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 a comprehensive strategy to secure the long-term development of the city's pillar industries. The plan focuses on strengthening Hong Kong's four traditional centres—international financial, maritime, trade and aviation—while developing a hub for high-calibre talent and consolidating its competitive edge as an international city.
In finance, Hong Kong will deepen its global offshore Renminbi business, develop an international asset and wealth management centre and risk management centre, enhance the securities market, and expand fixed income and commodity trading. The city has become the world's largest cross-boundary wealth management centre this year, and the government aims to build a more attractive asset and wealth management ecosystem. A key initiative is the development of a commodity trading ecosystem with gold as an entry point, including a central clearing and settlement system for gold to be launched 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," 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. The Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global, established last October, has already assisted over 340 Mainland enterprises with listing, capital raising, compliance, and certifications. It will now 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."
In the maritime sector, Hong Kong has ranked fourth globally in maritime comprehensive strength for seven consecutive years. The plan aims to drive a "volume to value" transformation of the Hong Kong Port, capitalising on high value-added maritime services to develop a "Global Maritime Capital". The industry will promote "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.
For aviation, Hong Kong's passenger throughput rose 15% year-on-year to 61 million last year, 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 further strengthen its 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.
In innovation and technology, the government will promote artificial intelligence applications across trades, balancing innovation with security. Focus areas include life and health, AI and robotics, microelectronics, new energy, advanced manufacturing, and new materials. Hong Kong aims to raise the ratio of Total Domestic Expenditure on Innovation Activities to GDP, striving to reach 3% after 2030. These initiatives underscore Hong Kong's commitment to securing its long-term competitiveness and prosperity. For more information, visit Brand Hong Kong.
