Business and Finance Updates from Hong Kong Government

A smart port is one that makes global connections easier through advanced technologies and efficient logistics. Spearheaded by the Transport & Logistics Bureau, Hong Kong’s Port Community System (PCS) is an essential piece of digital infrastructure bolstering the city’s smart port development. The PCS began pilot trials in early 2023 and was officially launched in January of this year. It allows enterprises to perform cargo tracking and cross-border customs clearance via a single platform. End-to-end visibilityOne PCS registrant, and an early adopter of the system during its pilot phase, is a logistics company headquartered in Japan. Operating across markets in Asia, Europe and the Americas, the company has over 700 offices and distribution centres worldwide, and specialises in sectors including healthcare and automobiles. Its Hong Kong branch, a key regional hub, offers a comprehensive suite of freight services, such as international forwarding and door-to-door delivery. With the PCS, the firm has embraced the integration of data on freight logistics and customs clearance status. Its Deputy Head of Air Freight Forwarding Group Kazunori Goto said that the PCS enhances operational efficiency and sidesteps human error. He explained that, prior to the PCS being introduced, data was scattered across multiple platforms. Staff members lacked real-time visibility and spent significant time reconciling conflicting data. “The PCS has effectively resolved these […]

Chief Executive John Lee concluded his trip to Uzbekistan today by meeting local officials and business leaders, and visiting innovation and technology (I&T) and cultural institutions. In the morning, he toured IT Park Uzbekistan, an innovation technology park, and met First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan Ayubkhon Sultonov to exchange views on strengthening co-operation between the two places in I&T and the digital economy.  Mr Lee said: “Our visit to the IT Park is for many purposes, so we come here for building co-operation, cross-fertilising and see what other things that you are doing and what other things we are doing so that we can mutually benefit.” Welcoming the Chief Executive, Mr Sultonov said: “We highly value your visit, we see today's meeting as an important step to develop practical co-operation between Uzbekistan and Hong Kong.” During the meeting, Mr Lee also witnessed the exchange of memorandum of understanding (MoU) or the confirmation of intention to co-operate between IT Park Uzbekistan and Hong Kong's three major I&T parks - Cyberport, the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation & Technology Park - to promote closer co-operation between the two places on various fronts, including startup incubation, talent exchanges and joint research and development. In the afternoon, the Chief Executive visited the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan to […]

Chief Executive John Lee today led a business delegation comprising representatives from Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises to begin a visit to Uzbekistan. Mr Lee and the delegation arrived in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, last night and met Uzbek Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov. Mr Lee and Mr Saidov jointly witnessed an exchange of notes between the two places on a mutual visa-free arrangement, which would allow a visa-free period of 30 days for visitors from both sides. The governments of both places will immediately advance discussions of the detailed arrangements to strive for early implementation. Mr Lee said he looked forward to the early advancement of the relevant visa-free arrangement with Uzbekistan. This morning, Mr Lee met Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov and Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev to discuss ways to deepen economic and trade exchanges and co-operation. Mr Lee said that he was pleased to have the opportunity of meeting them in Uzbekistan for the first time, following his earlier meeting the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister in Hong Kong, when they led their delegations to visit the city. The Chief Executive noted that Hong Kong and Uzbekistan are respectively important gateways for trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific and Central Asian regions. The two places can leverage their complementary strengths to further enhance economic and trade co-operation and help enterprises explore broader markets. Mr Lee […]

Chief Executive John Lee today continued his trip to Kazakhstan by visiting a local university and meeting its President to exchange views on strengthening higher education collaboration between the two places. In the morning, Mr Lee led a delegation to visit Nazarbayev University in Astana and was greeted by its President Prof Waqar Ahmad. Following a meeting with the professor, Mr Lee attended a signing ceremony for Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between the university and Hong Kong higher education institutions. He iterated that Hong Kong is promoting the “Study in Hong Kong” brand and offering the Belt & Road (B&R) Scholarship. Currently, about 500 Kazakhstani students are studying in Hong Kong, making them one of the largest groups among Hong Kong’s B&R student community. Mr Lee welcomed more Kazakhstani students to come to Hong Kong for study and career development, and further promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two places. He noted that Nazarbayev University is Central Asia’s No. 1 university, and the place where President Xi Jinping first proposed the joint building of the Silk Road Economic Belt in 2013, marking the profoundly significant genesis of the B&R Initiative. Nazarbayev University today signed MOUs with the Education University of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University to continuously deepen academic exchanges and research collaboration. Today's pacts followed a 2025 MOU that was signed […]

Chief Executive John Lee continued his trip to Kazakhstan by meeting Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, visiting various enterprises, and witnessing the achievement of multiple outcomes among government departments, enterprises and organisations of Hong Kong, the Mainland and Kazakhstan. In the morning, Mr Lee visited a national investment holding company and met its Chairman of the Board Rustam Timurovich Karagoishin. He welcomed the company to explore the development potential of the Northern Metropolis and jointly create new business opportunities. The Chief Executive then met Olzhas Bektenov to exchange views on strengthening bilateral co-operation. He expressed hope that Hong Kong and Kazakhstan would strengthen hub-to-hub connectivity. Mr Lee then attended and gave a speech at a business luncheon, noting that he was pleased to announce that multiple outcomes had been achieved during this visit. Notably, Hong Kong and Kazakhstan have agreed to push ahead at full speed with exploratory discussions on a Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement, and discussions on an Investment Promotion & Protection Agreement, with the aim of concluding such agreements as soon as possible. Additionally, a Hong Kong airline plans to launch direct flights to Almaty in the first quarter of 2027, further promoting economic, trade and people-to-people exchanges. Mr Lee said that the Hong Kong business delegation has so far concluded a total of 43 memoranda of […]

The Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme is inviting applications from non-profit-distributing organisations for a new round of funding starting today. The application deadline is August 31. Eligible applicants include professional bodies, trade and industrial organisations and research institutes. With a $200 million allocation, the scheme offers subsidies to non-profit, industry-led projects. These initiatives must boost exchanges and co-operation between local professionals and external counterparts, enhance sector standards or promote Hong Kong’s professional services globally. The scheme covers sectors such as accounting, legal, architecture, engineering, healthcare, information and communications technology, design and technical testing. It accepts both sector-specific and cross-sectoral projects. The maximum grant is $3 million per project or 90% of the total approved cost, whichever is lower. As of early May 2026, more than 130 projects had been funded, covering project deliverables in Hong Kong and elsewhere. The Government has also set aside $50 million to launch the Professionals Participation Subsidy Programme under the scheme. The programme subsidises major professional bodies to join Government and Trade Development Council activities. This participation aims to promote Hong Kong’s competitiveness and professional services to the Mainland and overseas markets. Both the scheme and the programme accept applications all year round, with […]

Chief Executive John Lee today led a joint Hong Kong-Mainland business delegation to Kazakhstan, kicking off an official visit aimed at deepening economic co-operation.   Mr Lee began the morning by meeting Kazakhstan Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin. During the meeting, Mr Lee highlighted Kazakhstan’s rapid economic growth driven by its ongoing structural reforms. He noted that Hong Kong, as a leading international financial centre, the world’s largest cross-boundary wealth management centre and a premier offshore renminbi business hub is uniquely positioned to support these reforms. The city can provide flexible, diversified capital and asset allocation solutions to fuel Kazakhstan's infrastructure and economic projects.  The Chief Executive welcomed Kazakhstan's government and local enterprises to leverage Hong Kong's financial advantages. He encouraged them to list, issue bonds and secure project financing in the city to connect with global investors, raise international funds and add value to local development initiatives. Mr Lee then met Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at noon to discuss deepening bilateral relations, before attending an official luncheon hosted by the President.  The Chief Executive highlighted Kazakhstan’s significance as the birthplace of the Belt & Road Initiative, where President Xi Jinping first proposed the Silk Road Economic Belt in 2013. The country is currently Hong Kong's […]

The Highways Department (HyD) held its 40th anniversary celebration ceremony today, highlighting four decades of contributions to Hong Kong’s transport infrastructure and regional connectivity.  Financial Secretary Paul Chan, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong, Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan and Director of Highways Tony Yau officiated at the event. Over 300 distinguished guests attended, including representatives from the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Executive Council members, over 30 Legislative Council members, heads of bureaus and departments, and construction industry leaders. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Chan commended the HyD for its pivotal role in the city’s growth. He noted that through the joint efforts of the HyD and other government departments, Hong Kong has established an extensive road and railway network. This infrastructure spans the territory and connects directly with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, facilitating public mobility, supporting economic development and promoting regional integration. Mr Chan also praised department staff for remaining steadfast at their posts to monitor roads, bridges, tunnels and street lighting, ensuring a smooth and reliable transport system. The Government will increase investment in public works over the coming years, particularly by accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis. This […]

A delegation led by Chief Executive John Lee will visit Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in June to establish new trade routes for Hong Kong. Commissioner for Belt & Road Nicholas Ho believes that Hong Kong and Central Asian countries have significant bilateral development potential. Mr Ho said there are areas of co-operation that Hong Kong and Central Asia can further explore. “Number one is natural resources. These state-owned companies are looking for a platform, a market to list their companies and to fundraise. Hong Kong can empower that. “Second is green development. Hong Kong has a comprehensive green economic engine, from green finance to green industry, green technologies, green standards, and green professional services; with these, we can help Central Asian countries to reach carbon neutrality a lot sooner. “Third is digital economy. Many Central Asian countries are driving artificial intelligence and digital development, and they are hoping that Hong Kong can help them get there faster. “Fourth is tourism infrastructure. Central Asia has a lot of rich tourism assets, and Hong Kong service providers and hospitality brands can help invest and develop Central Asian countries to unlock these tourism treasures.” Opening doorsMr Ho added that Hong Kong is the ideal Belt & Road trading hub. Compared with 2020, Hong Kong's total merchandise trade with Central Asia had increased by 27% in 2025. He expressed confidence that the Chief Executive's visits […]

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today welcomed the State Council's approval of exemption of the requirement of a guarantee and implementation of temporary ship nationality registration for Hong Kong and Macau yachts temporarily entering and exiting the Chinese Mainland through designated ports in the nine cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and only navigating within these cities. The Transport & Logistics Bureau noted that under the new policy, the exemption for the requirement for a guarantee will significantly reduce the financial burden on owners of Hong Kong and Macau yachts when handling cross-boundary procedures. Meanwhile, the temporary ship nationality registration allows Hong Kong and Macau yachts to obtain temporary ship nationality certificates issued by Chinese Mainland without affecting their original ship registration, enabling individual yacht travel within the waters of the nine Chinese Mainland cities in the GBA. In addition, the Marine Department is actively co-ordinating with the Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration on facilitation measures for southbound travel for yachts from the Chinese Mainland. 

President of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong Wingco Lo will accompany Chief Executive John Lee on an upcoming delegation to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The visit will evaluate local business conditions, investment policies and industrial support to facilitate the entry of Hong Kong enterprises into the Central Asian market. Highlighting the importance of the region, Mr Lo noted that Central Asian countries are key members of the Belt & Road Initiative and represent fast-growing economies. "We want to have a strong connection with Central Asia in the future," he said. "We want to identify business opportunities by visiting local enterprises and infrastructure projects. We can better understand the latest developments in areas such as innovation, technology, manufacturing, green development and trade. This will help our Hong Kong businesses access and explore more opportunities there." While Mr Lo acknowledged that Hong Kong’s current trade volume with Central Asia remains lower than that of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Middle East, both regarded as leading emerging markets, he emphasised that the region's accelerating opening-up process gives it significant market potential and strategic importance. "The gross domestic product growth each year is over 6% or 7%," he observed. "It is a very important logistics hub in Central Asia, especially with the direct railway from China to Europe, which must pass through the region. […]

Chief Executive John Lee will lead a business delegation to visit Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on Sunday, with a view to strengthening exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and Central Asia in areas including finance, trade, infrastructure, innovation and technology (I&T), and green development. The delegation also aims to create trade corridors and explore market opportunities. Mr Lee will start his visit in Kazakhstan before proceeding to Uzbekistan on June 3. He will meet senior government officials of the two countries, lead delegates in connecting with local business representatives, promote Hong Kong’s advantages, expand business networks, and tour various enterprises and facilities. Highlighting that Central Asia offers vast scope for collaboration, the Chief Executive said the delegation will further harness Hong Kong’s advantages under “one country, two systems” in connecting the Mainland and the world, support Mainland enterprises in going global, and capitalise on complementary strengths. He added that the delegation will promote Hong Kong’s advantages, as well as investment opportunities in the city, thereby encouraging Central Asian enterprises to utilise Hong Kong as a platform for business expansion and leverage its role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”. The largest of its kind under the current-term Government, the delegation will comprise over 40 Hong Kong business and professional representatives, as well as about […]

Federation of Hong Kong Industries Chairman Antony Lam, who will be part of a Chief Executive-led delegation visiting Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan early next month, believes the trip will offer a good start to exploring the Central Asian market.  Mr Lam said it provides an opportunity to learn more about the region’s economic development, as Hong Kong companies are relatively unfamiliar with Central Asian countries. He also highlighted that Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are executing massive industrial upgrades and both boast enormous market potential. “This is a great opportunity for Hong Kong companies to participate in the development and the growth of Central Asian countries,” he said. Mr Lam added that the Central Asian market is crucial for Hong Kong’s plan to become a commodities trading hub as both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have substantial natural resources, such as minerals. The Federation of Hong Kong Industries has also established a Commodities Council dedicated to developing related trading activities. Mr Lam hopes the federation can serve as a bridge to open up trade channels between Hong Kong and Central Asia. It has been seeking to establish partnerships with local companies, and many of its members have already invested in both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in areas such as 3D printing technology for medical applications.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today welcomed the Ministry of Finance’s announcement that is has successfully issued renminbi (RMB) sovereign green bonds totalling RMB6 billion, marking the central government’s first such issuance in the city. Total subscriptions amounted to RMB62.4 billion - 10.4 times the issue size. The three-year bonds were oversubscribed by 9.8 times, while the five-year bonds were oversubscribed by 11 times, highlighting strong market demand. To be listed on Hong Kong’s stock exchange, all proceeds raised from the bond issuance will be applied to eligible green expenditures under the central fiscal budget in accordance with the People's Republic of China Sovereign Green Bond Framework. Financial Secretary Paul Chan noted that the issuance strengthens the role of Hong Kong's “Finance+” development strategy in supporting national high-quality development. "This issuance will further enhance the yield curve for Hong Kong's offshore RMB bond market, provide a new investment benchmark for international capital, and attract more cross-boundary RMB financing and trading activities to Hong Kong,” he said. “It will also support the efficient matching of global capital with the country's high-quality green projects. By giving strong impetus to the green transition while delivering reasonable returns for investors, the issuance will help attract more long-term capital into the green sector and promote sustainable […]

As Chief Executive John Lee prepares to lead a delegation to Central Asia in early June, a key figure in the city’s financial sector believes the region is a key market to watch. Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing (HKEX) Chief Executive Officer Bonnie Chan will join the delegation which will visit Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, aiming to expand Hong Kong’s economic and trade ties with Central Asia. She remarked that last year’s dual listing of a mining company in Hong Kong and Kazakhstan shows there is room for deeper co-operation between the two markets. Ms Chan added that she hopes the visit will create opportunities to connect with more local enterprises, and believes more Central Asian companies will look to Hong Kong as a fundraising platform. She said HKEX has noted growing interest from Central Asian companies in tapping Hong Kong for fundraising beyond the equities market. “There is actually a strong indication of interest in terms of these Central Asian companies issuing bonds. “Dim sum bonds, I think, have been increasingly popular, so I think this coincides with Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing’s strategy to diversify beyond equities.” Meanwhile, Managing Director & Head of Global Issuer Services at HKEX Johnson Chui said several successful fundraising cases involving Hong Kong last year have helped boost interest from Central Asia. Mr Chui said a number of Kazakhstani issuers had successfully completed fundraising and listings in Hong Kong […]