Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Chief Executive welcomes enterprises to develop in Hong Kong as InvestHK attracts over $53 billion in first half of 2026 (with photos/videos) Speaking at the reception, Mr Lee said that under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong possesses the distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support from the country and being closely connected to the world. The city offers an open and business-friendly environment, a simple and low tax regime, and a common law system that seamlessly connects with global financial centres. The city’s talent pool is biliterate and trilingual, while its professional services rank among the world’s finest. Hong Kong’s robust strengths and immense opportunities are reflected in its rising international rankings as well as in its exceptional achievements in attracting strategic investment and enterprises..
InvestHK thanked its clients, partners and stakeholders for their strong support and confidence. In the face of the complex and ever-changing global environment, and under the leadership of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, InvestHK will continue to stay agile and proactive. The department will strengthen its investment promotion efforts through various preferential policies, capitalising on the opportunities in the Northern Metropolis to attract more strategic industry clusters to set up and contribute to Hong Kong’s high-quality economic development.
Impressive results in the first half of the year with clients coming from around the world
At the reception, InvestHK also announced its investment promotion results for the first half of this year. From January to date, the department has assisted 413 overseas and Mainland enterprises in setting up or expanding their businesses in Hong Kong, which is expected to bring in over $53 billion in foreign direct investment for Hong Kong, up 36 per cent year on year, and to create more than 8 600 new jobs.
In terms of place of origin, among the 413 enterprises, 60 per cent came from the Mainland, making it the largest single source, with other major sources spanning various markets, including Europe, Asia and beyond. The top six places of origin are:
Place of origin By sector, the top five sectors are:
Sector These sectors span the key areas of Hong Kong’s strategic economic development. For example, the innovation and technology (I&T) sector can be deeply integrated with the development of the Northern Metropolis; the financial services and the business and professional services sectors can meet the high value-added service demand arising from Hong Kong recently becoming the world’s largest cross-border wealth management centre; the growth of the tourism and hospitality sector benefits from the rising number of visitor arrivals and the thriving exhibition industry; while the transport, logistics and industrials sector benefits from the rapid development of advanced logistics and the gold and commodity trading industries, as well as the steady expansion of the London Metal Exchange’s warehousing business in Hong Kong.
Closely aligned with the focus of the National 15th Five-Year Plan and the Policy Address, InvestHK will focus on attracting I&T and new economy enterprises to Hong Kong, including those engaged in AI, life and health, and sustainable development; deepen the strategic deployment of “Finance+” to inject new capital from the financial services and fintech sectors into the Hong Kong market; and deepen its global investment promotion layout, accelerating efforts to attract Mainland enterprises to use Hong Kong as a springboard to go global, while cultivating mature markets in Europe and the Americas and exploring emerging markets along the Belt and Road, building on the fruitful outcomes of the Chief Executive’s visit to Central Asia earlier this month. Issued at HKT 19:25
Financial Secretary Paul Chan completed his itinerary in Dalian this morning and at noon proceeded to Xi’an, where he called on CPC Xi’an Municipal Committee Secretary Hao Huijie and Xi’an Mayor Ye Niuping to discuss strengthening co-operation between Hong Kong and Xi’an.
Upon arriving in the city, Mr Chan visited Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU). He met CPC XJTU Committee Secretary Wu Guosheng, and held a symposium with innovation and technology enterprises there. He elaborated on Hong Kong’s business environment, and its financial and innovation and technology ecosystems.
In a speech to about 400 teachers, students and alumni of the university, he commented that Hong Kong and Xi’an can work together to transform hard technology achievements into products and services for the global market.
Mr Chan highlighted that Xi’an has outstanding research strengths in areas of hard technology such as aerospace, artificial intelligence, new energy and new materials. He said these cutting-edge technologies can fully unleash their value only by “identifying the right scenarios and the right applications”.
To become effective productive forces, he added, such technologies require capital, market validation and internationalisation, all of which Hong Kong can give crucial support on.
Mr Chan encouraged students to regard Hong Kong as one of the barometers of the global market, actively enter the intersection of “finance + technology”, and make good use of Hong Kong’s positioning as an international financial centre and an international innovation and technology centre.
Vice Chairman of the Shaanxi Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Zhang Xiaoguang also took part in the visit programme at XJTU.
Before leaving Dalian in the morning, Mr Chan attended day events on day three of the “Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2026”.
The Financial Secretary spoke at a session organised by Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Limited, and highlighted that Hong Kong is accelerating its formation of a green technology ecosystem.
He said that over 300 internationally competitive green technology enterprises have established a presence at Hong Kong Science Park and Cyberport.
Invest Hong Kong said it has assisted 413 overseas and Mainland enterprises in setting up or expanding their business in Hong Kong in the first half of 2026, and expects these to bring in over $53 billion in foreign direct investment.
InvestHK today hosted its annual welcome reception for international and Mainland businesses, thanking them for their trust and confidence in Hong Kong’s business environment. It announced its investment promotion results for the first half of this year at the event.
Officiating at the reception, Chief Executive John Lee said Hong Kong’s rising international rankings, together with its strong performance in attracting investment and enterprises, reflect the city’s robust advantages and immense opportunities.
“In the first half of this year, we welcomed 413 companies establishing or expanding their operations in Hong Kong – a year on year increase of some 10%.
“Together, they are expected to bring in over $53 billion in foreign direct investment and also create more than 8,600 new jobs.”
The Chief Executive added that Hong Kong is expediting development of the Northern Metropolis, which will unlock abundant opportunities and shape a prosperous future for the city.
InvestHK revealed that among the 413 overseas and Mainland enterprises it assisted in setting up or expanding in Hong Kong, about 60% came from the Chinese Mainland, while the rest spanned various markets across Europe and Asia.
The top five sectors included innovation and technology, financial services, and transport and logistics.
The reception drew more than 380 guests from global enterprises. Representatives from global logistics and financial technology firms expressed enthusiasm about what Hong Kong continues to offer.
“We do intend to expand and that may well be in the Northern Metropolis as well,” said Nina Barton, Director of Sustainability for Asia Pacific at a logistics company. “We are looking at the first Hong Kong five-year plan, which is obviously going through at the moment, how much of a pivotal role logistics takes in that.
“We want to continue to focus on Hong Kong as an aviation club, and the development within the GBA (Greater Bay Area), which will help from a customer’s perspective as well, help trade to be much smoother between Hong Kong and the GBA region.”
Sean Abbott, Director of APAC Banking & Infrastructure at a financial technology company, said: “We are very much keen to continue to see initiatives that encourage Chinese businesses, or anywhere in the world really, to come to Hong Kong, set up shop, and use it as a base to do business internationally.
“We will be here to help them get paid basically without having to go to every country and every place in the world and open up a bank account and figure out how to do that or use the traditional rails where it is expensive and slow.
“And then things like the Stable Coin Initiative, ideas like that that are kind of pushing the envelope a bit and really encouraging innovation in the economy.”
The Government will launch a public consultation for the 2026 Policy Address next Monday.
Chief Executive John Lee said: “I strive to lead my team to drive reforms by adopting a result-oriented approach, focusing on actions and delivery of results, and ensuring that policy measures are effectively implemented.
“My team and I have always been listening to the views from different sectors, driving economic growth, improving people’s livelihood, with the aim to enable the public to share the benefits of development and enhance their well-being.”
He highlighted that the Government is pressing ahead at full speed with the formulation of Hong Kong’s first five-year plan, explaining that as a forward-looking, strategic and directional guiding document, it will map out Hong Kong’s economic and social development over the coming five years.
Mr Lee said the Policy Address will set out the Chief Executive’s annual policy agenda, establish a number of specific targets in response to the plan’s requirements and directions, report on the progress of policy implementation, and introduce measures suited to the city’s actual situation. The Government will also strive for a vibrant economy and pursue development to enhance public well-being.
The Chief Executive added that Hong Kong will continue to leverage the unique advantages of having strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, consolidate and enhance the city’s status as an international financial, shipping and trading centre, accelerate its development as an international innovation and technology centre, and build an international hub for high-calibre talent, thereby seizing opportunities brought by the National 15th Five-Year Plan, and better integrating into and serving national development overall.
“I invite you all to share your views on the 2026 Policy Address,” he added. “My team and I will listen to and consider your views carefully. We look forward to receiving your suggestions. Let’s work together to write a brighter chapter for Hong Kong.”
During the consultation period, the Chief Executive and principal officials will attend a number of online and face-to-face consultation sessions, and will also engage with the community extensively to gather views.
Starting from June 29, people can offer their views through the Policy Address website, via the dedicated Facebook page, by email, by phone on 2432 1899, by fax on 2537 9083, or by post to 26/F, West Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong.
The Lands Department today posted land resumption notices for the second batch of Phase 1 of the San Tin Technopole (STT) development.
A total of 278 private lots, covering an area of about 117 hectares, will be resumed under the Lands Resumption Ordinance. The land will officially revert to the Government on September 26.
The department emphasised that it will maintain close liaison with all affected parties to properly handle compensation and rehousing matters.
The STT project (excluding the Loop) spans a total area of approximately 540 hectares and is being rolled out in two phases. Phase 1 will cover about 365 hectares and is further subdivided into two stages. Stage 1 spans about 158 hectares, while Stage 2 will cover about 207 hectares.
Land for the first batch of the Phase 1 development, measuring about 62 hectares, was reverted to the Government on October 11, 2025. This area is currently being handed over to the Civil Engineering & Development Department in phases for site formation and infrastructure works.
Upon its full completion, the STT will supply approximately 50,000 residential flats to accommodate a new population of more than 150,000. It is also expected to generate about 160,000 employment opportunities.
The first batch of residents, involving about 18,000 people under the Phase 1 Stage 1 development, will start moving in progressively from 2031.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Chai Wan Maternal and Child Health Centre, temporarily closed due to burst water pipe, will resume normal operations tomorrow The MCHC has been closed since mid-May due to a burst water pipe in the building. During this period, all clients with appointments were arranged to receive necessary services at the nearby MCHC. Starting from tomorrow (June 26), clients with scheduled appointments can receive services at the specified time slot at the Chai Wan MCHC as usual. DH staff will also call to remind the relevant service users.
The Chai Wan MCHC, which operates on Tuesdays and Fridays, is located on Level 2 of the Government Office at Block 6, New Jade Garden, Chai Wan. Issued at HKT 11:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the Opening Ceremony of Learning and Teaching Expo 2026 today (June 25):
Mr Armstrong Lee (Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hong Kong Education City), Dr David Wong (Chairman of the Education Commission), Dr Elizabeth Quat (Founder and Honorary President of the Smart City Consortium), Dr Winnie Tang (Founder and Honorary President of the Smart City Consortium), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. It is a privilege to join you at the Opening Ceremony of the Learning and Teaching Expo 2026. On behalf of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), I extend a very warm welcome to our global community of educators, innovators, policymakers, and digital education stakeholders who have gathered here today.
The theme of this year’s event is “Reimagining Education: Human-Centric and Future-Ready”, it captures our ambition perfectly. It aligns with our vision to make Hong Kong a premier international innovation and technology hub.
This is not just an economic goal. This is about our future. AI and emerging technologies are changing our world at lightning speed. To stay competitive and to prosper, we must move boldly. And we are.
The Hong Kong SAR Government is taking action on many fronts. We are building world-class I&T infrastructure. We are providing strategic funding to support growth. And we are building strong global partnerships to bring in the best talent and opportunities.
While technology builds the future, education builds the people who live in it. Technology without talent is meaningless. And talent, as all of you here know very well, does not emerge overnight. It is nurtured patiently.
What we need is an education that can nurture future-ready learners — young people who can navigate the digital world, who can solve problems, and who can handle new technologies wisely and responsibly. Ultimately, when we reimagine what education means in the AI era, we are also laying the very foundation that will power Hong Kong’s future as a global technology hub.
That is why our strategy follows a powerful cycle. We grow technology through talent, we lead industries through technology, and we attract talent through industries. When education, technology, and talent move forward together, our city moves forward too — we build an unparalleled talent pool, we develop a richer knowledge reserve, and we strengthen our capabilities for scientific and technological innovation, lifting our competitiveness to new heights.
And I am pleased to let you know that our vision is already bearing fruit. Hong Kong now ranks third globally in “Technology” in the World Digital Competitiveness Ranking. The Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster remains the world’s number one innovation cluster in the 2025 Global Innovation Index.
In 2024, we set up the Committee on Education, Technology and Talents to bring these policies closer together. Many of the Committee’s key proposals were integrated into the 2025 Policy Address. And I am pleased to say we are already putting them into practice.
Universities and research institutions are the pillars of innovation. 5 universities in Hong Kong ranked among the world’s top 100, and we also have 4 of the world’s most internationalised universities. They conduct strong basic research, which serves as a crucial starting point for innovative scientific development.
To further consolidate our upstream strengths, our InnoHK Research Clusters initiative has attracted more than 30 top-notch universities and R&D institutes from 12 economies, bringing together some 3 000 outstanding I&T talents around the world to work side by side.
All these achievements hinge on one core asset — our people. And the expertise of our people starts with education. So the key question is: how do we equip our next generation for an age constantly reshaped by technology, especially AI?
Our Education Bureau has worked closely with the Curriculum Development Council to answer that question. The result is the Blueprint for Digital Education Development in Primary and Secondary Schools — launched just last week. It is the product of countless professional conversations, with principals, with frontline teachers, with experts from our universities and our technology sector. It reflects our commitment to Hong Kong’s future.
And its heart is a simple yet powerful message: cultivating values through education, keeping our students as the foundation, and using technology as the support. And this is what the word “Human-centric” in this year’s Expo theme means to us in practice.
The Blueprint offers a clear roadmap for every school, every teacher, and every student to excel in the digital age — not by simply using more technology, but by using it wisely, ethically, and creatively.
It focuses on four key areas: nurturing talents with both digital literacy and humanistic qualities; strengthening teacher training to drive digital transformation of education; optimising infrastructure to build smart campuses; and promoting cross-sector collaboration to co-create a digital education ecosystem.
In the short-to-medium term, we aim to achieve AI education for all students across all schools, progressively reaching the goal of comprehensively enhancing all students’ AI literacy.
To deliver this ambition, we need strong partners. Hong Kong Education City has firmly established itself as a premier digital learning hub, empowering our teachers and students with cutting-edge tools and high-quality educational content. It acts as the bridge that carries technology from policy into real practice.
Let me end where it all truly begins. The path to becoming a leading I&T hub is paved in our classrooms. When we invest in our teachers and when we empower our students with future-ready skills, we are building the foundation for a vibrant, innovative, and sustainable Hong Kong.
So to the teachers, the innovators and the officials with us this morning, the future you are helping to shape is already taking root right here, right now. I wish you all a rewarding and inspiring Expo. Thank you.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
HKETO San Francisco collaborates with HKSTP, InvestHK and HKTDC to support Hong Kong delegation at BIO 2026 under Economic and Trade Express platform This year, the HKSTP is leading the largest-ever Hong Kong delegation of life and health technology innovators to BIO 2026 in San Diego from June 22 to 25 (San Diego time). Joining forces with five Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) top 100 universities – the University of Hong Kong (11th), the Chinese University of Hong Kong (18th), the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (33rd), the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (50th), and City University of Hong Kong (52nd) – the HKSTP has doubled its exhibition footprint from last year to showcase breakthrough innovations from 41 tech firms, institutes, and university spin-offs. At the Hong Kong Pavilion, AI-enabled biotech, therapeutics, diagnostics, and pharma innovation are highlighted, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as the premier gateway to global biotech success.
Together with local partner Biocom, the largest life science membership association rooted in California; the World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD); the HKSTP; the HKTDC; and InvestHK, HKETO San Francisco organised the “Bio Nexus HK: From Showcase to Partnership” event under ETE on June 21 (San Diego time) to welcome the Hong Kong delegation and create networking and business matching opportunities. A dynamic fireside chat featuring representatives from the organisations was held, followed by a networking dinner. The event attracted a full house of over 100 guests, including decision-makers, investors, and founders.
The above-mentioned Hong Kong organisations also arranged two “Global Mixer” events at the Hong Kong Pavilion at BIO 2026 on June 22 and 23 respectively. Over 150 participants attended the one-minute pitch sessions presented by over 40 exhibitors from Hong Kong.
Furthermore, the Hong Kong delegation was invited to join the Invest in San Diego Breakfast hosted by the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation and the WTCSD on June 22. The event helped Hong Kong companies strengthen international business connections and explore how to utilise San Diego’s global competitiveness in the life sciences ecosystem to look for business opportunities.
Companies in the delegation took the opportunity to expand their network and made important milestones during their presence at BIO 2026. For instance, Zhaoke Ophthalmology, a Hong Kong-listed company advancing ophthalmic therapies across six major eye diseases, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Laboratório Teuto Brasileiro S.A., a Brazilian pharmaceutical company, to explore the Latin American market.
The President Emeritus of Biocom, Mr Joe Panetta, said, “I learned much about the potential opportunities for the Hong Kong and San Diego life science clusters to work together during my government-hosted visit there in late 2024. The synergies that can exist between the two are remarkable, from Hong Kong’s financial markets to the solid protection of intellectual property. Hong Kong’ great research universities and incubators are creating a group of early-stage life science companies that can benefit from having a US base in San Diego. Biocom is poised to provide those companies with policy support, connections to licensing and capital partners, many networking events and access to discounted group purchasing contracts to support company operations. I look forward to continuing to build our relationship across California.”
The Chief Executive Officer of the HKSTP, Mr Terry Wong, said, “BIO 2026 is a premier platform to showcase Hong Kong’s groundbreaking innovation, deepen partnerships, and open new pathways into global healthcare markets. As a ‘super-connector’, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to bridge global innovators with opportunities across Asia and beyond. With strong R&D (research and development) capabilities backed by world-class universities – five ranked among the QS top 100, including two with medical schools now ranked in the global top 20 – Hong Kong’s biotech and medical research excellence is increasingly recognised worldwide. As the ecosystem orchestrator, the HKSTP brings together talent, capital, research institutions, clinical partners, and industry leaders to accelerate the journey from discovery to impact. We will continue to empower life and health technology ventures, translating breakthroughs into life-changing solutions that benefit communities around the world.”
The Head of Innovation & Technology and Life & Health Sciences of InvestHK, Mr Andy Wong, said, “Building on our participation in prior years, InvestHK is joining BIO 2026 to deepen engagement with the US biotech sector and strengthen cross-border connections. We are here to show that Hong Kong is a launchpad for growth – backed by government support programmes that help the US and overseas companies navigate the market, access funding, and scale with confidence.”
The Director of the WTCSD, Mr Lucas Coleman, said, “Hong Kong’s life sciences ecosystem is producing world-class innovation in therapeutics, diagnostics, and health technologies. For companies looking to establish a US presence, San Diego offers something few markets can match: a globally recognised life sciences cluster combined with a collaborative business community that helps innovators scale. With access to leading research institutions, experienced talent, strategic partners, and investment capital, San Diego is a natural landing point for Hong Kong companies seeking to accelerate growth, expand their US footprint, and bring transformative technologies to patients around the world.”
The Director, New York of the HKTDC, Mr Curtis Louie, said, “The HKTDC is deeply committed to propelling Hong Kong’s biotech innovators onto the global stage. Through our network of 51 offices globally, we deliver critical market intelligence and high-value industry introductions to foster growth and collaboration opportunities. By leveraging our flagship local platforms, such as the Asia Summit on Global Health and the Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair, and facilitating a strong turnout at major international expos, like the US’ BIO and MEDICA in Germany, we actively bridge the gap between Hong Kong’s innovative technologies and international investors. Our mission is to help Hong Kong companies transform global connections into tangible commercial opportunities.”
The Director of the HKETO San Francisco, Mr D. C. Cheung, concluded, By collaborating with both local and international partners to promote Hong Kong companies at a global convention under ETE, our office took the great opportunity to update the interlocutors on Hong Kong’s latest achievements. Notably, all five universities in the Hong Kong delegation are ranked among the global top 100 in the latest 2027 QS rankings. This underscores Hong Kong’s status as an international post-secondary education hub that nurtures and attracts top-notch talent, which is an essential driver for the development of biotechnology in the city.” Issued at HKT 8:36
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FEHD releases fifth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in June
District
District With reference to the data from the past few years, the gravidtrap indexes start to rise from April every year. The indexes are higher from May to June. The actual timing and extent of the rise are affected by factors like weather conditions and rainfall. As compared with last year, the temperature began to climb earlier this year and the rainfall in June increased substantially, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding. Depending on factors like rainfall, the indexes may rise further, but the overall trend of gravidtrap indexes this year is similar to those of previous years.
The FEHD has also carried out a series of actions, including: During the follow-up actions and following the discovery of stagnant water or stagnant water containers at a construction site, a park, four public housing estates, four private housing estates and two private premises in Southern District, Kwun Tong District, Sham Shui Po District, North District, Sai Kung District and Yuen Long District, the FEHD has issued 12 statutory notices to the responsible persons-in-charge, requiring the clearance of such items within a specified timeframe.
Public participation is crucial to the effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including: Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of chikungunya fever (CF) transmission.
Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#Issued at HKT 18:30