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First Five-Year Plan for 2026-30 and Policy Address 2026 announced

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) announced (Sep 16) the city’s first Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development (2026-30) and Policy Address 2026, proactively setting out a strategic blueprint to better integrate into China’s national development while enhancing economic growth and social well-being. Key priorities include strengthening Hong Kong’s international financial, maritime and trade centres and international aviation hub, accelerating development as an international innovation and technology centre and hub for high-calibre talent, and expediting the Northern Metropolis as a new engine for growth. Chief Executive John Lee said the Plan and Policy Address would help Hong Kong capitalise on national and international opportunities, provide clearer development directions and optimise resource allocation, while ensuring that development continuously enhances social well-being.

Hong Kong retains third place globally in financial centre ranking

Hong Kong maintained its ranking as the world’s third-leading financial centre and first in Asia Pacific in the Global Financial Centres Index 40 published on September 16. The city continued to rank first globally in fintech offerings, while rising to first in financial sector development and maintaining second place in human capital. Hong Kong also moved up to second in both business environment and infrastructure, and ranked first globally in the investment management, insurance and finance sectors.

Hong Kong, ASEAN strengthen investment protection

Hong Kong and the 10 ASEAN member states signed a protocol (Sep 20) to amend their Investment Agreement, enabling Hong Kong enterprises and investments to receive non-discriminatory treatment in ASEAN markets, subject to specified reservations. The protocol will give effect to provisions on national treatment and most-favoured-nation treatment, providing greater legal certainty and facilitating investment flows. 

Hong Kong moves forward with RCEP accession

The HKSAR Government welcomed (Sep 21) the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) decision to establish an Accession Working Group, formally commencing the accession process for Hong Kong and other applicant economies. Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau said Hong Kong will actively participate in accession negotiations and work to complete the required procedures as soon as possible. The Government said joining the world’s largest free trade agreement would strengthen Hong Kong’s status as an international trade centre and contribute to regional economic integration.

Hong Kong highlights digital infrastructure at AIIB Annual Meeting

Financial Secretary Paul Chan shared Hong Kong’s experience in using digital public infrastructure to enhance economic resilience at the 2026 Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Annual Meeting in Doha, Qatar (Sep 28). He highlighted initiatives including iAM Smart, the Faster Payment System, Commercial Data Interchange and AI adoption, alongside investment in computing infrastructure and AI development. Mr Chan stressed that effective digitalisation requires not only connectivity but also cybersecurity, trusted data sharing and sound AI governance, adding that Hong Kong stands ready to share its experience in building digital infrastructure that improves public services and business efficiency.

SFC unveils strategic action plan for capital market development

The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) unveiled a strategic action plan to support Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and the 2026 Policy Address, with short-, medium- and long-term measures aimed at promoting the high-quality development of Hong Kong’s capital markets and strengthening its competitiveness as an international financial centre. The plan covers market development, RMB internationalisation, mutual market access, wealth management, risk management, market quality and financial security. Key priorities include broadening Hong Kong’s offshore RMB ecosystem, enhancing mutual market access with the Mainland, promoting market innovation and improving market efficiency and liquidity.

Cathay Pacific marks 80th anniversary

Financial Secretary Paul Chan attended Hong Kong’s home carrier Cathay Pacific’s 80th anniversary dinner (Sep 15), highlighting the airline’s longstanding role in Hong Kong’s development and its contribution to the city’s status as an international aviation hub and “super connector”. Looking ahead, Mr Chan said the Government will pursue new air services agreements and expand traffic rights, particularly with the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa and South America, supported by increased capacity from the Three-Runway System, Terminal 2 and SKYTOPIA. He welcomed Cathay’s planned direct flights to Almaty, Kazakhstan, from January 2027, and its commitment to invest around HK$150 billion (US$19.2 billion) in aircraft, cabins, lounges and digital innovation.

New app enables frequent visitors to enrol for Hong Kong e-Channel remotely

The Immigration Department launched the “Go Hong Kong” mobile application, allowing eligible frequent visitors to enrol for the e-Channel service before arriving in Hong Kong. Eligible users must be aged 18 or above, hold a designated electronic travel document and have visited Hong Kong via Hong Kong International Airport at least twice in the preceding 24 months, among other requirements. Once enrolment is approved, visitors can activate and use the e-Channel service upon their next arrival in Hong Kong by the expected arrival date submitted in the application.

New York ETO promotes Hong Kong career opportunities at US universities

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) continued its university outreach to promote the Top Talent Pass Scheme and career opportunities in Hong Kong, holding information sessions at Princeton University (Sep 24) and New York University (Sep 17). At Princeton, Director Maisie Ho highlighted Hong Kong’s latest developments and its strengths as a global talent hub and international centre for finance, maritime and trade, and innovation and technology. She also met representatives of Princeton in Asia to discuss internship and fellowship opportunities and Hong Kong’s growing infrastructure for major cultural and sporting events, including the West Kowloon Cultural District and Kai Tak Sports Park.

Hong Kong students gather in New York for Mid-Autumn Festival and AO recruitment talk

More than 40 Hong Kong students from universities across the US East Coast gathered at New York ETO (Sep 25) to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival and learn about opportunities in Hong Kong. Director Maisie Ho shared updates on Hong Kong’s latest developments and opportunities, as well as information on the upcoming Administrative Officer recruitment exercise. Students also enjoyed mooncakes and egg tarts while connecting with fellow Hong Kong students. The 2026-27 Administrative Officer recruitment exercise is now open for application until 2 October 2026. Application details can be found at https://www.ao-recruitment.gov.hk/.  

Mid-Autumn magic lights up Hong Kong

As families gather and celebrate the tradition of unity during the Mid-Autumn Festival, Hong Kong hosted its first International Lantern Spectacular featuring stunning lantern displays from 20 countries and regions as well as performances and festive activities, marveling tens of thousands of tourists and locals alike. Themed "A Delightful Journey through the Lantern Garden", the carnival draws inspiration from Hong Kong's distinct flavours, brought to life through radiant displays of light. A highlight is the 8-metre-tall signature Nanjing Qinhuai lantern installation "Shadowlight". The legendary century-old Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance was another captivation, featuring a magnificent fire dragon bristling with thousands of glowing incense sticks weaves through Tai Hang's historic streets to the beat of booming drums.

Team Hong Kong shines at the 20th Asian Games

The Hong Kong, China delegation continues its medal streak at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. As of 28 September, the 580-person delegation won a total of 34 medals – five gold, 12 silver and 17 bronze. Hong Kong athletes continue to shine on the international stage. The Asian Games bring together athletes from across Asia for top-level competition and sporting achievement. The Games will close on 4 October.

HKSAR Government rejects US remarks and proposed sanctions over Lai case

The HKSAR Government firmly rejected and strongly condemned (Sep 17) remarks made by politicians of the US Congressional-Executive Commission on China regarding the Lai Chee-ying national security case, as well as the introduction of a so-called “bill” and “sanctions” targeting HKSAR personnel involved in safeguarding national security. The Government reiterated that the Hong Kong National Security Law and Safeguarding National Security Ordinance protect human rights and freedoms in accordance with the law, while safeguarding national security is an inherent right of every sovereign state. It stressed that the Lai case has nothing to do with freedom of the press, that the defendants were convicted following a fair and public trial, and that Hong Kong’s courts exercise judicial power independently.

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 the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal and the Chief Judge of the High Court in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region be foreign nationals?

A: No. The Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal and the Chief Judge of the High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be Chinese citizens who are permanent residents of the Region with no right of abode in any foreign country. (BL Article 90)