Hong Kong unveils five-year plan to boost creative industries and film sector
Hong Kong's Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau has outlined the territory's first five-year plan and 2026 policy address measures to develop creative industries, including a review of the film development fund, new film set venues, a support unit for overseas productions, and expanded "film plus tou
The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism appeared before the Legislative Council Panel on Information Technology and Broadcasting on 6 October 2026 to brief lawmakers on the first five-year plan for Hong Kong and related measures in the 2026 policy address.
Under the five-year plan, Hong Kong will position itself as a hub for Chinese and foreign cultural and artistic exchange. The Cultural, Sports and Tourism Bureau's Creative Industries Development Office will continue to develop diverse creative industries, improve the sustainable industry ecosystem, and leverage Hong Kong's unique position at the intersection of Chinese and foreign cultures to expand into overseas markets.
A full review of the Film Development Fund's measures and resource allocation will be completed by 2027, aiming to attract private investment and strengthen industrialisation. The government will consult the Film Development Council and industry stakeholders. To encourage local filming, authorities are considering providing film set venues on a trial basis to ease venue shortages and reduce costs, with the measure expected to launch in 2027.
The Creative Industries Development Office will establish an "Overseas Film Production Support Unit" in early 2027 to provide one-stop services for overseas film crews shooting in Hong Kong, including visa assistance, location recommendations, site coordination, and temporary traffic arrangements. The initiative aims to attract international productions and promote Hong Kong's stories globally.
On the "film plus tourism" front, following the success of the "Kowloon Walled City Light and Shadow Tour" and "Oil Street Police Station Light and Shadow Tour" exhibitions over the past two years, a second phase of the Oil Street Police Station immersive experience will launch in early 2027, offering more Hong Kong film experiences and boosting film-related tourism.
For design industries, the Hong Kong Design Centre has been restructured to assist small and medium enterprises improve product and brand design services, promote Hong Kong design internationally, and nurture startups. In fashion, the third Hong Kong Fashion Fest was held in early September 2026, featuring eight flagship programmes including a collaboration with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council's CENTRESTAGE trade fair and a new pop-up store "Wear's HK" showcasing local designers. New elements are being developed for the 2027 edition.
The government will continue implementing the five-year plan and policy address measures to drive industrialisation of creative sectors, help local creative industries access mainland and overseas markets, and introduce overseas creative content to strengthen Hong Kong's role as a cultural exchange hub.
