Hong Kong Welcomes 413 New and Expanded Global Enterprises, Driving HK$53 Billion in Investment and 8,600 Jobs

HONG KONG — More than 380 representatives of global enterprises joined a welcome reception yesterday for 413 newly arrived or expanded overseas and Chinese Mainland companies in Hong Kong, as Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced impressive results for the first half of 2026. The 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 the city.

Speaking at the reception, John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), highlighted Hong Kong’s standing as the world’s freest economy according to the Fraser Institute and the second most competitive economy per 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 offers an open and business-friendly environment, a simple and low tax regime, and a common law system that seamlessly connects with global financial centres. These advantages continue to attract companies across sectors. Austria-based transport and logistics firm Gebrüder Weiss recently upgraded its Hong Kong office to become regional headquarters in East Asia and Oceania. Michael Zankel, Regional Director East Asia/Oceania, noted, “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.”

Italian company Moleskine also expanded its presence. Merwann Younes, Global Head of Hospitality & Lifestyle Channels, described Hong Kong as “a very dynamic and creative city, which are also the core values for Moleskine as a brand.” Etienne Dubois, Chief Strategy Officer of Unlimitics, an AI-powered school simulation game developer for neurodivergent children, said Hong Kong is “a very good melting pot for talent and opportunities and for growth.”

InvestHK’s first-half results for 2026 showed 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. Among 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 were 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 HKSAR Government is expediting development of the Northern Metropolis, a new economic engine destined to rise as 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 government is creating Hong Kong’s first Five-Year Plan, a strategic blueprint focusing on long-term economic momentum, advancing technology and improving livelihoods. The detailed investment promotion results are available at this link.