31st October 2026 – (Hong Kong) Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo‑po said Hong Kong’s economy has held up well through the third quarter and could deliver the strongest full‑year expansion in five years. He noted that first‑half growth reached 5.1 per cent, driven chiefly by exports, while investment growth remained solid and carried into the third quarter. Although official third‑quarter figures have yet to be released, he said exports stayed very strong, supported by a busy calendar of major events and higher visitor arrivals.
Asked whether the government would revise its full‑year forecast, Chan said an upward adjustment was possible and that the government economist would provide details in due course. He added that economic readings continued to look favourable as the city moved into the fourth quarter.
On the coming year’s Budget, Chan said any relief for the wider public would depend on the data, emphasising prudence in light of sizeable infrastructure commitments and the need to “spend where necessary and manage public finances carefully”. He warned of external risks, including geopolitics and the conflict in the Middle East potentially pushing up oil prices and stoking inflation led by the United States. He expects interest rates to remain relatively high next year, which could weigh on the property market and the broader economy, and said authorities would stay alert to financial risks while urging investors to exercise caution.
Looking ahead to next week, Chan said International Financial Week is expected to draw about 40,000 participants on‑site and online, while the Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit will gather around 120 chairpersons or chief executives from financial institutions worldwide.
