Hong Kong continues to solidify its status as a premier global business destination, with Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announcing on June 25 that 413 overseas and Chinese Mainland companies have established or expanded their presence in the city during the first half of 2026. 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 a press release from the government's investment promotion agency.
At a welcome reception for over 380 representatives of these companies, Chief Executive John Lee emphasized Hong Kong's strengths, 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 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 integrates seamlessly with international financial centers. These advantages continue to attract diverse enterprises. For instance, 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 also expanded its presence, with Global Head of Hospitality & Lifestyle Channels Merwann Younes describing 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, highlighted Hong Kong's appeal for startups: "It is a very good melting pot for talent and opportunities and for growth."
InvestHK's first-half results show a 9% increase in completed projects compared to the same period in 2025, with anticipated direct investment up 36% and new jobs rising 6% year-on-year. The 413 enterprises originate from various regions, including 246 from the Chinese Mainland, 26 from Singapore, 21 from the United States, 18 from the United Kingdom, 11 from France, and 11 from Italy. The top five sectors are 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 announced that the HKSAR Government is expediting development of the Northern Metropolis, a new economic engine designed to become an international innovation and technology and business hub. "This will unlock abundant opportunities and shape a prosperous future for Hong Kong," he said, adding that the government is creating Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan, a strategic blueprint focusing on long-term economic momentum, technology advancement, and improving livelihoods. The full investment promotion results for the first half of 2026 are available at this link.
