Hong Kong is celebrating a significant influx of global enterprises, with 413 newly arrived or expanded overseas and Chinese Mainland companies expected to generate over HK$53 billion (US$6.8 billion) in foreign direct investment and create more than 8,600 new jobs, according to Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK). The government's investment promotion agency announced the results at a welcome reception yesterday for representatives of these companies.
Chief Executive John Lee highlighted Hong Kong's status as one of the world's best places to do business, citing its ranking as the freest economy by the Fraser Institute and the second most competitive economy according to the 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,' Mr 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 offers an open and business-friendly environment, a simple and low tax regime, and a common law system that connects seamlessly with global financial centres. These advantages have attracted companies from diverse sectors and regions. 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 represented include innovation and technology (93), financial services and fintech (89), tourism and hospitality (55), transport, logistics and industrials (44), and business and professional services (39). Notable companies such as Gebrüder Weiss, Moleskine, and Unlimitics shared their positive experiences. Michael Zankel, Regional Director East Asia/Oceania of Austria-based transport and logistics firm Gebrüder Weiss, 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.'
Merwann Younes, Global Head of Hospitality & Lifestyle Channels for Italian company Moleskine, 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, said Hong Kong is 'a very good melting pot for talent and opportunities and for growth.'
InvestHK's first-half results for 2026 show a 9% increase in completed projects compared to the same period in 2025, with anticipated direct investment up 36% and new jobs created rising 6% year-on-year. Looking ahead, Chief Executive Lee said the HKSAR Government is expediting development of the Northern Metropolis, a new economic engine destined to become an international I&T and business hub. 'This will unlock abundant opportunities and shape a prosperous future for Hong Kong,' Mr Lee said, adding that the government is creating Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan to focus on long-term economic momentum, advancing technology, and improving livelihoods.
Detailed investment promotion results are available at: InvestHK first-half 2026 results.
