JD.com economist says Hong Kong now a 'super-value-adder'
Shen Jianguang, Vice President and Chief Economist of JD.com, told the Sing Tao Global Economic Summit 2026 that Hong Kong is transforming from a 'super-connector' to a 'super-value-adder'. He highlighted the city's common law system, free capital flow and professional services as key to helping mai
Shen Jianguang, Vice President and Chief Economist of JD.com (9618), said on Friday at the Sing Tao Global Economic Summit 2026 that Hong Kong is rapidly transforming from a 'super-connector' to a 'super-value-adder'. He attributed the shift to the city's 'One Country, Two Systems' principle, common law system and advantages as an international financial centre.
Shen expressed confidence in Hong Kong's development as an Asia-Pacific yacht tourism hub and its 'yacht economy'. He also said he is optimistic that development of the Northern Metropolis will attract high-end international talent, becoming the core engine of Hong Kong's economic growth.
Hong Kong, with its common law system and free capital flow, provides institutional alignment and financing support, Shen said. He noted that the city maintains a leading advantage in offshore yuan business and wealth management, which can help mainland enterprises hoping to go global tackle the biggest challenge of aligning with international standards.
Shen added that Hong Kong is providing value-added services for enterprises through a full-chain of professional services including legal arbitration, investment and financing, risk management, and intellectual property, transcending its role of simply facilitating the flow of capital and goods.
Turning to artificial intelligence, Shen said China and the United States are leading the world in the field. He noted that the US leads in capital expenditure, whereas China excels in licensed patents, accounting for 70 per cent of global AI licensed patents. Among the 712 AI unicorn companies globally, the United States has the largest number, followed by China with 157, he added.