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Shenzhen - Hong Kong - Guangzhou innovation cluster ranks first globally

The Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster retained the top spot among the world's 100 leading innovation clusters in the World Intellectual Property Organization's Global Innovation Index 2026. The ranking measures innovation activity based on international patent filings, scientific publications and venture capital deals. The Government said Hong Kong will continue strengthening its innovation and technology ecosystem and collaboration across the Greater Bay Area, supported by initiatives including the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, San Tin Technopole and expanded funding for research and technology enterprises.

Hong Kong investment product sales hit record HK$9.9 trillion

Sales of non-exchange-traded investment products in Hong Kong surged 63% year on year to a record HK$9.9 trillion (US$1.27 trillion) in 2025, as the number of participating clients jumped 33% to more than 1.6 million, according to an annual joint survey released (September 8) by the Securities and Futures Commission and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. Collective investment schemes became the top-selling product type for the first time since 2020, with sales rising 85% to HK$4.1 trillion (US$526 billion), while structured product sales grew 53% to HK$3.9 trillion (US$500 billion). Demand was particularly strong for fixed-income, currency and commodity-related products, while online sales increased to 21% of the total transaction amount.

Belt and Road Summit generates over US$3.1 billion in deals

The 11th Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong successfully concluded on September 10, bringing together more than 6,200 government and business leaders from over 70 countries and regions and showcasing over 300 investment projects. A record 60-plus memoranda of understanding were signed, with the MOUs and other projects and deals finalised before and during the Summit valued at more than US$3.1 billion. Chief Executive John Lee met with senior officials from Uzbekistan, Uruguay, Laos, Kazakhstan and Qatar to advance co-operation in trade, investment and other areas. New Summit features included the inaugural GoGlobal Chapter to support Chinese Mainland enterprises expanding overseas, as well as discussions on the low-altitude economy, Central Asia, the Middle East, sovereign wealth funds and the Health Silk Road, reinforcing Hong Kong's role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Biotech strengths highlighted at BIOHK 2026

The 5th Hong Kong International Biotechnology Conference and Exhibition (BIOHK 2026), held September 9–12, brought together experts and leaders from industry, academia, research, investment and clinical practice to explore advances in biotechnology and foster international collaboration. In his remarks, Financial Secretary Paul Chan highlighted Hong Kong’s growing role as an international health and medical innovation hub, supported by its position as the world's second-largest biotech fundraising platform, with nearly 300 healthcare companies listed in the city and a combined market capitalisation exceeding US$480 billion. The event also underscored Hong Kong's strengths in biomedical research, access to capital and talent, and growing collaboration within the Greater Bay Area to accelerate research commercialisation and healthcare innovation.

Hong Kong, Dubai establish strategic financial working group

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and Nasdaq Dubai jointly announced (September 10) the formation of a Strategic Working Group to deepen financial market ties between Hong Kong and the Dubai International Financial Centre. The group will explore collaboration in sustainable finance, Islamic finance, innovation, capital markets and market connectivity, with a focus on facilitating investment and capital flows between Asia and the Middle East. The initiative was announced at the HKMA-DFSA Joint Climate Finance Conference in Hong Kong, which attracted more than 350 participants in person and online.

Northern Metropolis promoted as launchpad for Mainland enterprises going global

The GoGlobal Task Force hosted a seminar (September 8) for more than 120 representatives of central and other state-owned enterprises, highlighting Hong Kong as a platform for Mainland companies expanding overseas. The seminar showcased opportunities in the Northern Metropolis and how enterprises can leverage Hong Kong's strengths in finance, shipping, trade and professional services, including commodity trading and risk management, to support their international expansion. The initiative aims to attract more Mainland enterprises to establish operations in Hong Kong and use the city as a base for their go-global strategies.

Hong Kong promotes smarter finance for green transition

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority called on the financial sector to harness technology and data to channel capital more effectively towards decarbonisation at the 2026 Green Fintech Symposium (September 11), which concluded Hong Kong Green Week. The event attracted more than 450 participants and explored areas including AI-driven sustainable finance, climate risk management, carbon markets and ESG data and disclosure. It also showcased home-grown green fintech solutions aimed at supporting banks and businesses in Hong Kong, the Mainland and beyond.

New York ETO strengthens economic, academic and cultural ties in Atlanta

Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York, Maisie Ho, visited Atlanta on September 10–12 to strengthen Hong Kong's economic, academic and talent ties with Georgia. Ms Ho met with officials from the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the City of Atlanta and Gainesville, as well as representatives of Emory University, Georgia State University, and Georgia Institute of Technology. During university engagements, she promoted Hong Kong's talent admission schemes and career opportunities to students, graduates, researchers and young professionals, while exploring closer academic and professional collaboration. Ms Ho concluded the visit by officiating at the 2026 Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, which attracted 60 teams and 1,500 paddlers and featured expanded cultural and educational programming.

Hong Kong students excel in digital learning in PISA 2025

Hong Kong students ranked among the world's top performers in the “Learning in the Digital World” domain of PISA 2025, scoring 545 against an international average of 500 among 91 participating countries or economies, with more than 40% attaining high proficiency levels. Students also continued to outperform international averages in mathematical, scientific and mother-tongue reading literacy, scoring 522, 496 and 480 respectively. The Education Bureau said the results reflect progress in STEAM and digital education and will continue to advance AI education, while reviewing assessment results and arrangements to identify students' learning needs.

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme opens applications for 2027/28

Applications for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 opened on September 1, with initial applications due by noon Hong Kong time on December 1, 2026. The scheme will offer 400 fellowships to outstanding students worldwide pursuing full-time PhD studies at eight Hong Kong universities. Each fellowship provides an annual stipend of HK$344,400 (US$44,150) and a HK$14,400 (US$1,840) annual conference and research-related travel allowance for up to three years.

Hong Kong mourns passing of first Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa

Chief Executive John Lee expressed (September 9) profound sorrow over the passing of Mr Tung Chee Hwa, Hong Kong's first Chief Executive, and extended condolences to his family on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Mr Tung served as Chief Executive from 1997 to 2005 and later as Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference from 2005 to 2023. Mr Lee highlighted Mr Tung's contributions to implementing “one country, two systems”, steering Hong Kong through the Asian financial crisis and strengthening economic and trade ties with the Mainland.

Hong Kong opens 2026 recruitment exercise for government posts

Applications for the 2026-27 Administrative Officer Recruitment Exercise are now open until 11:59 p.m. Hong Kong time on October 2, 2026. Eligible applicants, including penultimate-year undergraduates graduating in the 2027-28 academic year, will be invited to sit the Joint Recruitment Examination, tentatively scheduled for December 5 in New York.

HKSAR Government condemns criticism over “Hong Kong Alliance” case

The HKSAR Government expressed strong dissatisfaction with and resolute opposition to, and strongly condemned (September 12), criticism by various western countries, media, overseas organisations and politicians following the sentencing of defendants in the “Hong Kong Alliance” incitement to subversion case. The Government said the court handed down the verdict and sentences strictly in accordance with the law and evidence, fairly and impartially, and reiterated that human rights and freedoms in Hong Kong are protected in accordance with the law. It also stressed that national security is the cornerstone of Hong Kong's prosperity and stability and said it would continue to prevent, suppress and punish acts and activities endangering national security.

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 long can the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region serve?

A: The Basic Law states that the term of office of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be five years. In addition, he or she may serve for not more than two consecutive terms. (BL Article 46)