Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Exchange Fund Position at end-June 2026 The Exchange Fund recorded an investment income of HK$134.7 billion in the first half of 2026. The main components were: Fees on placements by the Fiscal Reserves and placements by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government funds and statutory bodies were HK$10.9 billion (Note 3) and HK$5.8 billion respectively in the first half of 2026, with the rate of fee payment at 4.8 per cent for 2026.
Total assets of the Exchange Fund stood at HK$4,463.6 billion at end-June 2026, an increase of HK$302.4 billion from the end of 2025. Accumulated surplus stood at HK$862.7 billion at end-June 2026.
The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said, “Despite brief periods of heightened market volatility in March due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, global market sentiment staged a notable recovery in the second quarter as tensions moderated. For the first half of 2026 as a whole, the global financial markets performed well in general. Specifically, driven by artificial intelligence (AI)-related investment demand, the strong performance in the semiconductor and technology hardware sectors propelled the US and several major Asia-Pacific equity markets to new highs again. As for the bond market, the US Treasury yield curve generally shifted upward in the first half following market concerns over rising US inflation, which were triggered by surges in international oil prices and supply chain disruptions.
“Against this market backdrop, the Exchange Fund recorded an investment income of HK$134.7 billion in the first half of 2026. Despite losses on investments in Hong Kong equities due to the broad market decline, the Exchange Fund’s overall equity holdings achieved solid gains, driven by the strong performance in other equities. As for bond investments, US dollar bond yields remained at relatively high levels, continuing to provide steady interest income for the bond portfolio. Additionally, the Exchange Fund registered a positive currency translation effect on its non-Hong Kong dollar assets due to exchange rate movements.”
He added, “Looking ahead to the second half of the year, the global investment markets face multiple uncertainties. Following the marked increase in prices of AI-related assets, some market participants have begun to focus on whether major corrections will occur and affect the broader market. On monetary policy, the Federal Reserve (Fed)’s policy path forward remains dependent on uncertainties around the inflation trends and labour market conditions in the US. In addition, with the Fed’s recent pivoting away from forward guidance, the financial markets may become more sensitive to incoming economic data, potentially amplifying market volatility. Should geopolitical tensions escalate again and disrupt global supply chains and energy prices, market concerns over the inflation and interest rate outlook may be deepened. Moreover, due to frequent fluctuations in exchange rates, the investment gains from the positive foreign currency translation effect in the first half of 2026 may not be sustained through the second half of the year.
“In the face of the complex and volatile investment environment, the HKMA will continue to adhere to the principle of capital preservation first while maintaining long-term growth. We will continue to manage the Exchange Fund with prudence and flexibility, implement appropriate defensive measures, and maintain a high degree of liquidity. We will also continue our investment diversification to strive for higher long-term returns, and ensure that the Exchange Fund remains effective in achieving its purpose of maintaining monetary and financial stability of Hong Kong.”
Note 1: This is primarily the effect of translating foreign currency assets into Hong Kong dollar after deducting the portion for currency hedging. Note 2: This is the valuation change of investments held by investment holding subsidiaries of the Exchange Fund. This figure reflects the valuations at the end of March 2026. Valuation changes of these investments from April to June are not yet available. Note 3: This does not include the 2026 fee payment to the Future Fund because such amount will only be disclosed when the composite rate for 2026 is available.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Second round of Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme opens for applications “A total of 30 applications were received in the first round of applications. The Commission is finalising the funding terms with the universities concerned on eight applications that have been supported in principle. The Commission encourages universities to continue to tap into the FTRSS to attract more international top-notch talent to Hong Kong to spearhead basic research in frontier fields, thereby expanding Hong Kong’s research capacities, promoting the integrated development of education, technology and talent, as well as dovetailing with the country’s strategic planning on frontier technologies,” a spokesman for the Commission said.
Under the FTRSS, the Government will provide funding support, on a matching basis, to the eight universities funded by the University Grants Committee in attracting international top-notch researchers to Hong Kong and procuring facilities to conduct research projects in frontier technology fields. Assessment criteria include, among others, academic achievements of the leading talent and the extent of their commitment to participating in the research projects, as well as the technical excellence, originality and potential of the research projects for scientific breakthroughs in frontier technology fields.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Results of applications for 15th-round funding exercise of Arts Capacity Development Funding Scheme announced The successful applications of the 15th round are of a high standard, with a diverse representation covering arts education/appreciation/promotion, community arts, media arts, multi-disciplinary arts, music and theatre. The successful applicants (categories and names of organisations in alphabetical order) are as follows:
Name of organisationImmersive Theatre x Mental Resilience x Sustainability The 15th-round funding exercise continues to implement the Incentive Matching Sum initiative to encourage successful Project Grant applicants to seek non-government sponsorships and/or donations during project implementation, offering each successful applicant an extra matching sum up to a ceiling of $800,000.
Introduced by the Government in 2011, the ACDFS aims to provide funding support for innovative and impactful proposals that contribute to the objectives of capacity development of arts practitioners, arts groups, art forms and/or the arts sector; programme/content development; audience building and arts education. The funding scheme is administered on the advice of the Advisory Committee on Arts Development. Members of the Committee take part in the assessment of applications together with Expert Advisers. A total of 95 applications were assessed in the 15th-round funding exercise. Issued at HKT 15:24
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
DH launches Annual Training Programme on Tobacco Control 2026, featuring optimised curriculum structure and record number of registrants from WHO Western Pacific Region In April 2012, the DH was designated by the WHO to establish the WHO Collaborating Centre for Smoking Cessation and Treatment of Tobacco Dependence in Hong Kong, China, to serve as a regional hub that supports tobacco control and smoking cessation training for other member countries and regions within the Western Pacific Region.
“This year’s Programme takes the form of webinars. Starting from today, one session will be held each month until November. Over 900 tobacco control professionals from the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), Macao SAR, Japan, Laos, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Mongolia, Palau, the Philippines and the Solomon Islands are participating. Previously, the Programme consisted of short-term in-person or online courses lasting five consecutive days. In response to the participants’ feedback and needs, we have further optimised the curriculum structure this year by organising five webinars over five months to provide greater flexibility, making it easier for interested tobacco control professionals from various regions to participate. The response to this new model has been excellent, with the number of registrants far exceeding previous years,” said the Head of TACO, Dr Manny Lam.
The Programme is structured according to the core pillars of tobacco control introduced by the WHO. Over 10 overseas and local experts were invited to share their knowledge and valuable practical experiences in tobacco control, enabling participants to master techniques and strategies in tobacco control-related areas such as policies, legislation, law enforcement, health economics, publicity and advocacy, as well as the development of smoking cessation services and assessments to a further extent. Through this systematic training, participants will be equipped with the knowledge necessary to formulate comprehensive strategies to control the tobacco epidemic and counter emerging threats, and to plan tobacco control measures in a more forward-looking manner. The Programme also facilitates experience sharing in the region, enhancing the effectiveness of tobacco control efforts in the Western Pacific Region and collectively safeguarding public health.
The Technical Lead for Tobacco-Free Initiatives at the WHO’s Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Ms Mina Kashiwabara, welcomed the active participation of the Western Pacific Region. She said, “Every new participant strengthens our collective capacity to protect current and future generations from the harms of tobacco use and nicotine addiction.”
In addition to regularly organising the Programme, TACO also provides comprehensive smoking cessation training courses annually for healthcare professionals in the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR to enhance their capabilities in providing counselling and treatment for tobacco dependence. Furthermore, TACO organises annual training courses on Chinese medicine acupuncture to help frontline Chinese medicine practitioners from the three areas further improve their knowledge and skills in smoking cessation. The DH has also prepared a variety of resources for healthcare professionals, including patient pamphlets, referral forms to cessation clinics, “Very Brief Advice” and “Brief Intervention on Smoking Cessation” delivery toolkits, online training courses, and a Practical Handbook for Smoking Cessation Treatments. These resources are designed to support healthcare professionals in helping smokers quit through various channels. Relevant information has been uploaded to TACO’s website Members of the public can call 1833 183 or visit the smoking cessation thematic websiteIssued at HKT 15:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Siu Sai Wan Family Medicine Clinic to commence service August 1 Aside from providing doctor consultation services, the SSWFMC will also provide other services through its multidisciplinary healthcare teams such as personalised preventive screenings and care, chronic disease management, vaccinations, and health education. With the commencement of services at the new clinic, service capacity will be increased, and collaboration will be enhanced with primary healthcare services in the district to better address local health needs.
The spokesperson said, “The SSWFMC adopts a family medicine service model and is committed to providing comprehensive, holistic, continuous and prevention-oriented primary healthcare services. The new clinic has both improved the environment and facilities, and strengthened multidisciplinary healthcare collaboration and professional training to further enhance the overall family medicine services in the district.”
In order to ensure that the public are aware of the relevant service arrangements, the Hong Kong Island Cluster will inform residents in the district through various channels, including arranging local District Council members to visit the clinic to better understand the clinic’s facilities and services. Some patients with chronic illnesses requiring regular follow-ups at the five FMCs in the Eastern District have also been individually notified and arranged with future follow-up appointments at the SSWFMC.
Patients with episodic illnesses can make appointments via the Telephone Appointment System (telephone number: 3153 2930) or the HA Go mobile application’s “Book FMC” function. For general enquiries, members of the public can contact the clinic at 3865 7451.
Clinic address2/F, Siu Sai Wan Health Integrated Building, 11 Harmony Road, Siu Sai Wan, Chai WanTelephone appointment system 3153 2930
or
make appointments via HA Go mobile application’s “Book FMC” function Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm
2pm to 5pm
Saturday 9am to 1pm
Sunday and public holiday closed Issued at HKT 14:24
President Lai confers decoration on Japan-Taiwan Diet Members’ Consultative Council Chairman Furuya Keiji
On the morning of July 27, President Lai Ching-te conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon on Japanese House of Representatives Member and Japan-Taiwan Diet Members’ Consultative Council Chairman Furuya Keiji in recognition of his outstanding contributions to deepening Taiwan-Japan relations. In remarks, President Lai expressed hope that Chairman Furuya’s continued support will help Taiwan and Japan further deepen cooperation, promote mutual growth and progress, and make even greater contributions to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
I would first like to extend a very warm welcome to Chairman Furuya, mayors from the five cities of the Tono region in Gifu Prefecture, and other leaders from across Japanese society on their visit to Taiwan. Chairman Furuya is a longtime friend, and I am delighted to see him again today. I am especially pleased to see that he has brought many new friends with him again this time, further strengthening the friendly ties between Taiwan and Japan. Whether old friends or new, Taiwan will always welcome you with open arms.
As the saying goes, “Rome was not built in a day,” and the same is true of Taiwan-Japan relations. Without generations of Taiwanese and Japanese people fostering continuous exchanges, standing together through good times and bad, building mutual trust, and forging bonds akin to those of family and a shared sense of destiny, the close friendship our two countries enjoy today would not be possible. Chairman Furuya has been one of the key driving forces behind this friendship. Thanks to his efforts, the Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council officially changed its name last month to the Japan-Taiwan Diet Members’ Consultative Council – further evidence that the Taiwan-Japan friendship is growing stronger.
We have long witnessed Chairman Furuya’s tireless efforts to deepen Taiwan-Japan relations. From facilitating the first-ever exhibition of National Palace Museum artifacts in Japan, to rallying support in the Japanese Diet for Taiwan’s international participation, to helping allow members of the overseas Taiwanese community in Japan correctly list “Taiwan” on their family registers, Chairman Furuya and our friends in the Japan-Taiwan Diet Members’ Consultative Council have always stood at the forefront of these pivotal moments. They have shown great encouragement and support for Taiwan, and our people are truly touched by their warmth. Therefore, it is my great honor today, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, to present Chairman Furuya with the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon as a show of our deepest respect and gratitude. We thank him for his outstanding contributions and look forward to taking Taiwan-Japan relations to even greater heights.
In recent years, Taiwan and Japan have established very close cooperation in critical technologies and industries. Following the start of mass production at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s first Kumamoto fab in December 2024, construction of an upgraded second Kumamoto fab has been confirmed this year for the production of 3-nanometer chips. During last year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae held bilateral talks with our leader’s representative, Senior Advisor Lin Hsin-yi (林信義). The two reached a strategic consensus to deepen bilateral cooperation in areas such as AI and semiconductors. Gifu Prefecture, vibrant and rich in cultural heritage, is a vital industrial powerhouse in Japan’s Chubu economic region, boasting a solid technological foundation in sectors like automotive, aerospace, and precision manufacturing. I hope to see Taiwan’s innovative technologies integrate seamlessly with Tono’s precision manufacturing in the future, allowing us to jointly build a more resilient and trusted Taiwan-Japan technology supply chain.
Beyond industrial cooperation, visits between Taiwan and Japan are on the rise. Last year, the number of visits both ways surpassed 8.2 million, a record high. The five cities of the Tono region have beautifully preserved a historic post town along the Nakasendo route called Magome-juku, which dates back to the Edo period. The area is a cherished destination for those seeking to experience Japan’s rich cultural heritage. I hope that more people from Taiwan will visit the beautiful Tono region to enjoy its breathtaking scenery and experience the warm hospitality of its people.
Despite the ever-changing international landscape, Taiwan and Japan will always be each other’s warmest friends and steadfast partners. I am confident that, with the continued support of Chairman Furuya and all our guests, Taiwan and Japan will continue to work together to advance mutual prosperity and progress, while making even greater contributions to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. I wish Chairman Furuya and his wife, along with all our guests, a highly successful and fruitful visit.
Chairman Furuya then delivered remarks, first expressing his sincere gratitude to President Lai. He said that he is deeply honored by the award, and that the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon is the highest distinction he has received since becoming chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Diet Members’ Consultative Council. He noted that the council, which has a history spanning over 50 years and was officially renamed this past June, currently comprises 323 cross-party members of the Japanese Diet. Formally incorporating “Taiwan” into its name is not only truer to reality, he said, but also more clearly reflects the deep friendship and mutual trust between Japan and Taiwan. Looking ahead, he pledged to continue actively promoting friendly exchanges between the two sides.
Chairman Furuya pointed out that the delegation of more than 50 members includes mayors, city council chairs, and business community representatives from his constituency. He added that the business leaders have observed that, in the past 15 years, Taiwan’s share of investment in China has plunged from nearly 84 percent to 4 percent, while GDP has doubled from NT$14 trillion to NT$28 trillion. In their view, he continued, a key factor behind this is Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy, which substantially shifted investment away from China and toward Japan, countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Europe, and the United States, driving economic success in Taiwan.
Chairman Furuya further pointed out that the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy championed by the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has become a key component of the international community’s diplomatic efforts to safeguard peace and stability among nations that share common values. He added that Prime Minister Takaichi has put forth an updated FOIP strategy focused on advancing economic infrastructure for the AI era and strengthening supply chain resilience. He emphasized that Taiwan’s strengths in AI, robotics, and semiconductors make it an indispensable partner in achieving the FOIP vision.
Chairman Furuya said that, from a global perspective, Japan and Taiwan have already formed an expansive, integrated economic sphere. He then took the opportunity to introduce President Lai to his constituency, the Tono region in Gifu Prefecture, and its distinctive features and charms. Located at the heart of the Tokyo-Osaka economic corridor, the region boasts cutting-edge industries, rich historical and cultural heritage, and beautiful natural landscapes. He expressed hope that it would attract greater investment and develop into a new hub for Taiwan-Japan cooperation.
Chairman Furuya stated that Japan and Taiwan share common values and beliefs, and that by further deepening cooperation and building a more resilient economic partnership, the two sides can better diversify risks, strengthen economic security, and enhance global supply chain resilience. He added that the Takaichi Cabinet has identified 17 strategic sectors for growth, and expressed his wish that the Tono region will deepen cooperation with Taiwan in industries such as semiconductors, AI, and robotics. This, he said, will create new opportunities for mutually beneficial Taiwan-Japan collaboration. He expressed hope that this visit will bolster exchanges with Taiwan’s business community and pave the way for even broader cooperation in the future.
Chairman Furuya remarked that he was sanctioned by China this past April due to his frequent visits to Taiwan, and that the sanctions included the confiscation of private assets in China, as well as an entry ban. He pointed out that China claims Taiwan as part of “one China,” but also imposes sanctions for visiting Taiwan – a contradiction in itself. Moreover, he said, he has no assets in China nor any plans to travel there, meaning that the sanctions have no impact on him whatsoever. He described the move as another example of China’s continued pressure tactics. For this reason, he once again emphasized that all partners who share the values of and belief in democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental human rights must work even more closely together in the future. He stressed that nothing is more important than this shared commitment.
Also in attendance at the ceremony were Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Deputy Representative Masashi Mizobuchi and Chair of the Tono Five Cities Future Town Development Council and Mayor of Toki City Kato Junji.
A total of 67 lawmakers attended the “Chief Executive’s Dialogue with Legislative Council Members” this morning,
Chief Executive John Lee stressed that the dialogue, held at the Legislative Council (LegCo) Complex, provides a calm and cordial setting for direct communication, free from constraints such as the Rules of Procedure.
He said the dialogue had three objectives: to enhance mutual understanding and build consensus between the executive authorities and the legislature; to create new value for the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”; and to encouraging the sharing of experiences in implementing this principle.
“I regard the LegCo as the Government’s reform partner,” Mr Lee said. “Both the Government and the LegCo are members of ‘Team Hong Kong’, sharing the same goal of solving problems for the public.
“The Chief Executive’s Dialogue with LegCo Members is an innovative initiative that allows us to engage in warm and in-depth dialogue, holding exchanges as teammates.”
During the dialogue, LegCo members engaged in open exchanges with Mr Lee on a wide range of topics, including the economy, livelihood matters and social development. They also shared insights from their participation in the National Affairs Study Visit in Beijing last week.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Speech by PSITI at HKAE Pitch Competition on Grand Challenge Engineering Topics for University Students 2025-26 Award Ceremony (English only) (with photo) Dr Chan (President of the HKAE, Dr Alex Chan), Professor Chao (Chairman of the Pitch Competition 2025-26 and Senior Vice President of the HKAE, Professor Christopher Chao), Mr Ma (Deputy Chairman of the Pitch Competition 2025-26 and Vice President of the HKAE, Mr Eric Ma), distinguished fellows, honourable judges, award winners, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening. I am delighted to join you all tonight at this memorable University Pitch Competition Award Ceremony.
First and foremost, I extend my warmest congratulations to the award-winning teams and students. Your outstanding entries truly exemplify the spirit of innovation and collaborative teamwork. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the HKAE for organising this meaningful competition and for your unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineering leaders.
The theme of this year’s competition, “Human-AI Collaboration”, is both timely and highly relevant. When we speak of collaboration, we are not referring to technology replacing people. Rather, human-AI collaboration is about synergy. It is the powerful intersection where human intuition, creativity, and empathy meet the incredible speed, data processing capability, and analytical scale of machines. This synergy unlocks boundless opportunities, driving the adoption of AI to new heights and transforming how we live, work, and innovate.
AI has become the cornerstone of our digital economy strategy in Hong Kong. We are actively aligning with the national “AI+” initiative, which emphasises deep integration of AI across sectors, advocating a dual vision of “industries for AI” and “AI for industries”. Our goal is to transform Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology hub and a global hub for AI development. We are achieving this by leveraging our strengths in research and development, infrastructure, finance, international linkages, and our strategic proximity to the Greater Bay Area.
This strategic direction builds upon the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint promulgated in 2022, which identified AI and data science as key focus areas for the next five to ten years. AI is playing a pivotal and leading role in this new round of technological revolution, and recent Policy Addresses and Budgets have firmly elevated AI as a top strategic priority.
The significance of AI stems from its transformative ability to drive innovation, boost efficiency, and tackle complex challenges. To translate this into tangible outcomes, the Government has established the Committee on AI+ and Industry Development Strategy to formulate approaches that create optimal conditions for AI to empower and reshape various industries.
Complementing this strategic framework, the newly established Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute, which will commence operations later this year, will play a leading role in accelerating a vibrant AI ecosystem and spearheading the “AI+” agenda in Hong Kong. It is uniquely positioned to propel innovation, promote multi-stakeholder collaboration, attract global talent and investment, and elevate Hong Kong’s international standing in the field.
On the digital infrastructure front, Hong Kong’s overall computing power has now reached 5 000 PFLOPS (peta-floating point operations per second), with Cyberport’s AI Supercomputing Centre contributing 3 000 PFLOPS to serve as a critical backbone supporting our local AI development. Another vital infrastructure project is the Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster in the Northern Metropolis. Currently under construction, it will be developed into an advanced data facility cluster for data centres and related industries. It is expected to provide 180 000 PFLOPS of computing power by 2032, equivalent to 36 times our current capacity.
Looking ahead, the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government has launched a public consultation on Hong Kong’s first five-year economic and social development plan to align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan. This development plan will articulate our vision and introduce forward-looking policies to deepen the “AI+” initiative, accelerate research transformation, and expand application scenarios to foster deep integration across industries. I strongly encourage you to submit your views on or before August 14, 2026 to collectively shape our future innovation blueprint.
In closing, I understand that the winning team and the outstanding team will have the opportunity to participate in the International Finals, where they will showcase their innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. I am confident that your innovative solutions will shine on the global stage.
I wish you all a very pleasant and enjoyable evening. Thank you. Issued at HKT 20:41
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, today (July 27) witnessed in Shenzhen the signing of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Joint Botanical Garden Co-operation Agreement between the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Urban Planning and Natural Resources Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality and the Urban Management and Law Enforcement Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality. The collaboration will create an in-depth integration model of ecological co-operation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, laying the foundation for the joint application for the establishment of a National Botanical Garden by the two places in the future.
Witnessed by Mr Tse; the Vice Mayor of the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government, Mr Dai Jintao; and Deputy Director of the Forestry Administration of Guangdong Province Mr Liang Xiaodong, the Co-operation Agreement was signed by the Director-General of the Urban Planning and Natural Resources Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, Mr Xu Songming; the Director-General of the Urban Management and Law Enforcement Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, Mr Zhang Guohong; the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai; and the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan.
According to the Co-operation Agreement, Hong Kong and Shenzhen will collaborate in fields including the collection and protection of plant diversity, ecological protection and the building of ecological corridors, building of synergy and capability in scientific research, science promotion and education, as well as horticultural exhibitions. The two places will jointly conduct regional plant resource systematic surveys, establish an integrated conservation system for rare and endangered wild plants, and advance regional native vegetation restoration and ecosystem remediation.
In addition, the Co-operation Agreement will foster the launch of in-depth collaboration projects between two places in plant taxonomy, nature conservation and ecological restoration to promote professional talent exchange, the planning of horticultural exhibitions with distinctive national and regional features, and the launch of nature education and citizen science promotion activities.
Mr Tse visited the Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning in the afternoon with representatives from other Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies to learn about Shenzhen’s experience in developing a livable and green urban environment, exchanged views with other representatives and joined a mangrove planting event.
Mr Tse will attend the 2026 APEC Ministerial Meeting on Forestry tomorrow (July 28) to discuss topics such as forest conservation and sustainable management, the balance between ecological protection and livelihood, as well as technological innovation.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Invest Hong Kong, in collaboration with the Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province, the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), and the Investment Association of Central State-owned Enterprises, jointly organised a business matching conference on industrial and capital collaboration between state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and investment institutions, and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) in Beijing today (July 27). The event aimed to introduce GBA business advantages and the latest opportunities to Beijing-based SOEs and investment institutions, encouraging them to leverage Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” to expand into international markets.
This conference is one of the key investment promotion initiatives jointly organised by the governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, aimed at further enhancing the working mechanism of the Pan-Greater Bay Area Inward Investment Liaison Group and deepening the integration between industrial development and investment capital within the GBA. It attracted over 150 representatives from SOEs and investment institutions, fund companies, cutting-edge industry projects, and business associations, fully reflecting the strong interest of various sectors in the development opportunities of the GBA.
At the conference, representatives from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao delivered presentations to introduce the latest developments and the investment environment of the GBA, further demonstrating the GBA’s potential to local SOEs.
Deputy Director-General of the Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province Mr Zhu Xiaojun said that the conference comes at an opportune time, aligning with the new investment planning stage of central SOEs. He expressed hope that the initiative would strengthen co-operation between central SOEs and investment institutions, and GBA in terms of industry development and capital matching. Highlighting Guangdong’s advantages in industrial ecosystem completeness, market scale, innovation capacity, and business environment, he encouraged enterprises to invest, deepen co-operation, and expand in the GBA.
The Acting Deputy Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area of the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau, Miss Cathy Li, said that Hong Kong, as the most international city in the GBA, leverages the advantages under the “one country, two systems”, its common-law system aligned with international standards, and its well-established financial and risk management systems, which serve as a stable and reliable international operations hub for SOEs, which can capitalise on Hong Kong’s strengths as a platform for fundraising and financing, professional services, risk management and corporate treasury functions, while combining these with the GBA’s comprehensive industrial chain and vast market potential to develop and strengthen their international businesses. At the same time, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government encourages SOEs to participate in the synergistic development of innovation and technology in the GBA, establish operations in the Hetao Hong Kong Park, and work together in nurturing new quality productive forces.
Director of the IPIM Mr Larry Leong said that Macao will continue to seize the opportunities arising from the “one country, two systems” framework and the China and Portuguese Speaking Countries platform to serve as a gateway for Central SOEs to go global and expand into Portuguese-speaking markets. He added that the IPIM will further enhance its one-stop services for investors, strengthen support for trade between China and Portuguese Speaking Countries, and deepen efforts to attract investment while supporting overseas expansion – helping enterprises leverage Macao’s unique strengths and policy benefits to expand overseas.
The conference also included a project roadshow session, during which several Guangdong enterprises presented their projects on-site and engaged in interactions and exchanges with representatives from local investment institutions.
Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion Ms Loretta Lee said that the department will continue to work closely with the Guangdong and Macao governments to actively introduce Hong Kong’s latest developments and investment opportunities to more SOEs and investment institutions, assisting them in leveraging Hong Kong’s professional services and international networks to expand into overseas markets, achieving mutual benefits and win-win outcomes.