Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee has 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, setting out initiatives to secure the long-term development of the city’s pillar industries. The plan focuses on strengthening Hong Kong’s four traditional centres—finance, trade, maritime, and aviation—while developing a hub for high-calibre talent and consolidating its competitive edge as an international city.
Under the plan, Hong Kong will deepen its global offshore Renminbi business and capital market, develop an international asset and wealth management centre, 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 set to launch in the first quarter of 2027.
Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, said, “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.” He added that the objective 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, and compliance. The Task Force will expand its collaboration with professional organisations to train talent and enhance services.
Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, said, “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.” Hong Kong will forge free trade agreements with strategic economies and expand its overseas offices.
In maritime, Hong Kong has ranked fourth globally in comprehensive strength for seven consecutive years. The plan aims to drive a “volume to value” transformation, developing high value-added services like “Finance + Shipping” and building an integrated ecosystem where Hong Kong-invested enterprises adopt Hong Kong law, insurance, and arbitration.
For aviation, Hong Kong’s passenger throughput rose 15% last year to 61 million, with flights to over 220 destinations. Air cargo reached 5.07 million tonnes, making its airport the world’s busiest cargo airport for the 15th year since 2010. The government will expand its aviation network and diversify business opportunities, visiting South America, Africa, Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Caucasus to conclude new air services agreements.
To build an international innovation and technology centre, Hong Kong will promote artificial intelligence applications across trades, focusing on life and health, AI and robotics, microelectronics, new energy, advanced manufacturing, and new materials. The government aims to raise the ratio of Total Domestic Expenditure on Innovation Activities to GDP to 3% after 2030.
These initiatives are expected to reinforce Hong Kong’s long-term stability and prosperity, enhancing its competitiveness amid global economic shifts. For more information, visit Brand Hong Kong.
