Hong Kong has climbed to second place in the 2026 World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY), published by the International Institute for Management Development, according to a press release from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). The ranking reflects the city's strong performance across a wide range of indicators, including top scores in "Tax policy" and "Business legislation," second place in "Finance," and third place in "International trade," "International investment," "Management practices," and "Education." These results underscore Hong Kong's institutional strengths and market efficiency.
Prof Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, said: "The WCY 2026 reaffirms Hong Kong’s competitiveness and business advantages." He noted that recent international reports show Hong Kong has become the world's fifth-largest trading entity, overtaken Switzerland to rank first globally in cross-border wealth management, and remained among the top global destinations for IPO fundraising. These developments highlight Hong Kong's competitive advantages as the 'Four Centres and One Hub' and demonstrate its role as a premier two-way springboard connecting the Chinese Mainland and international markets.
The HKTDC, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist, and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The organization organizes international exhibitions, conferences, and business missions to create opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets.
Prof Ma added that the HKTDC will continue to support the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government in aligning with the national 15th Five-Year Plan and Hong Kong's Five-Year Plan. Leveraging the city's unique strengths as a superconnector and super value-adder, the HKTDC aims to help Hong Kong better integrate into and contribute to the nation's overall development. The implications of this ranking are significant for business leaders, as Hong Kong's strong performance in key areas such as tax policy and finance reinforces its attractiveness as a hub for international trade and investment, particularly for companies looking to access the Chinese mainland market.
For more information, visit the HKTDC Media Room at https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en or learn about the HKTDC at https://www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
