Hong Kong's first five-year plan gives businesses confidence to invest: finance chief
Financial Secretary Paul Chan says the city's first five-year plan provides a clear framework for policy, investment and strategy. He notes IPO fundraising in Hong Kong has doubled to HK$380 billion in the first nine months of the year, with strong international and mainland investor participation.
Hong Kong's first five-year plan has provided a clear development direction and targets, offering a framework for policymaking, investment and strategic planning, Financial Secretary Paul Chan said on 29 October. Speaking at an event organised by CPA Australia, Chan said the plan allows businesses to understand the government's strategy and priorities, enabling them to make more confident investment decisions.
Chan noted that Hong Kong brings together capital, innovation, enterprises and professional services. The authorities aim to fully leverage these elements to cultivate new growth engines, support emerging industries, help businesses grow and transform, and provide financing for the green transition. These goals underpin the "Finance+" initiative outlined in the first five-year plan.
The financial secretary also revealed that Hong Kong's total initial public offering (IPO) fundraising in the first nine months of this year had doubled to HK$380 billion. International investors from the United States, Europe, Southeast Asia and the Middle East were major participants, while capital from mainland China also continued to flow in, he said. Businesses from Southeast Asia and the Middle East were actively exploring equity financing or bond issuance opportunities in Hong Kong.
Turning to the Northern Metropolis development, Chan said it was not merely about land and construction but also about bringing together education, research, talent, businesses and industries to create entirely new growth engines. He added that the authorities had shortened the cycle from scientific research results to market application and provided room for start-ups to grow.
