https://www.scmp.com/rss/318210/feed Hong Kong economy news including annual budget, MPF pensions, retail and transport. en https://assets-v2.i-scmp.com/production/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Emily Hung Emily Hung Hong Kong’s finance chief has predicted a positive market response to the Xi-Trump summit, saying the mitigation of geopolitical uncertainties will bolster investor confidence. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po made his prediction on a radio programme on Saturday, a day after Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up a three-day visit to Washington to meet with US counterpart Donald Trump, with promises of more talks despite limited deliverables. “I believe the market will have a positive... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368886/hong-kongs-paul-chan-predicts-positive-market-response-xi-trump-summit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368886/hong-kongs-paul-chan-predicts-positive-market-response-xi-trump-summit?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 26 Sep 2026 05:18:58 +0000 Vivian Au Vivian Au Hong Kong will fast-track key Northern Metropolis roads, bringing forward the San Tin highway section to 2034 and targeting 2033 for the Tsing Lung Bridge, but a transport expert and lawmaker have cautioned that the first arrivals could still end up stranded. Infrastructure projects could lag behind developments such as the Hung Shui Kiu University Town, they said, suggesting the government launch express bus routes and build the Central Rail Link as soon as possible to ensure connectivity. A... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3368850/hong-kong-fast-tracking-northern-metropolis-links-will-they-be-ready-time?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3368850/hong-kong-fast-tracking-northern-metropolis-links-will-they-be-ready-time?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 26 Sep 2026 04:00:14 +0000 Ambrose Li,Wynna Wong Ambrose Li,Wynna Wong Hong Kong’s economic transformation is at a critical juncture, and the private sector must adapt along with it, as Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has noted. In the first of a two-part series, Ambrose Li and Wynna Wong examine the forces driving change among established enterprises. Before visiting a vendor in mainland China’s Jiangsu province, a salesman from Hong Kong bottling giant Swire Coca-Cola can now use a mobile phone to see which drinks customers in the neighbourhood are most likely... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368853/how-hong-kong-firms-are-future-proofing-business-challenging-times?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368853/how-hong-kong-firms-are-future-proofing-business-challenging-times?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 26 Sep 2026 01:00:16 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Investor appetite for hotel assets increased in Hong Kong and the wider Asia-Pacific region in the first half of the year as consumers showed growing eagerness to travel and constrained supply supported property values, according to CBRE. The region netted US$8 billion of investment in the period, up 21 per cent from a year earlier, with Japan, mainland China and South Korea attracting the most activity, the property consultancy said in a report on Thursday. “Hotels have become one of the most... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3368759/asia-pacific-hotels-most-compelling-investment-amid-travel-growth-flat-supply-cbre?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3368759/asia-pacific-hotels-most-compelling-investment-amid-travel-growth-flat-supply-cbre?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 25 Sep 2026 08:00:16 +0000 Huang Qingchen Huang Qingchen Hong Kong’s first five-year plan marks an unprecedented milestone not only for its economic and social development, but also for how it governs itself. The plan, which drew on 16,000 public submissions – roughly 80 per cent from ordinary citizens – is a testament to the government’s commitment to long-term development, which shows an unusual convergence of public consensus and political will. For a city long accustomed to letting the market hold the reins, crafting a road map clear in aims,... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3368386/how-hong-kong-remapping-future-higher-education?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3368386/how-hong-kong-remapping-future-higher-education?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 25 Sep 2026 01:30:15 +0000 Cannix Yau Cannix Yau From restaurants and hotels to cafes and market stalls, Hong Kong’s catering industry has banded together to offer discounts of up to 30 per cent at more than 3,800 outlets to celebrate National Day on October 1. Food and catering businesses said on Thursday they would provide an array of tasty deals across the city to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Offers include meal sets at 30 per cent off, fresh food items such as vegetable packs for HK$7 (89 US... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368699/3800-hong-kong-food-outlets-offering-30-celebrate-national-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368699/3800-hong-kong-food-outlets-offering-30-celebrate-national-day?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 24 Sep 2026 12:37:21 +0000 Eric Jiang Eric Jiang The recent strength in Hong Kong’s exports extended into August, with the value jumping by 53 per cent to HK$667.9 billion (US$85.6 billion) – the second-highest level on record after July’s peak – on strong demand for artificial intelligence-related products. Provisional figures released by the Census and Statistics Department on Thursday showed that the total value of exports rose to HK$667.9 billion last month, following a 50.7 per cent surge in July. Imports, meanwhile, rose by 60 per cent... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368645/hong-kong-exports-surge-53-hk6679-billion-second-highest-record?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368645/hong-kong-exports-surge-53-hk6679-billion-second-highest-record?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 24 Sep 2026 09:01:51 +0000 Cannix Yau Cannix Yau From moongazing and picnics to bus rides and a lantern extravaganza, the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong has plenty of activities for everyone. This year the festival falls on September 25, a Friday, with the following day designated as a public holiday in Hong Kong. The South China Morning Post rounds up Mid-Autumn Festival offerings. 1. What are the highlights at night? At Victoria Park in Causeway Bay, the Hong Kong Tourism Board has organised the city’s first International Lantern... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368553/moongazing-bus-tours-how-celebrate-mid-autumn-festival-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368553/moongazing-bus-tours-how-celebrate-mid-autumn-festival-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 23 Sep 2026 14:54:04 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong is expected to welcome about 1.29 million mainland Chinese travellers over the National Day “golden week” break, with city authorities planning to step up crowd management and tighten supervision of tour agencies and retail outlets. Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki, Hong Kong’s No 2 official, chaired a meeting with various government departments on Wednesday to discuss preparations for the holiday on the mainland, which spans October 1 to 7. On top of the expected influx of about 1.29... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368547/hong-kong-welcome-129-million-mainland-chinese-visitors-national-day-break?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368547/hong-kong-welcome-129-million-mainland-chinese-visitors-national-day-break?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 23 Sep 2026 14:03:40 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu A planned supercomputing hub at the Northern Metropolis megadevelopment in Hong Kong’s border area will start phased operations earlier than expected in mid-2027, according to electricity supplier CLP Power. The power supplier said it had sufficient capacity to support energy demand not only for the Sandy Ridge data facility cluster, but for the equivalent of three to four supercomputing centres of a similar scale over the next decade. CLP added it planned to procure more zero-carbon energy from... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368520/northern-metropolis-data-hub-start-phased-operations-mid-2027-clp-power?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368520/northern-metropolis-data-hub-start-phased-operations-mid-2027-clp-power?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 23 Sep 2026 10:02:12 +0000 Michael Jinghan Zeng Michael Jinghan Zeng Hong Kong’s first five-year plan gives its universities an opportunity to show what their research can do for the city. Its ambitions for technology, regional development and international cooperation depend on decisions about institutions and people’s lives. Social scientists should help shape those decisions from the outset. The blueprint explicitly addresses public governance, including civil service performance, departmental coordination and digital administration. It also provides for... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3368356/hong-kong-needs-social-science-help-deliver-its-5-year-plan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3368356/hong-kong-needs-social-science-help-deliver-its-5-year-plan?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 23 Sep 2026 08:30:06 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung Hong Kong’s workforce is forecast to shrink by around 20,000 a year until 2028 despite measures to import labour and talent, with shortages remaining most acute among skilled technical workers. A government report on manpower projections on Tuesday found that although the labour shortfall would narrow to 130,000 by 2028, down by nearly a third from the original estimate of 180,000, the city would continue to face critical manpower challenges across key sectors. “Due to economic transformation,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368430/hong-kong-workforce-shrink-20000-yearly-key-sectors-face-shortages?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368430/hong-kong-workforce-shrink-20000-yearly-key-sectors-face-shortages?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 Sep 2026 14:30:35 +0000 Eric Jiang Eric Jiang Hong Kong risks losing its status as an international aviation hub if it fails to secure a reliable, credibly certified supply of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), the head of the government’s think tank has warned. Stephen Wong Yuen-shan, head of the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit, made the remarks at the Sustainable Aviation Futures China Congress on Tuesday, days after the government set out its fuel strategy in the city’s first five-year plan and policy address amid mounting global... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368421/hong-kong-urged-secure-sustainable-fuel-supply-safeguard-aviation-hub-status?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368421/hong-kong-urged-secure-sustainable-fuel-supply-safeguard-aviation-hub-status?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 Sep 2026 13:06:28 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Foreign investors continue to pile into Hong Kong’s commercial real estate, with a unit of online retail giant Amazon and Singapore-headquartered Shorea Capital among the latest to snap up assets, according to agents. Shorea won the tender for The Pemberton, a mixed office and retail property in Sheung Wan, for an undisclosed amount, Colliers said, underscoring Southeast Asian investors’ continuing robust demand for real estate assets in Hong Kong. Colliers was the lead agent and broker for the... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3368331/amazon-and-shorea-capital-deals-underscore-foreign-interest-commercial-property?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3368331/amazon-and-shorea-capital-deals-underscore-foreign-interest-commercial-property?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 Sep 2026 10:00:06 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Representatives of foreign business chambers who met Hong Kong’s leader have said the five-year plan provided clear policy priorities for companies’ strategic planning, but called for more concrete timelines and visible progress on the Northern Metropolis project to attract investment. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu held a briefing on Monday for consuls general and heads of foreign chambers of commerce, during which he stressed that Hong Kong’s five-year plan was not a planned economy. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368284/foreign-chambers-back-hong-kong-5-year-plan-urge-progress-northern-metropolis?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368284/foreign-chambers-back-hong-kong-5-year-plan-urge-progress-northern-metropolis?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 21 Sep 2026 13:05:09 +0000 Eric Jiang Eric Jiang Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways has urged the government to develop a longer-term plan for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) beyond 2030, including mandatory targets and consistent policies to help scale up the industry and meet the city’s climate goals. The airline made the call after a mainland Chinese official on Monday proposed that authorities in the Greater Bay Area introduce more favourable policies, including subsidies, to boost sales of sustainable fuel. Cathay Group CEO... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368234/cathay-calls-hong-kong-map-out-long-term-sustainable-fuel-plan-beyond-2030?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368234/cathay-calls-hong-kong-map-out-long-term-sustainable-fuel-plan-beyond-2030?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 21 Sep 2026 08:14:11 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Hong Kong Ballet will relocate to the city’s first dedicated dance art venue for at least five years, starting in April 2027, according to the institution and the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD). The move to the “Dancehouse” at the soon-to-be-finished WestK Performing Arts Centre will follow the ballet company’s departure from its base of 16 years at the government-run Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui. An announcement last December that the city’s flagship ballet company would be departing... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368224/hong-kong-ballet-move-citys-first-dedicated-dance-venue-2027?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368224/hong-kong-ballet-move-citys-first-dedicated-dance-venue-2027?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 21 Sep 2026 07:30:07 +0000 Simpson Cheung Simpson Cheung Hong Kong firms will benefit from expanded non-discriminatory treatment and investment guarantees in 10 Asean states after a protocol amending an investment agreement with the bloc was signed on Sunday. The protocol was signed in Manila – where Asean economic ministers are meeting – ahead of dedicated trade consultations between Hong Kong and the bloc. Undersecretary for Commerce and Economic Development Bernard Chan Pak-li signed the protocol for Hong Kong, alongside Philippine Trade Secretary... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368163/hong-kong-secures-expanded-equal-treatment-and-investment-guarantees-across-asean?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368163/hong-kong-secures-expanded-equal-treatment-and-investment-guarantees-across-asean?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 20 Sep 2026 12:09:59 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Hong Kong’s first five-year plan will give businesses greater certainty to make long-term investment decisions amid a volatile external environment, the city’s finance chief has said. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said the plan’s targets and timelines would allow companies to see the city’s direction over the next five years and better align their plans with the government’s. “The significance of planning lies not only in the document itself, but also in looking at today from the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368141/hong-kongs-first-5-year-plan-give-firms-more-long-term-certainty-paul-chan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368141/hong-kongs-first-5-year-plan-give-firms-more-long-term-certainty-paul-chan?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 20 Sep 2026 06:12:19 +0000 Eric Jiang Eric Jiang The Hong Kong government hopes to begin redeveloping the Victoria Park Tennis Centre by 2030, the sports minister has said, stressing the city needs to host higher-tier tournaments and create another multi-purpose venue. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui said on Saturday that authorities were conducting feasibility studies on upgrading the popular tennis facility in Causeway Bay and hoped to begin work within the time frame covered by the city’s new five-year... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368103/hong-kong-hoping-begin-victoria-park-tennis-centre-redevelopment-2030?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368103/hong-kong-hoping-begin-victoria-park-tennis-centre-redevelopment-2030?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Sep 2026 08:44:48 +0000 Cannix Yau Cannix Yau A southbound scheme allowing Guangdong-registered yachts to sail in Hong Kong waters is expected to launch in October, the transport minister has said, with the city continuing preparations and discussions with provincial authorities. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan revealed the plan on Saturday after the annual policy address and the city’s first five-year plan, both unveiled this week, set out proposals to develop the yacht economy. “The southbound travel scheme for yachts... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368098/hong-kong-open-waters-guangdong-yachts-under-southbound-scheme-october?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368098/hong-kong-open-waters-guangdong-yachts-under-southbound-scheme-october?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Sep 2026 07:15:03 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong’s leader has defended measures in his policy address to boost the economy and improve livelihoods, stressing that businesses must also do their part to remain competitive and survive, even with government aid. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Saturday that the section on livelihoods was the longest and broadest in scope in his policy address when asked about residents who had yet to benefit from the government’s economic policies. “You need to develop the economy first to have... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3368093/hong-kong-leader-says-firms-must-strive-survive-despite-government-support?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3368093/hong-kong-leader-says-firms-must-strive-survive-despite-government-support?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Sep 2026 05:42:01 +0000 Ken Chu Ken Chu Hong Kong’s first five-year plan marks a new chapter for the city and will prompt discussion about individual priorities and initiatives. But there is another question worth asking: what can Hong Kong bring to the national journey over the next five years? As China begins its 15th five-year plan, Hong Kong has an opportunity to think more deliberately about its distinctive contribution to national development. Much has been said about Hong Kong’s role as a “superconnector”. The description... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3367854/now-hong-kong-must-turn-its-international-edge-national-impact?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3367854/now-hong-kong-must-turn-its-international-edge-national-impact?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Sep 2026 01:30:05 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong will begin recruitment for an artificial intelligence (AI) commissioner in the second quarter of next year to assist in drafting policies for the technology and risk governance, with authorities confident the city does not lack suitable talent. Tech authorities on Friday revealed details of the new post under the Digital Policy Office, which will pay between HK$262,125 and HK$278,200 (US$33,414 to US$35,436) a month. Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Kevin... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368048/hong-kong-recruit-ai-chief-mid-2027-confidence-local-talent-pool?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368048/hong-kong-recruit-ai-chief-mid-2027-confidence-local-talent-pool?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Sep 2026 11:50:59 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s push to develop into a premier gold and commodity trading hub has gained momentum, with local metal storage surpassing 30,000 tonnes, a minister has said, as the administration positions the city as the “must-choose destination” for global capital. Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui Ching-yu also said on Friday the government would expand renminbi settlement of payments for mainland Chinese services, such as buying water from the Dongjiang, in a bid to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368040/hong-kongs-metal-storage-hits-30000-tonnes-push-become-global-commodity-hub?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368040/hong-kongs-metal-storage-hits-30000-tonnes-push-become-global-commodity-hub?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Sep 2026 11:02:48 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Hong Kong’s leader has said he does not plan to change the government’s annual target for attracting talent despite the city admitting more than 300,000 people since expanding its drive four years ago. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Friday that about 20 per cent of overall arrivals came from places outside mainland China. “We have met our targets better than we set,” Lee told a phone-in radio programme, days after delivering his policy address and unveiling the city’s first five-year... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367961/hong-kong-talent-schemes-could-add-12-gdp-annually-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367961/hong-kong-talent-schemes-could-add-12-gdp-annually-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Sep 2026 05:47:01 +0000 SCMP SCMP This is the second part of a Factsheet series on Hong Kong’s debut five-year plan and the 2026 policy address. Click here for part one. The series was produced with support from the Hong Kong SAR government. To see the South China Morning Post’s coverage of the five-year plan, click here. This Factsheet will be available in the SCMP print edition on September 21. You can find it at newsstands and convenience stores. For any inquiries, contact printsupport@scmp.com. https://www.scmp.com/plus/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367918/story-begins?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/plus/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367918/story-begins?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Sep 2026 01:01:09 +0000 SCMP SCMP This is the first part of a Factsheet series on Hong Kong’s debut five-year plan and the 2026 policy address. Click here for part two. The series was produced with support from the Hong Kong SAR government. To see the South China Morning Post’s coverage of the five-year plan, click here. This Factsheet will be available in the SCMP print edition on September 21. You can find it at newsstands and convenience stores. For any inquiries, contact printsupport@scmp.com. https://www.scmp.com/plus/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367919/hong-kongs-new-chapter?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/plus/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367919/hong-kongs-new-chapter?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Sep 2026 01:00:05 +0000 Vivian Au Vivian Au Around 100 start-ups selected to join Hong Kong’s flagship border tech hub will undergo mentorship programmes ranging from five to eight years, backed by industry heavyweights, the operator has revealed. Vincent Ma, CEO of Loop Hong Kong Park Company, said in an interview on Thursday that the start-ups were chosen to join the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park (HSITP) following a months-long screening process. “We have chosen 100 start-ups to enter our park soon following a few... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367903/100-start-ups-joining-hong-kongs-flagship-tech-hub-get-top-mentors?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367903/100-start-ups-joining-hong-kongs-flagship-tech-hub-get-top-mentors?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Sep 2026 14:39:54 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong’s plan to raise its gold holdings will further cement the city’s status as an international financial centre, with the possibility of building vaults in the Northern Metropolis megadevelopment, according to authorities. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po also said on Thursday the city was under “no pressure” to raise interest rates following a US rate hike, but stressed authorities would “keep a close watch” on the situation. Speaking at a conference the day after the policy address... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367894/hong-kong-eyeing-gold-expansion-and-northern-metropolis-vaults-cement-hub-status?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367894/hong-kong-eyeing-gold-expansion-and-northern-metropolis-vaults-cement-hub-status?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Sep 2026 13:03:26 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung Hong Kong will be short of 130,000 workers by 2028, about a third less than originally projected, a reduction the city’s labour chief attributed to the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and government policies to import labour and top talent. A day after the release of the city’s first five-year plan and annual policy address, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han said on Thursday that authorities would exempt start-up founders approved under the Top Talent Pass Scheme... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367871/hong-kong-will-lack-130000-workers-2028-fewer-projected-due-talent-policies?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367871/hong-kong-will-lack-130000-workers-2028-fewer-projected-due-talent-policies?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Sep 2026 10:14:08 +0000 Eric Jiang,Simpson Cheung Eric Jiang,Simpson Cheung Hong Kong aims to expand the number of global destinations connected to its airport from 220 to 240 by 2030, with authorities exploring the launch of routes to Uzbekistan. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu unveiled the goal in the city’s first five-year plan, stating authorities would explore aviation partnerships with 10 or more countries each year between 2026 and 2030, with at least 40 per cent involving nations belonging to the Belt and Road Initiative. Beijing launched the initiative in 2013... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367830/hong-kong-airport-records-10-passenger-growth-cargo-falls-second-month?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367830/hong-kong-airport-records-10-passenger-growth-cargo-falls-second-month?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Sep 2026 06:23:12 +0000 Wynna Wong,Matthew Cheng Wynna Wong,Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s leader has vowed to examine whether the government can better support women aged over 40 seeking assisted reproductive treatment, while acknowledging that financial incentives alone will not reverse the city’s falling birth rate. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu made the pledge during a radio phone-in programme on Thursday, when residents described obstacles to having children, including job insecurity, a day after the leader unveiled a raft of measures aimed at boosting the birth... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367815/hong-kong-leader-john-lee-vows-review-ivf-support-women-over-40?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367815/hong-kong-leader-john-lee-vows-review-ivf-support-women-over-40?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Sep 2026 05:10:51 +0000 Denise Tsang Denise Tsang Longer-term vision and policies with continuity mapped out in Hong Kong’s inaugural five-year plan, along with the latest policy blueprint, offer investment opportunities and greater stability for investors, according to experts and commentators. Hong Kong marked a historic milestone on Wednesday when Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu rolled out the city’s first five-year development plan with his fifth policy address to align with China’s long-term national strategy. The explicit directions Lee... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367773/hong-kongs-5-year-plan-policy-continuity-offer-investors-more-stability-experts-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367773/hong-kongs-5-year-plan-policy-continuity-offer-investors-more-stability-experts-say?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:30:05 +0000 Lam Ka-sing Lam Ka-sing Hong Kong will expand the use of the yuan in areas including gold trading and cross-border payments, as policy blueprints call for the city’s biggest push yet to internationalise the Chinese currency. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Wednesday devoted part of the city’s first five-year plan and his annual policy address to developing a gold trading ecosystem and creating a regional intellectual property trading centre in the city. “We will consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367770/hong-kong-targets-gold-trading-fps-unionpay-link-boost-yuan-use?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367770/hong-kong-targets-gold-trading-fps-unionpay-link-boost-yuan-use?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:37:51 +0000 Natalie Wong Natalie Wong Hong Kong’s leader has unveiled the city’s first five-year blueprint, aligned with China’s national development strategy, setting targets to nearly double innovation spending and raise the share of manufacturing and new industries to 5.5 per cent of the economy. In a historically significant new approach, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu prefaced his annual policy address on Wednesday with a comprehensive set of binding and anticipatory or aspirational longer-term targets for Hong Kong up to the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367768/hong-kong-sets-5-year-plan-double-innovation-spending-boost-new-industries?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367768/hong-kong-sets-5-year-plan-double-innovation-spending-boost-new-industries?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:23:47 +0000 Simpson Cheung,William Yiu,Elizabeth Cheung Simpson Cheung,William Yiu,Elizabeth Cheung A new visa intended to attract international talent to participate in short-term training programmes in Hong Kong could become available as early as the first quarter of next year, the South China Morning Post has learned. The final policy address of Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s current term also put the spotlight on five existing or soon-to-launch academies that would seek to train overseas professionals and organise international events. They and the new visa category were among a spate... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367763/hong-kongs-new-training-visa-could-be-available-first-quarter-2027?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367763/hong-kongs-new-training-visa-could-be-available-first-quarter-2027?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:15:30 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Hong Kong will introduce themed tourism routes showcasing the city’s most recognisable filming locations and explore upgrading Victoria Park’s Centre Court to host higher-level tennis tournaments, as authorities seek to significantly increase the sector’s economic contribution under the city’s first five-year development plan. The 2026-30 blueprint aims to raise the tourism industry’s value added from HK$86.2 billion (US$10.9 billion) in 2024 to HK$126 billion by 2030 – an increase of about 40... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367759/hong-kong-targets-film-tourism-boom-and-higher-level-tennis-tournaments?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367759/hong-kong-targets-film-tourism-boom-and-higher-level-tennis-tournaments?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Sep 2026 13:57:36 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying,Lam Ka-sing Lo Hoi-ying,Lam Ka-sing Hong Kong will introduce various tax incentives for new finance and technology industries to attract businesses and reinforce the city’s role as a leading financial hub, the city leader has announced in his policy address. Tax concessions to draw intellectual property (IP) businesses and selected industries to the city were among the new measures Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced on Wednesday, while the halving of the profits tax rate for gold traders would be sped up. To speed up the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367754/hong-kong-woo-finance-and-tech-firms-new-tax-breaks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367754/hong-kong-woo-finance-and-tech-firms-new-tax-breaks?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Sep 2026 13:35:31 +0000 Vivian Au Vivian Au About 10 artificial intelligence (AI) and biotech companies will be the first to access cross-border data flows under a new pilot scheme, securing an early edge over roughly 100 other firms set up in Hong Kong’s flagship tech hub at the border. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu revealed on Wednesday during the final policy address of his current term that more than 100 innovation and technology firms had moved into the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, while a “white list” to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367756/10-ai-biotech-firms-northern-metropolis-get-early-cross-border-data-access?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367756/10-ai-biotech-firms-northern-metropolis-get-early-cross-border-data-access?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Sep 2026 13:31:25 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Simpson Cheung Matthew Cheng,Simpson Cheung Hong Kong will create an “AI city brain” system to strengthen its response to extreme weather events, major incidents and public order management, while creating the role of artificial intelligence commissioner to tackle emerging challenges. While the city’s first five-year plan set out a vision to advance technology development, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu outlined seven key areas of AI risk governance in Wednesday’s policy address, including efforts to combat the use of AI in crime and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367746/hong-kong-set-ai-city-brain-boost-disaster-response-and-public-safety?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367746/hong-kong-set-ai-city-brain-boost-disaster-response-and-public-safety?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:27:10 +0000 Brian Rhoads,Raymond Ma Brian Rhoads,Raymond Ma Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu presented the city’s first ever five-year plan, including steps to bolster innovation, birth rates and financial activity. The city aims to raise spending on innovation to 3 per cent of gross domestic product after 2030 from 1.63 per cent in 2024, Lee said as he announced the plan on Wednesday alongside the traditional annual policy address. There were also steps to accelerate construction of the tech-focused Northern Metropolis megaproject on the... https://www.scmp.com/plus/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367711/hong-kongs-first-five-year-plan-seeks-boost-innovation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/plus/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367711/hong-kongs-first-five-year-plan-seeks-boost-innovation?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Sep 2026 09:24:01 +0000 Tilman Leo Hohenberger,Kimberly Tasha Jiayi Tang Tilman Leo Hohenberger,Kimberly Tasha Jiayi Tang At the beginning of August, when temperatures in Hong Kong hit highs not seen for at least 140 years, the Labour Department’s Heat Stress at Work Warning system remained at the amber level, the lowest of three tiers. The controversy that followed raised a broader question: are our heat warnings adequately protecting people who work outdoors? The Labour Department has since announced changes that will lead to earlier heat-stress warnings. These improvements to worker protection are welcome. But... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3367306/hong-kong-must-prepare-impact-heat-related-work-stoppages?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3367306/hong-kong-must-prepare-impact-heat-related-work-stoppages?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:30:05 +0000 Olga Wong,Edith Lin,Vivian Au Olga Wong,Edith Lin,Vivian Au Hong Kong’s leader will unveil two bold initiatives on housing and mediation in his policy address, the South China Morning Post has learned, with the government planning to boost home ownership rates among young couples and prioritise settling official commercial disputes through the city’s mediation body. The new measures, to be unveiled by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Wednesday, aimed to strengthen the city’s status as a global mediation capital while improving livelihoods, government... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367625/hong-kong-policy-address-unveil-bold-youth-housing-and-mediation-initiatives?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367625/hong-kong-policy-address-unveil-bold-youth-housing-and-mediation-initiatives?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:30:05 +0000 Eric Jiang Eric Jiang A mainland Chinese joint venture will introduce an electric taxi in Hong Kong next month, but a lawmaker has warned that a lack of quick-charging stations remains the biggest challenge to the government’s target of introducing 3,000 such cabs by next year. SAIC-GM-Wuling, a joint venture between SAIC Motor, General Motors China and Guangxi Automobile Group, on Tuesday unveiled its Darion Taxi, a new six-seater e-taxi to be launched in Hong Kong. DH Legend Motors, the joint venture’s sole Hong... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367619/mainland-chinese-joint-venture-launches-new-electric-taxi-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367619/mainland-chinese-joint-venture-launches-new-electric-taxi-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 Sep 2026 11:18:51 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Hong Kong recorded its highest monthly number of visitors since the Covid-19 pandemic in August, provisional official figures show, with authorities preparing for an influx of mainland Chinese travellers during the coming “golden week” holiday. The Hong Kong Tourism Board said on Tuesday that the city received 5.46 million visitors last month, up by 6 per cent from a year earlier and the highest monthly total since the pandemic. Tourist numbers in the first eight months of 2026 also rose by 11... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367569/hong-kong-visitor-arrivals-hit-post-pandemic-monthly-high-august?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367569/hong-kong-visitor-arrivals-hit-post-pandemic-monthly-high-august?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 Sep 2026 07:34:32 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Hong Kong employers’ hiring sentiment rebounded sharply in the fourth quarter, with far fewer companies expecting to cut jobs as confidence improved alongside stronger economic growth, according to a ManpowerGroup survey. The international human resources firm said the city’s seasonally adjusted net employment outlook rose to 14 per cent, up by 23 percentage points from minus 9 per cent in the third quarter of this year. The outlook is calculated by subtracting the percentage of employers... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367564/hong-kongs-employment-outlook-rebounds-sharply-14-fourth-quarter?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367564/hong-kongs-employment-outlook-rebounds-sharply-14-fourth-quarter?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 Sep 2026 07:19:07 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Hong Kong should overhaul its ecotourism planning and allow visitors to book ahead at more of its popular countryside attractions, a lawmaker has said, after a survey found most residents believed the city had strong potential for nature-focused experiences but lacked enough quality options. A poll of 651 residents commissioned by lawmaker Perry Yiu Pak-leung’s office and think tank New Youth Forum found 71.8 per cent agreed Hong Kong’s countryside resources could be developed into high-quality... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367488/hong-kong-urged-overhaul-ecotourism-planning-and-expand-bookings-hotspots?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367488/hong-kong-urged-overhaul-ecotourism-planning-and-expand-bookings-hotspots?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Sep 2026 12:14:32 +0000 Zoe SL Chan Zoe SL Chan Hong Kong’s younger generation of tycoons is becoming increasingly active in the city’s initial public offering market through family offices and private investments. But their investments extend beyond the property and traditional financial sectors associated with their predecessors, into technology and digital finance. Prominent business leaders Cheng Chi-heng of New World Development and Peter Lee Ka-kit of Henderson Land participated as cornerstone investors in Shenzhen Forms Syntron... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3367464/forms-syntron-draws-hong-kongs-next-gen-tycoons-hk940-million-ipo?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3367464/forms-syntron-draws-hong-kongs-next-gen-tycoons-hk940-million-ipo?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Sep 2026 09:51:21 +0000 Jeffie Lam,Lo Hoi-ying Jeffie Lam,Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong’s inaugural five-year plan will not change the capitalist system and instead fully exploit its advantages to map the city’s long-term development, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has said. In an opinion piece published in the South China Morning Post on Monday, the city leader also stressed that the blueprint, in focusing on the economy, would ultimately “enable citizens to flourish” by creating employment opportunities and upward mobility. Lee will unveil Hong Kong’s first-ever... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367355/hong-kong-5-year-plan-stick-capitalism-uphold-one-country-two-systems-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367355/hong-kong-5-year-plan-stick-capitalism-uphold-one-country-two-systems-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Sep 2026 02:00:35 +0000