HK must find new growth drivers, build diversified asset ecosystem: HKEX chair
Carlson Tong, chairman of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing, said Hong Kong should explore new growth drivers within five years amid global shifts. He highlighted opportunities from China's 15th Five-Year Plan and urged developing a diversified asset ecosystem beyond stocks.
Hong Kong should actively explore new growth drivers within the next five years in response to a changing global economic landscape, accelerated technological innovation, and shifting international capital flows, said Carlson Tong Ka-shing, Chairman of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX), on Friday at the Sing Tao Global Economic Summit 2026.
Tong asserted that the city's greatest future development opportunities come from China, referencing plans for high-quality development, technological innovation and industrial upgrading in the 15th Five-Year Plan. He noted that Hong Kong's own first Five-Year Plan proposes to further consolidate its position as an international financial centre and better integrate into China's strategy.
Hong Kong is strategically positioned as a crucial link between the capital markets of China, Asia and the world, Tong said, as international investors increasingly seek to diversify investment risks. He praised the HKEX's Connect Hub mechanism as a unique primary channel connecting mainland China with international capital markets, saying it has gained full support and trust from investors and supports the continued opening up of the national financial market.
Tong expressed confidence that HKEX will continue to increase product variety and improve operational efficiency, providing investors with more cross-border investment options and risk management tools. While acknowledging that the stock market is a cornerstone of the financial market, he emphasised the need to develop a diversified asset ecosystem including bond, currency and commodity markets in view of diversification trends.
Tong noted that many local enterprises frequently discuss innovation, but technological breakthroughs require substantial capital backing alongside talent. As an international financial centre, Hong Kong plays a pivotal role in matching high-potential enterprises with global capital. He added that Hong Kong has a pool of funds connected with capital from around the world in the age of technological innovation, as more cutting-edge technology companies choose to list here since HKEX has optimised its listing mechanisms multiple times in recent years.