The inaugural LEAP East 2026 concluded on July 10 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, drawing more than 35,000 technology professionals, policymakers, and investors from 30 countries and regions. The three-day event, the first LEAP summit held outside Saudi Arabia, featured over 340 speakers, 450 exhibitors, and more than 400 investors, covering fields such as artificial intelligence, deep tech, smart cities, and new energy industries.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan highlighted the significance of the turnout at the opening ceremony, stating that it reflects the global appeal of LEAP East and the strength of a shared vision. He also announced that the conference will continue to be held in Hong Kong for the next three years. The event underscored the deepening partnership between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia, with top officials including Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, and Abdullah Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Saudi Arabia, in attendance.
Chan emphasized Hong Kong's unique position as a gateway connecting the Chinese Mainland with the world, citing the city's common law system, robust intellectual property protection, free flow of capital and data, low taxes, and stability as foundations for business and innovation. He invited Saudi and Gulf enterprises to use Hong Kong as an international fundraising and risk-management platform, and expressed commitment to strengthening cooperation in innovation, infrastructure, green technology, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and professional services.
Professor Sun noted that the HKSAR government's efforts in promoting innovation and technology are bearing fruit, with the number of start-ups surging by 40% since 2021 to 5,200 in 2025. The Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster ranked first globally in the Global Innovation Index 2025, and Hong Kong ranked fourth globally in the World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2025 and second in the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026. Hong Kong also topped the world in IPOs in 2025, with 119 listings raising approximately US$35 billion.
Chan revealed plans to lead a Hong Kong delegation to Saudi Arabia later this year, bringing leading companies in infrastructure, green tech, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing, along with finance and professional services professionals, to explore concrete projects and further partnerships. For more information, visit the Brand Hong Kong website.
