Hong Kong celebrated a significant milestone in its economic recovery and growth as Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) welcomed 413 newly arrived or expanded overseas and Chinese Mainland companies at a reception on June 25. These enterprises are expected to bring in over HK$53 billion (US$6.8 billion) in foreign direct investment and create more than 8,600 new jobs, according to the government’s investment promotion agency.
Speaking at the event, Chief Executive John Lee underscored Hong Kong’s status as one of the world’s best places to do business, citing its ranking as the freest economy by the Fraser Institute and the second most competitive economy in the latest 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 benefits from strong support from China while maintaining close global connections. The city offers an open business environment, a simple and low tax regime, and a common law system that aligns with international financial centers. These advantages continue to attract a diverse range of enterprises. Austria-based transport and logistics firm Gebrüder Weiss recently upgraded its Hong Kong office to a regional headquarters for East Asia and Oceania. Regional Director Michael Zankel 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.”
Italian company Moleskine, known for its creative products, also sees value in Hong Kong. Merwann Younes, Global Head of Hospitality & Lifestyle Channels, described the city as “a very dynamic and creative city, which are also the core values for Moleskine as a brand.” Meanwhile, Etienne Dubois, Chief Strategy Officer of Unlimitics, a startup developing an AI-powered school simulation game for neurodivergent children, highlighted Hong Kong’s role as “a very good melting pot for talent and opportunities and for growth.”
InvestHK’s first-half results for 2026 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. Among 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 sectors include 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 emphasized the HKSAR Government’s efforts to expedite the development of the Northern Metropolis, a new economic engine poised to become an international innovation and technology hub. “This will unlock abundant opportunities and shape a prosperous future for Hong Kong,” Lee said, adding that the government is creating Hong Kong’s first Five-Year Plan, focusing on long-term economic momentum, technology advancement, and improved livelihoods. The detailed investment promotion results are available at this link.
