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 (HKSAR) (2026-2030) alongside his fifth Policy Address. The plan focuses on strengthening Hong Kong's four traditional economic centres—finance, trade, maritime, and aviation—while also developing the city as a hub for high-calibre talent and consolidating its competitive edge as an international city. This marks a significant shift in approach, as Hong Kong formalises a long-term strategic vision to secure its future prosperity and adapt to evolving global dynamics.
The plan underscores the importance of Hong Kong's role as a global financial, maritime, trade, and aviation hub, which provides a foundation for the city's stability and growth. "We will consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre, and stay committed to our global positioning," Mr Lee said. "Hong Kong will deepen the development of its global offshore Renminbi business and capital market, develop an international asset and wealth management centre and international risk management centre, enhance the securities market and expand fixed income and commodity trading." This includes developing a commodity trading ecosystem with gold as an entry point, and a central clearing and settlement system for gold set to launch in the first quarter of 2027.
Hong Kong's financial ambitions are further highlighted by its recent achievement as the world's largest cross-boundary wealth management centre. Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, noted, "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. Each of our initiatives centres around one objective, which is to elevate Hong Kong from a 'corridor of capital' to a 'destination of choice'."
In trade, Hong Kong was ranked the world's fifth-largest entity in merchandise trade in 2025. The government plans to consolidate its status as an international trade centre and 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, and compliance. 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. We will actively forge free trade agreements and investment agreements with economies that are of development potential or strategic locations."
As an international maritime centre, 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" and develop the city into a "Global Maritime Capital." This includes promoting "Finance + Shipping" by leveraging Hong Kong's maritime finance, insurance, and arbitration services under common law.
In aviation, Hong Kong's passenger throughput increased 15% year-on-year to 61 million, 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. The government will expand its aviation network and diversify business opportunities by visiting South America, Africa, Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Caucasus to conclude new air services agreements.
The plan also emphasises innovation and technology, with efforts to promote artificial intelligence applications across various trades and focus on core technologies such as 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 to 3% after 2030. For more information, visit Brand Hong Kong.
