Hong Kong (March 9, 2026) – Following the recent Budget speech and discussions at the Two Sessions in Beijing, Hong Kong is set to follow a growth trajectory by capitalising on the opportunities enabled by the “Finance+” and “AI+” strategies, with the support and alignment with the national development blueprint. During the conference Redefining Hong Kong 2026: Budget Edition, organised by the South China Morning Post and supported by AIA Hong Kong and Macau, The Hon Paul Chan Mo-po, GBM, GBS, MH, JP, Financial Secretary, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, highlighted the importance of playing to the city’s strengths in being an international financial centre and connectivity with the international community, while proactively aligning with the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan.
In his keynote address, Financial Secretary Paul Chan underscored new opportunities the Budget can unlock, and examined how Hong Kong maintains fiscal discipline while pursuing transformative growth. Taking a cautiously optimistic view, the city has to find ways to navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape and leverage national development to maximise the opportunities. The strategy is to integrate with the national economic development direction, for example, by advancing renminbi internationalisation, helping Chinese Mainland companies go global, and opening up new markets for new capital sources and new companies coming to this part of the world.
He also pointed out Hong Kong must move swiftly to embrace AI and invest in AI+ development by promoting AI applications across industries, enhancing AI literacy, and investing in infrastructure, including the Northern Metropolis, to attract global talent and tech companies.
Tammy Tam, Publisher, South China Morning Post, noted that this year’s discussion is particularly timely because 2026 kicks off the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan, and this Budget proactively aligns with this national development blueprint. The current economic and geopolitical complexity requires new thinking, and the Financial Secretary is taking on a high-stakes balancing act that requires the wisdom to protect the city’s fiscal health and the courage to invest strategically for long-term growth.
Alger Fung, Chief Executive Officer, AIA Hong Kong & Macau, said the Budget sets out a disciplined and forward-looking strategic roadmap with clear priorities around financial, infrastructure, healthcare, sustainability and the digital economy. Insurers already play a constructive role as long-term investors, supporting priorities such as healthcare capacity, infrastructure development and green transition, while helping to maintain financial system resilience. He also noted that Hong Kong has always shown the ability to turn challenges into opportunities, and this Budget will strengthen Hong Kong’s role as an international financial centre as well as a wealth management and family office hub.
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