Investment experts claim that a recent report about Hong Kong is valuable, yet they stress that investors should still conduct independent research.
In a bid to dispel misconceptions about Hong Kong's current situation in the West, a comprehensive 102-page report titled "First Business Report" has been released. Authored by Paul Chan Mo-po, the report showcases Hong Kong's economic transformation and upgrading, emphasising more opportunities than challenges.
The report underscores Hong Kong's unique strengths under the 'One Country, Two Systems' framework, including an open, safe, stable, efficient, and internationalized business environment. It highlights the city’s economic resilience and growth, driven by strong exports, stable local consumption, and a rebound in private consumption.
The report also emphasises Hong Kong's success in attracting international tourists and organising major mega events that boost local market confidence. Moreover, it strategic positioning to leverage the Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative for industrial upgrading, brand expansion, and supply chain restructuring.
Recent economic momentum is evident in the report, with a 3.1% GDP growth in Q1 2025, the revival of IPO fundraising, and growth in asset and wealth management sectors. Despite challenges faced by traditional sectors like retail and catering, the city is making strides in opening new overseas markets, supporting innovation and technology development, and fostering supply chain management centres.
Basil Hwang, vice-chairman of the Singapore Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, considers the "First Business Report" as "one tool among many" to engage international businesses. Gan Khai Choon, the chairman mentor of the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macau, and the managing director of investment firm Hong Leong International (HK), expresses confidence that investment from Malaysia and other ASEAN jurisdictions will continue to flow into Hong Kong, regardless of the report's release.
The report is significant as it serves to counter overseas misperceptions caused by geopolitics and emphasises Hong Kong’s stable and attractive investment environment. Continuous capital inflows and a positive stock market indicate growing investor confidence, which would be appealing to regional investors from Malaysia and Singapore looking for a gateway to Mainland China and the Greater Bay Area.
In summary, Paul Chan’s report projects Hong Kong as a dynamic, transformed economy with strong fundamentals that favour investment, which is likely to positively influence investment decisions from countries like Malaysia and Singapore.
- The report, titled "First Business Report," showcases Hong Kong's transformation and upgrading in business, emphasizing its unique strengths as an open, efficient, and internationalized business environment.
- The report highlights Hong Kong's economic resilience and growth, driven by strong exports, a rebound in private consumption, and the city's success in attracting international tourists and organizing major events.
- Despite challenges faced by traditional sectors, the report indicates that Hong Kong is making strides in opening new overseas markets, supporting innovation and technology development, and fostering supply chain management centers, making it an appealing destination for regional investors from Malaysia and Singapore.
