Chan Mo-po: Geopolitical situations will inevitably cause fluctuations in the market, but the financial system has established a strong buffer

The Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, stated today (10th) at the 2026 Chinese Enterprises Spring Reception that Hong Kong's economy is showing good momentum, with bustling foot traffic and numerous festivals and large events attracting a large number of tourists to the city. In terms of asset markets, both the stock market and real estate market are thriving. Although recent geopolitical situations may inevitably cause fluctuations in the financial market, the financial system has established a strong buffer, and the SAR government will closely monitor market conditions, while the market has been operating smoothly and orderly during this period.

Paul Chan mentioned that the international situation is ever-changing, but the key for Hong Kong to respond is to manage its own affairs well. This year marks the beginning of the country's 14th Five-Year Plan, and the next five years are a crucial period for national development. The draft of the 14th Five-Year Plan outlines a grand blueprint for national development, from building a modern industrial system to accelerating high-level technological self-reliance, from expanding high-level opening-up to optimizing regional economic layout.

He stated that under "One Country, Two Systems," Hong Kong possesses unique institutional advantages and international characteristics. As an international financial, trade, shipping, and innovation center, it must leverage its strengths, accelerate integration into and serve the national development agenda, while promoting its own sustainable high-quality development to create a better life and quality job opportunities for its citizens.

He mentioned that in the recently announced "Budget," two main development lines, "AI+" and "Finance+", were proposed, aiming to fully unleash the potential of innovation and technology and finance, empowering the development of various industries and fields, and enhancing the quality and quantity of Hong Kong's short, medium, and long-term economic development. Whether it is vigorously developing emerging industries and future industries or accelerating the construction of the Northern Metropolis, it requires quality enterprises and high-end talents to create new value and opportunities through the empowerment of artificial intelligence and finance.

He expressed that Chinese enterprises have long been rooted in Hong Kong, actively supporting the SAR government's efforts to promote Hong Kong's economic development and playing a pivotal role in various industries. In recent years, mainland enterprises have accelerated their pace of going global, many of which have utilized Hong Kong as a platform to raise funds, showcase products and services, conduct research and development activities, and manage international businesses. As the president of the Hong Kong Seamen's Union mentioned, there were nearly 3,100 mainland companies in Hong Kong last year, a 20% increase from 2024. Looking ahead, Hong Kong welcomes more mainland enterprises to come to the city, fully utilizing Hong Kong's comprehensive funding support and international advantages to strengthen their own development. The "Budget" proposed the establishment of a cross-sector professional service platform to support enterprises going global, which will be launched this month.

At the same time, he strongly encourages Chinese enterprises to actively participate in the development of the Northern Metropolis, including the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Cooperation Zone (He Tao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone) Hong Kong Park, the Xin Tian Technology City, and the construction of the Hung Shui Kiu Industrial Park, bringing quality technology, talent, and upstream and downstream industrial chains to Hong Kong, leveraging local advantages, exploring international markets, and supporting the construction of Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology center. The SAR government is ready with a package of preferential policies and is willing to adopt very flexible and innovative cooperation models, including land and tax incentives, financial support, and joint investments, among other measures, to assist everyone in investing and developing in Hong Kong The team of the Special Administrative Region Government, including the Innovation and Technology Bureau, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, the Development Bureau, the Transport and Logistics Bureau, the Invest Hong Kong, the Office for Attracting Key Enterprises, and Hong Kong Investment Management Limited, will do their utmost to provide services and meet the needs of enterprises