Hong Kong’s position as a leading global business hub was reinforced yesterday as more than 380 representatives of overseas and Chinese Mainland companies gathered for a welcome reception hosted by Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK). The event celebrated 413 enterprises that have newly set up or expanded in the city during the first half of 2026. According to InvestHK, these companies are expected to bring over HK$53 billion (US$6.8 billion) in foreign direct investment and create more than 8,600 new jobs for Hong Kong.
Chief Executive John Lee addressed the reception, highlighting Hong Kong’s top rankings as the world’s freest economy by the Fraser Institute and the second most competitive economy according to the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook. “In choosing Hong Kong for your Asian and global business expansion, you share my belief in Hong Kong’s flourishing future,” Lee said. “You have made a wise choice. Hong Kong is one of the world’s best economies to do business in and with.”
Under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong offers an open and business-friendly environment, a simple and low tax regime, and a common law system that connects seamlessly with global financial centers. These advantages were echoed by business leaders at the event. Michael Zankel, Regional Director East Asia/Oceania for Austria-based logistics firm Gebrüder Weiss, which upgraded its Hong Kong office to a regional headquarters, noted, “The business environment is great, you have a lot of talent around here to employ. It has always been the gateway to the Chinese Mainland but for us it is more a gateway to Asia.”
Merwann Younes, Global Head of Hospitality & Lifestyle Channels for Italian company Moleskine, described Hong Kong as “a very dynamic and creative city, which are also the core values for Moleskine as a brand.” Etienne Dubois, Chief Strategy Officer of Unlimitics, a startup developing an AI-powered school simulation game for neurodivergent children, said Hong Kong is “a very good melting pot for talent and opportunities and for growth.”
InvestHK’s first-half results show a 9% increase in completed projects compared to the same period in 2025, with anticipated direct investment up 36% and new jobs created rising 6% year-on-year. Of the 413 enterprises, 246 originated from the Chinese Mainland, followed by Singapore (26), the United States (21), the United Kingdom (18), France (11), and Italy (11). The top five sectors included innovation and technology (93), financial services and fintech (89), tourism and hospitality (55), transport, logistics and industrials (44), and business and professional services (39).
Looking ahead, Chief Executive Lee announced that the HKSAR Government is expediting development of the Northern Metropolis, a new economic engine destined to become an international innovation and technology and business hub. “This will unlock abundant opportunities and shape a prosperous future for Hong Kong,” Lee said. Additionally, the government is creating Hong Kong’s first Five-Year Plan, a strategic blueprint focusing on long-term economic momentum, technology advancement, and improved livelihoods. The full investment promotion results are available at this link.
