HONG KONG – More than 380 representatives of global enterprises joined a welcome reception yesterday for 413 newly arrived or expanded overseas and Chinese Mainland companies in Hong Kong. The event, hosted by Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), highlighted the city's continued appeal as a business hub.
During the reception, InvestHK announced impressive results for the first half of 2026, revealing that these enterprises are expected to bring in over HK$53 billion (US$6.8 billion) in foreign direct investment and create over 8,600 new jobs for Hong Kong. This marks a 36% increase in anticipated direct investment compared to the same period in 2025, with completed projects up 9% and new jobs created rising 6% year-on-year.
Chief Executive John Lee welcomed the companies, stating, "In choosing Hong Kong for your Asian and global business expansion, you share my belief in Hong Kong's flourishing future. You have made a wise choice. Hong Kong is one of the world's best economies to do business in and with." Lee emphasized Hong Kong's ranking as the world's freest economy by the Fraser Institute and second most competitive economy according to the latest IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook.
Under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong benefits from strong support from China while maintaining close global connections. The city offers an open and business-friendly environment, a simple and low tax regime, and a common law system that integrates with global financial centres.
Executives from several newly established or expanded companies shared their perspectives. Michael Zankel, Regional Director East Asia/Oceania for Austria-based transport and logistics firm Gebrüder Weiss, which upgraded its Hong Kong office to a regional headquarters, said, "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."
Merwann Younes, Global Head of Hospitality & Lifestyle Channels for Italian company Moleskine, described Hong Kong 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 has developed an AI-powered school simulation game for neurodivergent children, added that Hong Kong is "a very good melting pot for talent and opportunities and for growth."
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 five 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 said the HKSAR Government is expediting development of the Northern Metropolis, a new economic engine destined to rise as an international I&T and business hub. "This will unlock abundant opportunities and shape a prosperous future for Hong Kong," Lee said, adding that the government is creating Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan, a strategic blueprint focusing on long-term economic momentum, advancing technology, and improving livelihoods.
Full details of InvestHK's first-half 2026 investment promotion results are available at this government press release.
