Hong Kong has experienced a significant influx of global enterprises, with 413 overseas and Chinese Mainland companies either newly arriving or expanding in the city during the first half of 2026. This surge is expected to generate over HK$53 billion (US$6.8 billion) in foreign direct investment and create more than 8,600 new jobs, according to Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), the government's investment promotion agency.
At a welcome reception for these enterprises, Chief Executive John Lee highlighted Hong Kong's favorable business environment, noting its ranking as the world's freest economy by the Fraser Institute and the second most competitive economy by the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook. "In choosing Hong Kong for your Asian and global business expansion, you share my belief in Hong Kong's flourishing future," Lee said. "You have made a wise choice. Hong Kong is one of the world's best economies to do business in and with."
The city's advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle include strong support from China, an open and business-friendly environment, a simple and low tax regime, and a common law system that connects seamlessly with global financial centers. These factors have attracted a diverse range of companies, from logistics firms to AI startups.
Austrian transport and logistics firm Gebrüder Weiss recently upgraded its Hong Kong office to a regional headquarters for East Asia and Oceania. Michael Zankel, Regional Director East Asia/Oceania, praised the city's business environment and talent pool. "The business environment is great, you have a lot of talent around here to employ. It has always been the gateway to the Chinese Mainland but for us it is more a gateway to Asia," Zankel said.
Italian company Moleskine also sees Hong Kong as a strategic location. Merwann Younes, Global Head of Hospitality & Lifestyle Channels, described the city as "a very dynamic and creative city, which are also the core values for Moleskine as a brand."
For startups, Hong Kong offers a fertile ground. Etienne Dubois, Chief Strategy Officer of Unlimitics, which developed an AI-powered school simulation game for neurodivergent children, said, "It is a very good melting pot for talent and opportunities and for growth."
InvestHK's first-half results show a 9% increase in completed projects compared to the same period in 2025, with anticipated direct investment up 36% and new jobs created rising 6% year-on-year. Of the 413 enterprises, 246 came from the Chinese Mainland, followed by Singapore (26), the United States (21), the United Kingdom (18), France (11), and Italy (11). The top five sectors include innovation and technology (93), financial services and fintech (89), tourism and hospitality (55), transport, logistics and industrials (44), and business and professional services (39).
Looking ahead, Chief Executive Lee announced that the HKSAR Government is expediting development of the Northern Metropolis, a new economic engine set to become an international I&T and business hub. "This will unlock abundant opportunities and shape a prosperous future for Hong Kong," Lee said. The government is also drafting Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan, focusing on long-term economic momentum, advancing technology, and improving livelihoods.
The full investment promotion results for the first half of 2026 are available at: InvestHK Report.
