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New York forum highlights Hong Kong’s resilience and evolving role

Nearly 100 executives gathered in New York on April 8 for the “Economic Outlook 2026” forum, co-hosted by the Hong Kong Association of New York, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO), and HSBC. Bringing together leaders from business, finance, trade, and the non-profit sector, the event offered an in-depth look at key macroeconomic trends, with a focus on the US and Hong Kong. The Director of New York ETO, Maisie Ho, highlighted Hong Kong’s economic resilience, citing 3.5% GDP growth in 2025, and a projected 2.5–3.5% expansion in 2026. She pointed to Hong Kong’s standing as a leading financial hub, topping IPO rankings and attracting significant capital inflows, and outlined government initiatives such as “AI+” and “Finance+” as drivers of innovation and growth. “Hong Kong’s role is not diminishing — it is evolving as a trusted gateway connecting China and the world, and a point of convergence where global capital, innovation, and opportunity come together”, she said. The evening also featured the CEO of HSBC Private Bank, Ida Liu, with a keynote on HSBC’s global strategy, followed by a panel featuring the Deputy Chief Representative of Hong Kong Monetary Authority New York, Kevin Chow; the Global Chief Economist at S&P Global, Dr. Paul Gruenwald; and the Managing Director and Head of Wealth and Products Solutions at HSBC Private Bank, Jessie Zhu. They shared perspectives on economic outlooks, policy developments, and the evolving opportunities and challenges for businesses and investors worldwide.

Hong Kong’s role as life sciences hub showcased in Boston

The New York ETO hosted a business forum in Boston on March 31 to promote Hong Kong as a global hub for health and life sciences innovation and to strengthen US collaboration. Co-organised with Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the event highlighted Hong Kong’s role as a “super-connector” and “super value-adder”. The Director of New York ETO, Maisie Ho, outlined Hong Kong’s strengths in healthcare, research and its unique clinical trial environment, alongside initiatives such as the “1+” mechanism to accelerate the life sciences ecosystem. Speakers from Invest Hong Kong and HKTDC emphasised Hong Kong’s advantages in fundraising, research & development and market access as well as support services and cross-boundary collaboration opportunities for Boston companies. A roundtable discussion featuring the President of SunVax mRNA Therapeutics, Dr Yingzhong Li and Senior Director, Healthcare and Life Sciences at MassChallenge, Junko Carter, explored how firms can leverage Hong Kong to expand and commercialise innovation. During the visit to Boston (Mar 30 – 31), the New York ETO engaged with Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to promote Hong Kong’s talent admission schemes and met with Boston officials and academics to strengthen ties.

Chicago audiences captivated by Hong Kong cinema

Supported by the New York ETO, Hong Kong films under the "Spotlight on Hong Kong Cinema" showcase took centre stage in Chicago over Easter weekend. On April 4, GOOD GAME made its US premiere to a full house, drawing film enthusiasts, esports fans, and members of a high school Cantonese club. Director Dickson Leung joined for a lively post-screening discussion with the audience. On April 5, director Nic Ho and producer Ivana Lai led an insightful post-screening question-and-answer session following the screening of BLACKY THE METAL ARM CAT. They also introduced ANOTHER WORLD, the award-winning animated feature by Tommy Ng, capping off a vibrant weekend celebrating Hong Kong’s filmmaking. (Photo credit: Taylor Took These/Asian Pop-Up Cinema)

Strong fund growth reinforces Hong Kong’s wealth management hub status

Hong Kong’s asset and wealth management industry continues to demonstrate resilience and dynamism, said the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui. The sector’s strong growth with assets under management rose 13% to over US$4.48 trillion (HK$35 trillion), driven by robust fund inflows and growing international investor participation. Speaking at the 40th anniversary of the Hong Kong Investment Funds Association cocktail reception (Apr 13), Mr Hui highlighted Hong Kong’s leadership in private equity and alternative investments, alongside its expanding role as a cross-boundary wealth management hub. He outlined government measures to enhance competitiveness, including enhancing tax regimes for funds, single family offices, the introduction of the Integrated Fund Platform through the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing and reforms to the REIT market.

Two stablecoin licences issued

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has granted stablecoin issuer licences to Anchorpoint Financial, a joint venture between Standard Chartered Hong Kong, Hong Kong Telecommunications and Animoca Brands, and HSBC, marking a key step in the city’s digital asset development. Effective April 10, the licences will allow both firms to launch stablecoin services in the coming months after completing preparations. The Chief Executive of HKMA, Eddie Yue, said the new regulatory regime provides an orderly operating environment for stablecoin issuers to apply innovative technologies while ensuring robust user protection and effective risk management. This will foster a healthy, responsible, and sustainable stablecoin ecosystem. The HKMA will maintain a Register of Licensed Stablecoin Issuers, and has urged the public to remain vigilant against fraudulent activities, advising users to engage only through the regulated channels.

Hong Kong showcases innovation hub status at Internet summit

The World Internet Conference Asia‑Pacific Summit opened on April 13 in Hong Kong, where Chief Executive John Lee emphasised Hong Kong’s growing prominence as an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub. He highlighted progress at the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen‑Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, opened in December 2025, which has attracted more than 70 tenants across sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI) and data science, life and health technology, and new energy. Mr Lee outlined an AI strategy built on world-class infrastructure, cutting-edge research and development, and responsible innovation. A new data facility cluster at Sandy Ridge will boost computing capacity to 180,000 petaFLOPS by 2032, while a new AI research institute will advance upstream research and real-world applications. Financial Secretary Paul Chan and Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Prof Sun Dong delivered their remarks at the Main Forum and Distinguished Contributors Gala in the afternoon, outlining Hong Kong’s advantages for digital economy and I&T development. The two-day summit brings together about 1,000 leaders and experts from over 50 countries and regions to advance regional digital collaboration and innovation.

Hong Kong rises to 5th largest trading entity globally

Hong Kong climbed two places to become the world’s fifth-largest merchandise trading entity in 2025, according to the World Trade Organization’s Global Trade Outlook & Statistics. Hong Kong’s merchandise trade surged 17.5% year-on-year to US$1,585 billion, accounting for 3% of the world’s total. The city was also the fifth-largest exporter and the sixth-largest importer of goods, rising three places in both categories. Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau said the report fully demonstrated Hong Kong’s resilience amid geopolitical tensions and trade protectionism. He highlighted the city’s predictable and transparent market, and its structural advantages under “one country, two systems”, reinforcing its role as a key regional trade gateway. The growth was driven by government initiatives to expand economic and trade networks, attract enterprises and investment, deepening international and emerging market ties, support small and medium-sized enterprises, strengthen Belt & Road initiative participation, and help Mainland enterprises expand globally, reinforcing the city’s roles as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder”.

Law Society’s role in upholding rule of law hailed

Congratulating the Law Society of Hong Kong at the opening (Apr 8) of its new premises as it marks its 119th anniversary, Chief Executive John Lee praised the organisation’s long-standing role in upholding Hong Kong’s rule of law and reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as an international financial, trade, and dispute resolution hub. He highlighted Hong Kong’s unique common law system under “one country, two systems”, its growing role as a global legal hub and strong national support under China’s 15th Five-Year Plan. At the opening ceremony, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam also commended the Society’s contributions to professional standards and access to justice and the rule of law, stressing the need for innovation, unity and talent development. He noted plans for a new Hong Kong International Legal Service Building, reaffirming Hong Kong’s position as a leading centre for legal and dispute resolution services.

Acclaims for Hong Kong International Airport

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has been crowned the “Best Airport in the World” at the Global Travel Awards 2026, with millions of travellers voting to recognize its excellence in aviation infrastructure and passenger experience. This incredible achievement is complemented by several other prestigious honours from across the industry including “World’s Best Airport Security Processing” and “World’s Best Airport Washrooms” at the Skytrax 2026 World Airport Awards and clinching the “Best Airport in China” at the TTG China Travel Awards for the 3rd consecutive year, reaffirming HKIA’s commitment to safety, service and a first-class travel experience.

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: How may non-government organisations engage internationally under the name ‘Hong Kong, China’?

A: Non-government organisations in fields such as education, science, technology, culture, art, sports, the professions, medicine and health, labour, social welfare and social work as well as religious organisations in the HKSAR may maintain and develop relations with their counterparts in foreign countries and regions and with relevant international organisations. They may, as required, use the name “Hong Kong, China” in the relevant activities. (BL 149)