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, setting out initiatives to secure the long-term development of Hong Kong's pillar industries. The plan focuses on strengthening the city's four traditional centres—finance, trade, maritime, and aviation—while developing a hub for high-calibre talent and consolidating Hong Kong's competitive edge as an international city.
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 the securities market. The city has become the world's largest cross-boundary wealth management centre this year. A key initiative is the development of a commodity trading ecosystem with gold as an entry point; the central clearing and settlement system for gold will launch in the first quarter of 2027. "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 to adapt with flexibility and diversity," 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 an international trade centre, Hong Kong was ranked the world's fifth-largest entity in merchandise trade in 2025. The government plans to play a greater role in the high-level opening up of the Chinese Mainland. Since the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global was established last October, it has assisted over 340 Mainland enterprises with listing, capital raising, compliance, and certifications. The Task Force will strengthen collaboration with professional organisations to train talent and enhance 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. Meanwhile, we will expand our network of overseas offices, and leverage the combined networks of our overseas Economic and Trade Offices, InvestHK, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council offices globally to deepen overseas ties and step up trade and investment promotion."
In maritime, Hong Kong has ranked fourth globally in maritime comprehensive strength for seven consecutive years. The plan aims to transform the Hong Kong Port from volume to value, developing high value-added maritime services and building a "Global Maritime Capital." The industry will promote "Finance + Shipping," leveraging Hong Kong's maritime finance, insurance, and arbitration under common law to create an integrated ecosystem where Hong Kong-invested enterprises adopt Hong Kong law, take out Hong Kong insurance, and choose arbitration in Hong Kong.
For aviation, Hong Kong's passenger throughput rose 15% year-on-year to 61 million in 2025, 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 position, Hong Kong will expand its aviation network and diversify business opportunities, including visiting South America, Africa, Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Caucasus to conclude new air services agreements.
Additionally, Hong Kong will boost its international innovation and technology centre by promoting artificial intelligence (AI) applications across trades, balancing innovation and security. The government 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. The plan underscores Hong Kong's commitment to long-term stability and prosperity by reinforcing its global positioning and competitive edge. For more information, visit Brand Hong Kong.
