Hong Kong Sees Surge in Global Enterprises, Expects HK$53 Billion in FDI
InvestHK reports 413 new or expanded overseas and Mainland Chinese companies in H1 2026, projecting HK$53 billion in FDI and over 8,600 new jobs, signaling Hong Kong's continued appeal as a global business hub.
Hong Kong is experiencing a significant influx of global enterprises, with more than 380 representatives attending a welcome reception on June 25 for 413 newly arrived or expanded companies from overseas and Mainland China. Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), the government's investment promotion agency, announced impressive results for the first half of 2026, revealing that these enterprises are expected to bring in over HK$53 billion (US$6.8 billion) in foreign direct investment and create over 8,600 new jobs for Hong Kong.
Chief Executive John Lee highlighted Hong Kong's strong business environment, noting its ranking as the world's freest economy by the Fraser Institute and the second most competitive economy according to the latest 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," Mr. Lee said. "You have made a wise choice. Hong Kong is one of the world's best economies to do business in and with."
Under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong benefits from strong support from Mainland China while maintaining close global connections. Its open business environment, low tax regime, and common law system make it attractive for international firms. Austria-based transport and logistics firm Gebrüder Weiss recently upgraded its Hong Kong office to become the regional headquarters for East Asia and Oceania. Regional Director Michael Zankel praised the city's talent pool and its role as a gateway to Asia. Similarly, Merwann Younes of Italian company Moleskine described Hong Kong as a "very dynamic and creative city," while Etienne Dubois of AI startup Unlimitics called it a "good melting pot for talent and opportunities."
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 up 6%. Of the 413 enterprises, 246 came from Mainland China, followed by Singapore (26), the United States (21), the United Kingdom (18), France (11), and Italy (11). The top 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, Mr. Lee said the 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," he said, adding that the HKSAR Government is creating Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan to focus on long-term economic momentum, technology, and livelihoods. The full investment promotion results are available at this link.