. These advantages are attracting companies across various sectors. Austrian transport and logistics firm Gebrüder Weiss recently upgraded its Hong Kong office to a regional headquarters for East Asia and Oceania. Regional Director Michael Zankel noted, “The business environment is great, you have a lot of talent around here to employ. It has always been the gateway to the Chinese Mainland but for us it is more a gateway to Asia.”
Italian company Moleskine, known for its notebooks and lifestyle products, also praised Hong Kong. Merwann Younes, Global Head of Hospitality & Lifestyle Channels, described the city as “a very dynamic and creative city, which are also the core values for Moleskine as a brand.” Etienne Dubois, Chief Strategy Officer of Unlimitics, which developed an AI-powered school simulation game for neurodivergent children, highlighted Hong Kong as a startup hub: “It is a very good melting pot for talent and opportunities and for growth.”
InvestHK's first-half results show a 9% increase in completed projects compared to the same period in 2025, with anticipated direct investment up 36% and new jobs created up 6% year-on-year. Of the 413 enterprises, 246 originated from the Chinese Mainland, followed by Singapore (26), the United States (21), the United Kingdom (18), France (11), and Italy (11). The top sectors include innovation and technology (93), financial services and fintech (89), tourism and hospitality (55), transport, logistics and industrials (44), and business and professional services (39).
Looking ahead, Chief Executive Lee announced that the HKSAR Government is accelerating development of the Northern Metropolis, a new economic engine designed to become an international I&T and business hub. “This will unlock abundant opportunities and shape a prosperous future for Hong Kong,” Lee said. He also revealed that the government is creating Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan, a strategic blueprint focusing on long-term economic momentum, technology advancement, and improved livelihoods. For more details, the full investment promotion results are available at: InvestHK H1 2026 Results.
