Hong Kong has unveiled its first Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development (2026-2030), alongside the 2026 Policy Address, outlining a comprehensive strategy to reinforce its position as a leading international financial, maritime, trade, and aviation center. Chief Executive John Lee announced the plan on September 16, emphasizing the need to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's competitive edge as an international city. The plan focuses on strengthening the four centres—finance, trade, maritime, and aviation—while developing a hub for high-calibre talent.
Under the plan, Hong Kong will deepen its global offshore Renminbi business, expand capital markets, and develop as an international asset and wealth management center. The city has already become the world's largest cross-boundary wealth management center this year. A key initiative is the development of a commodity trading ecosystem, starting with gold, including the launch of a central clearing and settlement system for gold in the first quarter of 2027. Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, noted that the plan represents a mindset shift, aiming to elevate Hong Kong from a 'corridor of capital' to a 'destination of choice'.
In trade, Hong Kong ranked as the world's fifth-largest merchandise trading entity in 2025. The government plans to consolidate its status as an international trade center and support Mainland enterprises going global. Since October, a task force has assisted over 340 Mainland enterprises with listing, compliance, and certification. The plan also includes forging free trade and investment agreements with strategic economies and expanding overseas offices. Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, said the plan aligns with the National 15th Five-Year Plan's call for multilateralism and expanding international economic and trade networks.
As an international maritime center, Hong Kong has ranked fourth globally in maritime comprehensive strength for seven consecutive years. The plan aims to transform the Hong Kong Port from 'volume to value', developing high value-added maritime services and promoting 'Finance + Shipping' to create an integrated ecosystem where Hong Kong-invested enterprises adopt Hong Kong law, insurance, and arbitration. In aviation, Hong Kong's airport has been the world's busiest cargo airport for 15 years since 2010, with passenger throughput up 15% to 61 million and cargo throughput at 5.07 million tonnes. The government will expand aviation networks and air services agreements to new regions.
Furthermore, Hong Kong aims to become an international innovation and technology center, promoting AI applications and focusing on life and health, AI and robotics, microelectronics, new energy, advanced manufacturing, and new materials. The plan targets raising innovation expenditure to 3% of GDP after 2030. For more details, refer to the Factsheets: Hong Kong's New Chapter / The Story Begins and the official https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/ website.
