Hong Kong has been ranked 11th globally and fourth in Asia in the World Digital & AI Ranking (WDAIR) 2026 index, published by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD). Among the five factors under consideration, Hong Kong ranks inside the top 10 for workforce development, efficiency, and technology and infrastructure. In terms of sub-factors, Hong Kong ranks top on technological framework (under technology and infrastructure), practices (under efficiency), and education and training (under workforce development). It also ranks inside the top 10 on talent (under workforce development), societal attitudes (under values) and regulatory framework (under governance). The Government said that WDAIR 2026 recognises Hong Kong as one of the world’s most competitive economies for digital and AI development. It highlighted that Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan sets out a vision for the city’s development as an international centre for innovation and technology, one that has the full backing of the central authorities. It iterated that Hong Kong will foster new industrialisation with regard for local circumstances, advance the Artificial Intelligence+ Initiative on all fronts, enhance computing infrastructure, support small-and-medium-sized enterprises in their adoption of AI, and empower different sectors of the economy through AI technology. In terms of upstream research, the Government will build on the “dual base” advantages of the city’s […]

The current diffusion index (DI) on business receipts amongst small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) increased slightly from 43.7 in the contractionary zone in September to 43.8 in October, the Census & Statistics Department announced today. Meanwhile, the outlook DI on business receipts for November stood at 46.8. Analysed by sector, current DIs on business receipts for several surveyed sectors rose in October compared with the previous month, most notably in the import and export trades, which climbed from 43.3 to 44.9. Over the same period, the current DI on new orders for the import and export trades increased from 44.3 in September to 44.6 in October, with the outlook DI for November projected at 47.4. The Government noted that SME business sentiment remained broadly stable in October, while the overall DI on employment improved for the second consecutive month. Looking ahead, the Hong Kong economy has performed strongly so far this year and is expected to maintain solid growth, providing continued support for business confidence. However, persistent external uncertainties may continue to affect near-term sentiment, and the Government stated it will monitor the situation closely.

The Digital Policy Office (DPO) today announced that applications are now open for the "Robots in the Community" Pilot Programme, allowing eligible organisations to borrow robots for demonstrations and performances at free community events. Applications are free of charge and will close on November 20. By loaning a humanoid robot named "Smart Bot" at no cost for events hosted by community groups, the scheme enables the public to interact with it first-hand. This direct engagement aims to enhance public understanding of embodied artificial intelligence (AI). Eligible applicants include Hong Kong companies, societies, district organisations, welfare agencies, and Legislative Council or District Council members' offices that serve the public or local residents. Proposed community events under this application round must take place between December 15, 2026, and February 28, 2027. At these events, "Smart Bot" can perform dancing and kung fu. It can also act as a popular science ambassador to share knowledge of embodied AI and other digital technologies with participants. The DPO has introduced various initiatives under the "Smart Silver" Digital Inclusion Programme to assist people in need, particularly the elderly, understand and use digital products and services. The "Robots in the Community" Pilot Programme will be the latest addition to this campaign. Click here for details.

Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK 2026 concluded today, capping a week of discussions, business exchanges, startup showcases and ecosystem activities that brought together policymakers, regulators, entrepreneurs, investors and innovators from around the world. The week-long programme attracted more than 48,000 visitors from over 120 economies, featured over 1,100 speakers and 800 exhibitors, and welcomed more than 30 Chinese Mainland and international delegations. The programme was organised by the Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau, the Commerce & Economic Development Bureau and Invest Hong Kong. Throughout the week, speakers explored how financial and technological innovation are reshaping industries, business models and global markets. Artificial intelligence (AI) discussions highlighted both the expanding potential of the technology and the foundations needed to support wider adoption. A key highlight of the week was the finale of Global Fast Track 2026, connecting startups and scale-ups with corporate leaders, investors and potential business partners. Following over 700 applications from more than 120 economies, selected finalists presented their solutions at the main conference. More than 30 delegations from the Chinese Mainland, including those from Beijing, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Zhuhai, as well as delegations from North America, Europe, the Gulf Cooperation Council regions, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Central Asia, and […]

The ninth China International Import Expo is being held from today until November 10 at the National Exhibition & Convention Center in Shanghai, with Chief Executive John Lee attending the expo today. A record high of over 400 Hong Kong enterprises are participating in this year's expo. In the morning, Mr Lee attended the opening ceremony of the expo and the Hongqiao Forum. Later, he accompanied Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang in touring the Hong Kong exhibition area of the China Pavilion. Under the theme “Connectivity & Enterprise”, the Hong Kong exhibition area showcases Hong Kong’s commitment to capitalising on its role as a bridge linking China and the world, and its multiple top rankings in global indexes. Mr Lee attended the “Hong Kong Parallel Session” of the Hongqiao Forum in the afternoon. The session was jointly organised by the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Ministry of Commerce. Mr Lee and Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao both delivered remarks at the session, while Vice Minister of Commerce Yan Dong also attended. Under the theme “Aligning with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, Serving the National Development, & Seizing New Opportunities for Hong Kong”, the session attracted around 400 participants. Mr Lee remarked that this was the first large-scale briefing session held at an international forum since the Hong Kong SAR Government announced Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan, which laid out the city's unique advantages of being […]

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau attended the video conference of the 37th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) ministerial meeting yesterday evening. The theme for APEC this year is “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together”. During a discussion session, Mr Yau emphasised that member economies must collaborate together through enhanced dialogue and co-operation to achieve shared prosperity amid rapidly evolving global landscape and technological advancements. Citing digital transformation as an example, Mr Yau said that practical co-operation is essential for member economies to harness their respective strengths in digital technologies in a people-centred and inclusive manner. He added that Hong Kong is strengthening its research capacity in frontier technologies and launching programmes to promote public awareness and the responsible use of AI. He urged member economies to continue to strengthen connectivity across various areas to enable the efficient flow of goods, services, capital and people, while narrowing development gaps and creating opportunities region-wide. He added that collaborative efforts among member economies should continue to be guided by the Putrajaya Vision 2040 and the Aotearoa Plan of Action. At another discussion session, Mr Yau noted that enhancing economic integration remains a core objective of APEC, with advancing the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) as a direction. “As part […]

Continuing a visit to Beijing, Chief Executive John Lee attended the opening ceremony of the 29th Beijing-Hong Kong Economic Cooperation Symposium this morning. This year's edition of the event is themed “Beijing-Hong Kong: Together into the 15th Five Year Plan”. In a speech at the ceremony, Mr Lee remarked that the symposium has achieved fruitful results over nearly three decades, during which time co-operation between Beijing and Hong Kong has gradually expanded from trade, commerce and infrastructure to high-end areas such as financial services, innovation and technology, green and low-carbon development, intellectual property and professional services. He added that by putting Hong Kong’s international resources at the service of Beijing’s high-quality development, and opening up channels for Beijing’s innovative industries to go global, the symposium has promoted two-way investment and joint development, and played an important role in deepening Beijing-Hong Kong collaboration. Mr Lee said Beijing and Hong Kong can further deepen collaboration in three main directions in the future. These include advancing two-way financial opening-up, where Hong Kong, as the most convenient international financing platform for Beijing enterprises, joins hands with Beijing to expand green finance and offshore renminbi business. Another direction, he said, involves deepening collaboration in innovation and technology, accelerating the development of the Northern […]

The Government today welcomed the passage of the Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework & Amended Common Reporting Standard) Bill 2026 by the Legislative Council. The bill aims to implement, in Hong Kong, the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) and the latest amendments to the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development (OECD). In light of the rapid development of digital asset markets in recent years, the OECD published CARF in 2023 to provide for the automatic exchange of tax information on crypto-asset transactions with partner jurisdictions on an annual basis, and amended the CRS to cover digital financial products and enhance requirements regarding reporting and due diligence. Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui said that implementing the latest international standards for the automatic exchange of information on tax matters is crucial to maintaining Hong Kong's reputation as an international financial and commercial centre. Mr Hui added that aligning with the latest standards will reinforce the confidence of crypto-asset service providers, financial institutions and digital asset users in operating and making long-term investments in Hong Kong. CARF will be implemented in Hong Kong next year when relevant service providers will be required to collect the information specified under the framework, allowing the Inland Revenue Department to […]

A new premium lifestyle-focused international exhibition, The Festival of Connoisseurs, opened at AsiaWorld-Expo today, with Financial Secretary Paul Chan and Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau attending the launch. Addressing the opening ceremony, Mr Chan remarked that the event brings together exquisite craftsmanship and innovative ideas. He said that Hong Kong, leveraging its role as a "super connector" and its unique advantages – such as its free flow of capital, goods, talent and information, its simple and low tax regime, and its position as the gateway to the Greater Bay Area – provides an ideal platform for international brands to showcase quality products, expand their customer base, build partnerships and explore new business opportunities. “A festival like this needs people who appreciate the exhibits, customers who want to buy them, and an environment where business can flourish. Hong Kong brings all three together. “Besides, Hong Kong is a gateway to the Greater Bay Area, a market of more than 88 million people with a growing appetite for quality goods and exceptional experiences.” Mr Chan highlighted that the Government earmarked $100 million in this year's Budget to attract high-quality, large-scale international exhibitions to Hong Kong, adding that this week's festival is the first exhibition to be funded under the initiative. “The Government will continue to consolidate Hong Kong's position as an international […]

Hong Kong's economy is estimated to have grown 5.2% year on year in the third quarter, up from a 4.2% increase in the second quarter. The Census & Statistics Department released its advance estimates of gross domestic product (GDP) for the third quarter today. On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter comparison basis, real GDP increased by 1.9% in the third quarter. The Government said the Hong Kong economy expanded robustly from July through September, underpinned by accelerating growth in exports and solid domestic demand.  It added that, for the first three quarters combined, real GDP grew by 5.1% over a year earlier, the fastest growth for the corresponding period in five years. Looking ahead, the Government said Hong Kong’s economic outlook remains positive, with incoming data pointing to sustained growth momentum. However, it added that persistent uncertainties in the external environment, particularly developments surrounding geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and tighter monetary policies from many major central banks, warrant close monitoring.

The Department of Justice (DoJ) today officially launched the Funding Scheme for LawTech Solution Subscription by the Hong Kong Legal Sector, aiming to boost the local legal sector’s technological capability and fortify the city’s status as an international legal and dispute resolution hub. The scheme is a policy initiative under the Chief Executive's 2026 Policy Address. It will be jointly managed by the Hong Kong Bar Association and the Law Society of Hong Kong, which will handle applications and disburse funds.   Applications are open from today until January 29, 2027. Eligible applicants include sole practitioners, Hong Kong law firms with no more than five partners, and barristers with no more than seven years of call. Deputy Secretary for Justice and Chairman of the Consultation Group on LawTech Development Cheung Kwok-kwan stated that promoting LawTech is a core DoJ policy initiative. He noted that since last year, the DoJ has hosted five rounds of the LexGoTech Roundtables to gather feedback from practitioners, academics and stakeholders. He added that the DoJ is aware that small and medium-sized law firms, as well as junior barristers, are particularly concerned about the financial burden of adopting LawTech tools. The scheme is launched to directly respond to the industry’s needs. He pointed out that small and medium-sized law firms account for about 88% of all law firms in Hong Kong, while junior barristers with less than seven years of call make up […]

The total value of retail sales in September, provisionally estimated at $33.4 billion, was up 6.4% compared with the same month a year earlier, the Census & Statistics Department said today. After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales represents a 3.9% year-on-year increase. Online sales accounted for 13.1% of the total retail sales value in September. Provisionally estimated at $4.4 billion, the value of this segment rose 12% from the same month a year earlier. The value of sales of electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified increased by 9.7% in September 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier. There were also increases in the following categories: jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts (up 20.3%); other consumer goods not elsewhere classified (up 11.5%); food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco (up 5.3%); medicines and cosmetics (up 9%); wearing apparel (up 11.1%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (up 12.4%); furniture and fixtures (up 9%); and optical shops (up 14.6%). Meanwhile, the value of sales of commodities in supermarkets dropped by 1% in September 2026 over a year earlier. This was followed by sales of commodities in department stores (down 4.1%); books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (down 0.5%); fuels (down 3.1%); motor vehicles and parts (down 34.7%); and Chinese drugs and herbs (down 3%). The […]

The 11th edition of the five-day Hong Kong FinTech Week kicked off today at the Convention & Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, drawing over 1,000 government and business leaders and around 800 exhibitors and startups. Opening the event, Chief Executive John Lee highlighted the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s inaugural Five-Year Plan, underscoring the city’s role as a multi-hub powerhouse and driving regional synergy with Shenzhen and the wider Greater Bay Area through the Northern Metropolis serving as a new “South-North dual engine”. Mr Lee said: “Less than two months ago, the Hong Kong SAR Government unveiled Hong Kong’s first-ever Five-Year Plan for Economic & Social Development. It is closely aligned with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, which sets out a clear direction for Hong Kong to leverage its strengths and better integrate into, and serve, the overall national development.” “Our inaugural Five-Year Plan portrays Hong Kong’s outlook for businesses, investors and innovators, helping you capitalise on the far-reaching promise of Hong Kong – the abundance of opportunities arising from national and global development,” Mr Lee added. Mainland enterprises turned out in force. The Shenzhen Fintech Association brought a delegation for the fourth consecutive year, expanding its group to 20 companies, viewing Hong Kong as an ideal “super-connector” and a strategic springboard for global expansion. Meanwhile, the […]

The Major Sports Events Committee today announced it has awarded “M” Mark status to the 2026 World Triathlon Cup - Hong Kong, the BLAST Premier Hong Kong Rivals 2026, and the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (Hong Kong Section) Half Marathon 2026. The triathlon tournament is scheduled for November 7 to 8, followed by the esports tournament from November 13 to 15, and the half-marathon tournament on November 15. Committee Chairman Wilfred Ng said that the World Triathlon Cup allows athletes to showcase their incredible determination against the backdrop of Victoria Harbour and the streets of Central, while the BLAST Premier Hong Kong Rivals draws the attention of esports fans worldwide, and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Half Marathon leverages a world-class landmark to highlight the city’s unique appeal. “Beyond attracting world-class athletes and international visitors to Hong Kong, these events will further consolidate Hong Kong’s position as a centre for international sports events,” he said.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board and Vinexposium, a leading global organiser of wine and spirits trade events, have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a five-year strategic partnership. Under the agreement, Hong Kong will secure exclusive hosting rights for Vinexpo Asia for five consecutive years starting next year. The first annual event under this partnership is scheduled to take place at the Convention & Exhibition Centre, from June 8 to 10 next year. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law and Tourism Board Chairman Peter Lam. Mr Lam thanked Vinexposium, describing the decision as a powerful endorsement of Hong Kong’s unique advantages as an international trade centre. “More importantly, it demonstrates the confidence that global business and event organisers continue to place in Hong Kong. Under this new partnership, we also take Vinexpo Asia beyond the exhibition halls and make it a city-wide event,” he said. Vinexposium Overseas Events Director Deborah Sanchez noted that Hong Kong has always held a special place in Vinexpo Asia's global strategy. “Over nearly three decades here, we have built trusted relationships, strong networks, and an unwavering commitment to this market. And today, what our industry needs is stability, clarity and long-term visibility,” she said. “By establishing Vinexpo Asia here as an annual permanent gathering, we are giving our exhibitors and our […]