Hong Kong celebrated a significant milestone in its post-pandemic economic resurgence as more than 380 representatives of global enterprises gathered yesterday for a welcome reception hosted by Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK). The event marked the arrival or expansion of 413 overseas and Chinese mainland companies in the first half of 2026, a 9% increase over the same period last year. These firms are projected to inject over HK$53 billion (US$6.8 billion) in foreign direct investment and create more than 8,600 new jobs, underscoring Hong Kong's continued attractiveness as a premier business destination.
Chief Executive John Lee addressed the reception, emphasizing Hong Kong's unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle. "In choosing Hong Kong for your Asian and global business expansion, you share my belief in Hong Kong's flourishing future," Lee said. He cited the city's ranking as the world's freest economy by the Fraser Institute and its second-place standing in the latest IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook. Lee highlighted Hong Kong's open business environment, simple and low tax regime, and common law system that connects seamlessly with global financial centers.
Among the expanding companies, Austria-based transport and logistics firm Gebrüder Weiss 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, represented by Global Head of Hospitality & Lifestyle Channels Merwann Younes, praised 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 develops AI-powered simulation games for neurodivergent children, said Hong Kong is "a very good melting pot for talent and opportunities and for growth."
InvestHK's first-half results revealed that anticipated direct investment rose 36% year-on-year, while new jobs created increased by 6%. 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 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, Chief Executive Lee announced that the HKSAR Government is accelerating development of the Northern Metropolis, envisioned as an international innovation and technology and business hub. "This will unlock abundant opportunities and shape a prosperous future for Hong Kong," Lee said. He also revealed that Hong Kong is creating its first Five-Year Plan, a strategic blueprint focusing on long-term economic momentum, technological advancement, and improving livelihoods. The full investment promotion results are available at this link.
