HKETO Newsletter July 2026
Dear friends,
Hong Kong got off to a strong start in 2026. Our economy expanded by a robust 5.9% year-on-year in the first quarter, building on the 3.5% growth seen in 2025.
Indeed, last year was a record-breaking year for Hong Kong. Despite ongoing geopolitical volatility reshaping markets and the flow of capital, the global business and investment communities have expressed confidence in Hong Kong. A record 11 000 foreign and Chinese Mainland companies are now operating in Hong Kong, marking an 11% year-on-year increase. Hong Kong reclaimed its position as the world’s leading IPO venue, raising over EUR 30 billion (HK$285.8 billion) across more than 110 listings. This strong momentum continued into the first half of 2026, with approximately HK$166.8 billion recorded in the first five months — over twice that of the same period the previous year.
Hong Kong is also rapidly emerging as an international centre for innovation and technology, as well as an international education hub. This is supported by the industry-driven, infrastructure-led development of the 30 000-hectare Northern Metropolis project, which is set to become a powerhouse for high-end industries and university towns to promote deeper cooperation between industry, academia, and the research sector.
The Hong Kong Government is accelerating the development of Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, as well as San Tin Technopole at the Northern Metropolis, which is located adjacent to the innovation and technology clusters in Shenzhen. The Government has also started the planning of University Town projects in the Northern Metropolis, with two high-level delegations from Hong Kong that visited Germany and Switzerland in May. The Northern Metropolis welcomes companies, educational institutions and talent, and offers investment opportunities to capital from around the world.
Beyond business, Hong Kong is also an attractive destination for tourists to experience the fascinating blend of East-meets-West culture. Just in the first five months of 2026, roughly 23 million visitor arrivals were recorded, marking a 14% year-on-year increase. For the coming summer holiday, I also warmly invite you to visit Hong Kong to experience the charm and hospitality of our city.
Stay connected with us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for latest updates and exciting developments on Hong Kong. Enjoy reading!
Billy Leung
Acting Director, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin
Visits of Principal Officials from Hong Kong
The Chief Secretary for Administration, Chan Kwok-ki, led a delegation of the Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town on a visit to Germany in May.READ ARTICLE
Business Outreach in Europe
In February and March, HKETO Berlin continued the tradition of hosting eight Chinese New Year receptions in major cities of the eight countries covered by HKETO Berlin, including Berlin, Ljubljana, Zurich, Budapest, Warsaw, Prague, Bratislava and Vienna.READ ARTICLE
Culture Promotion
In February, HKETO Berlin supported the screening of two Hong Kong films by Wong Kar-wai, namely “Happy Together” and “In the Mood for Love”, at the Filmasia Presents Festival held in Brno, Czechia.READ ARTICLE