Over 380 representatives from global enterprises gathered in Hong Kong on June 25 for a welcome reception hosted by InvestHK, the government's investment promotion agency. The event celebrated the arrival or expansion of 413 overseas and Chinese Mainland companies in the first half of 2026, a development expected to inject over HK$53 billion (US$6.8 billion) in foreign direct investment and create more than 8,600 new jobs.
Chief Executive John Lee addressed the reception, highlighting Hong Kong's status as the world's freest economy according to the Fraser Institute and the second most competitive economy per 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, Lee emphasized Hong Kong's unique advantages, including strong support from China, an open business environment, low taxes, and a common law system that connects seamlessly with global financial centers.
The newly arrived companies span diverse sectors. 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, represented by 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, praised Hong Kong as “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. 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 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, Chief Executive Lee announced that the HKSAR Government is accelerating development of the Northern Metropolis, a new economic engine poised to become an international innovation and technology and business hub. “This will unlock abundant opportunities and shape a prosperous future for Hong Kong,” Lee said. He also revealed that the government is crafting Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan, a strategic blueprint focusing on long-term economic momentum, advancing technology, and improving livelihoods. The full investment promotion results are available at the government information site.
