Hong Kong has reinforced its status as a premier global business destination with the arrival or expansion of 413 overseas and Chinese Mainland companies in the first half of 2026, according to Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), the government's investment promotion agency. At a welcome reception yesterday for over 380 enterprise representatives, InvestHK announced that these companies are expected to contribute over HK$53 billion (US$6.8 billion) in foreign direct investment and generate more than 8,600 new jobs for the city.
Chief Executive John Lee, speaking at the event, highlighted Hong Kong's competitive advantages. He noted that the city has been ranked the world's freest economy by the Fraser Institute and the second most competitive economy in 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," 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 Mainland China while maintaining close global connections. Its open business environment, low and simple tax regime, and common law system compatible with international financial centers continue to attract foreign investment. Enterprises from diverse sectors have praised the city's ecosystem.
Austrian transport and logistics firm Gebrüder Weiss recently upgraded its Hong Kong office to a regional headquarters for East Asia and Oceania. Regional Director Michael Zankel commented, "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's Global Head of Hospitality & Lifestyle Channels, Merwann Younes, described 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, noted the city'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, while anticipated direct investment surged 36% and new jobs rose 6% year-on-year. Among 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 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 emphasized the HKSAR Government's focus on developing the Northern Metropolis, a new economic engine expected to become an international I&T and business hub. "This will unlock abundant opportunities and shape a prosperous future for Hong Kong," he said, adding that the government is also creating Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan, a strategic blueprint targeting long-term economic momentum, technological advancement, and improved livelihoods.
Full details of InvestHK's investment promotion results for the first half of 2026 can be found at this link.
