Hong Kong celebrated a significant influx of global enterprises on June 25, as more than 380 representatives joined a welcome reception for 413 newly arrived or expanded overseas and Chinese Mainland companies. Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), the government's investment promotion agency, announced impressive results for the first half of 2026, revealing that these enterprises are expected to bring in over HK$53 billion (US$6.8 billion) in foreign direct investment and create over 8,600 new jobs for Hong Kong.
Speaking at the reception, John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), highlighted Hong Kong's competitive edge, noting its ranking as the world's freest economy by the Fraser Institute and the second most competitive economy according to 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," Mr. 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 seamlessly connects with global financial centres.
Representatives from several global enterprises shared their positive experiences. Austria-based transport and logistics firm Gebrüder Weiss recently upgraded its Hong Kong office to become regional headquarters in East Asia and Oceania. Its Regional Director East Asia/Oceania, Michael Zankel, said, "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's Global Head of Hospitality & Lifestyle Channels, Merwann Younes, 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, which developed an AI-powered school simulation game for neurodivergent children, noted Hong Kong is "a very good melting pot for talent and opportunities and for growth."
InvestHK's first-half results for 2026 showed 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 five sectors represented were 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, Mr. Lee said the HKSAR Government is expediting development of the Northern Metropolis, a new economic engine destined to rise as an international I&T and business hub. "This will unlock abundant opportunities and shape a prosperous future for Hong Kong," Mr. Lee added, noting that the government is creating Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan, a strategic blueprint focusing on long-term economic momentum, advancing technology, and improving livelihoods. Detailed results are available at InvestHK's investment promotion results.
