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Hong Kong’s business and financial ties reinforced in Miami

​The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) hosted a business forum in Miami on April 16, attracting around 70 participants from the business and investment communities to explore opportunities in Hong Kong. Organised in partnership with the Financial & International Business Association (FIBA), Invest Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the forum aimed to strengthen ties between Hong Kong and Miami, Florida and the southeastern United States. The Director of the New York ETO, Maisie Ho, highlighted similarities between Miami and Hong Kong as dynamic global gateway cities that connect capital, talent and ideas, enabling enterprises to scale internationally. She noted Hong Kong’s strong economic performance, alongside new opportunities under the “AI+” and “Finance+” initiatives, including AI integration, technology, green finance and Renminbi internationalisation.

A panel discussion featured the Executive Director of the Financial Services Development Council, Dr Rocky Tung, who shared insights on Hong Kong’s latest financial developments and its role as a premier international financial platform for Miami-based companies, investors, and family offices. On the sidelines, Ms Ho and Dr Tung met with the President and CEO of FIBA, David Schwartz, and Treasurer, Wayne Shah, to discuss strengthening financial collaboration. Earlier, Ms Ho joined the 2026 Seatrade Cruise Global with the Tourism Commission and the Hong Kong Tourism Board to promote Hong Kong as a premier cruise tourism destination for high-value-added travellers seeking diverse experiences.

Cinema icon Tony Leung celebrated in New York retrospective

The New York ETO is supporting a 13-film retrospective, “The Grandmaster: Tony Leung”, running from April 29 to May 7 at Film at Lincoln Center. The programme celebrates Tony Leung Chiu-wai, an international icon and a defining face of the Hong Kong New Wave, known for his restrained, emotionally resonant performances across five decades of acclaimed cinema. This special retrospective brings 13 of his most iconic films to the big screen, ahead of the theatrical release of his first European film, “Silent Friend”, directed by Ildikó Enyedi. He will also appear in person for a number of special appearances, marking his return to Film at Lincoln Center in more than 25 years.

Hong Kong attracts Pfizer and Amgen as strategic enterprises

Hong Kong welcomed (Apr 20) its sixth batch of 22 strategic enterprises, which includes Pfizer and Amgen, two US-based pharmaceutical and biotech giants. They represent new additions of global pharmaceutical giants joining the wave, such as AstraZeneca, GSK and Roche. At the signing ceremony, Financial Secretary Paul Chan said the new cohort also included pioneers in artificial intelligence, fintech, advanced manufacturing, and the cultural and creative industries. Together with earlier entrants, the 124 enterprises are expected to bring in US$9.35 billion (HK$73 billion) in investment and create some 25,000 jobs. Mr Chan said these enterprises are strengthening Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem, through partnerships with local universities and institutions, using the city as a platform to pilot their cutting-edge applications before scaling them internationally. 

Chief Executive highlights Hong Kong’s financial resilience at global investment summit

Chief Executive John Lee highlighted Hong Kong’s financial resilience at the HSBC Global Investment Summit 2026 (Apr 14), noting that the city’s stability, rule of law and connectivity under “one country, two systems” underpin its status as a leading international financial centre. He cited Hong Kong’s strong financial performance, including top global IPO fundraising, robust stock turnover, leading fintech rankings, and continued growth in asset and wealth inflows and family offices. He also underscored efforts to extend Hong Kong’s financial value chain through new initiatives in digital assets, gold trading and “Finance+” development, further strengthening the city’s long-term financial resilience and global competitiveness.

Financial Secretary: Hong Kong to bridge global capital with Asian innovation

Hong Kong aims to be the platform where Asian innovation meets global capital, and where global capital meets Asian growth, said Financial Secretary Paul Chan at the 40th General Assembly of Asian and Oceanic Stock Exchanges Federation (Apr 22). He highlighted Hong Kong’s evolving role as a connector between the Chinese Mainland and global markets, becoming a regional platform where assets from Asian markets can be packaged and discovered by global investors. With global institutional investors seeking diversification and long-term growth, he said Hong Kong can ensure capital flows efficiently to Asia’s best opportunities.

World Intellectual Property Day 2026 celebrated

At a reception (Apr 21) marking World Intellectual Property Day 2026, Financial Secretary Paul Chan highlighted the growing economic value of intellectual property (IP), noting the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) now has about 820,000 valid invention patents. He said Hong Kong is strengthening its position as a regional IP trading centre through tax reforms, financing initiatives and talent development. Measures include proposed tax deductions for IP acquisitions, an IP Financing Sandbox and a pilot patent valuation scheme for SMEs. A two-year, US$6.6 million (HK$52 million) IP Academy will launch by year-end to train professionals.

Hong Kong showcases AI, robotics and low-altitude economy at InnoEX

The fourth InnoEX was held April 13 – 16 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, attracting over 550 exhibitors and delegations from 21 countries and regions, as well as 17 Mainland provinces and cities. In his opening address, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong noted that InnoEX has evolved into a premier international platform connecting startups with investors, research institutions and industry, while helping local enterprises bridge with global markets. Under the theme “Innovate • Automate • Elevate”, InnoEX focused on AI+, robotics, low-altitude economy, property technology and retail technology, with highlights including the “RoboPark” zone, featuring over 100 robots and the “Smart Hong Kong Pavillion”, showcasing over 100 innovation projects. At InnoEX, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong said Hong Kong is accelerating the development of its low-altitude economy, which could become a US$9 trillion global market by 2050. He outlined the city’s efforts including 38 regulatory sandbox projects, with over 20 moving into real-world applications in areas such as emergency response, logistics and infrastructure monitoring alongside aviation law reforms, infrastructure planning and spectrum allocation to support growth.

Joint statement signed between Hong Kong and UNIDO

Chief Executive John Lee met United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Director General Gerd Muller on April 14 to discuss strengthening co-operation in industrial development and witnessed the signing of a joint statement.  The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration, information sharing and best practice exchange to advance industrial innovation, technology transfers and capacity development. It also explores the joint development of a centre of excellence on global advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence in Hong Kong. Mr Lee welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed Hong Kong’s role as an international innovation and technology centre, adding that the partnership will strengthen collaboration and jointly promote industrial innovation and technology transfers.

All 8 Hong Kong public universities made Asia’s top 100

Hong Kong reached a major academic milestone in the Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings 2026, with all eight public universities ranked among the top 100. The University of Hong Kong ranked 6th, while the Chinese University of Hong Kong placed 10^th, marking the first time the city’s two oldest institutions have both entered the regional top 10. Other strong performers include the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (12), City University of Hong Kong (14) and Hong Kong Polytechnic University (18). The Education University of Hong Kong debuted at 37th while Hong Kong Baptist University climbed to 40th. Lingnan University rounded out the list at 84th. Hong Kong remains the only city in the world with five universities in the global top 100, underscoring its strength in research, teaching, global outlook, and innovation.

Hong Kong sustained as world’s busiest cargo airport

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) was crowned the world’s busiest cargo airport in 2025, according to Airports Council International, handling 5.07 million tonnes of cargo. This marks the 15th time HKIA has taken the top spot since 2010. From infrastructure to innovation, HKIA continues to expand capacity and innovation. A new UPS cargo hub is expected to handle nearly 1 million tonnes annually upon completion in 2028. The Air Land Fresh Lane is accelerating cross-boundary delivery, enabling premium perishables to reach major Greater Bay Area cities within hours. Meanwhile the HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park has already processed cargo worth over RMB57 billion, with further expansion planned. Digital platforms are also boosting efficiency, connectivity, and new business opportunities across Hong Kong’s air cargo ecosystem.

Global Mediation Summit to be held on May 8

The International Organization for Mediation will host the Global Mediation Summit on May 8 in Hong Kong, bringing together mediators, corporate legal officers, government officials, academics and dispute resolution experts. The summit will explore mediation as a key tool for the amicable settlement of international disputes, and discuss practical ways to foster a global mediation ecosystem that reinforces international rule of law. This event aims to facilitate in-depth dialogue on international mediation practice, explore the practical and far-reaching value of mediation for governments and investors, as well as the long-term development of a global mediation ecosystem. The event will also be available for virtual attendance via Zoom, enabling broader international participation. To register, click here.

Hong Kong Sevens’ Golden Jubilee ends on a high note

The Hong Kong Sevens celebrated its 50th anniversary by welcoming over 113,000 fans from Hong Kong and around the world to Kai Tak Sports Park for a spectacular tournament (Apr 17-19). South Africa emerged victorious by defeating defending champs Argentina (35-7) in the men’s final to win the title for the first time. New Zealand continued their dominance of the women’s competition, beating Australia 19-14 to secure their fourth consecutive Hong Kong Sevens triumph. The Hong Kong, China men’s team clinched the Melrose Claymores title for the third consecutive year, with a 19-15 win over Japan. With thrilling matches, vibrant entertainment and joyful fan village experiences, the three-day rugby extravaganza once again showcased Hong Kong as a premier international hub for major events.

US report refuted

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government on April 17, strongly rejected criticisms contained in the US’s “2026 Hong Kong Policy Act Report”, reaffirming Hong Kong’s status under “one country, two systems” and its constitutional duty to safeguard national security. It said human rights in the city have been robustly guaranteed by both the Constitution and the Basic Law since the city’s return to China. It added that since the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO), the media landscape in Hong Kong has remained vibrant. The HKSAR Government reiterated that it steadfastly safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests, and at the same time, safeguard the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people, ensuring the steadfast and successful implementation of “one country, two systems”.

The Basic Law (BL) is the constitutional document of the HKSAR. It provides the guarantees to maintain our existing way of life, including socio-economic development, the rights and duties of Hong Kong people, the rule of law and other areas. The Basic Law was put into effect on July 1, 1997.

Q: Can Hong Kong set its own taxes and tariffs?

A: Yes, Article 108 states the HKSAR shall practise an independent taxation system. It shall, taking the low tax policy previously pursued in the city as reference, enact laws on its own concerning types of taxes, tax rates, tax reductions, allowances and exemptions, and other matters of taxation.