Hong Kong Financial Secretary Chan says in Budget Address that 2025 GDP rose 3.5% and the domestic economic trend is to continue to be good in 2026

• Sees 2026 GDP at 2.5%-3.5% and average growth of 3.0% per year in real terms for 2027-2030.
• City will deepen integration in line with China's 5-year plan.
• Hong Kong will unveil its first dedicated five-year development plan.
• The blueprint is intended to speed up progress in the Northern Metropolis.
• Authorities will step up efforts to attract capital and skilled professionals.
• Legislation related to the Northern Metropolis is slated for introduction in mid-2026.
• Plans include rolling out an AI+ strategy alongside broader industry initiatives.
• Investment in AI research and practical deployment will be expanded.
• AI adoption is to be embedded more widely across multiple sectors.
• Regulators will promote the responsible and secure use of AI in banking.
• The government is targeting broad-based AI uptake across society.
• Measures will support locally developed innovative drugs in entering the mainland China market.

Hong Kong's Financial Secretary has provided a bullish outlook for GDP growth, estimating a 3.5% rise for 2025 and a continued positive trend into 2026. This signals sustained economic resilience and may impact investor sentiment, particularly regarding capital inflows and integration with mainland China, especially as the government plans initiatives in AI and infrastructure. The longer-term growth projections underscore potential opportunities in various sectors, particularly tech and innovation-related fields.