Hong Kong once again ranks as the world's freest economy
In the Economic Freedom of the World 2025 Annual Report (2025 Report) released today (September 25) by the Fraser Institute, Hong Kong has once again been ranked as the world's freest economy. Among the five areas of assessment, Hong Kong retains the top position in "Freedom to trade internationally", while securing the third position in "Sound money" and "Regulation".
A spokesman for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government said, "The Fraser Institute's report has reaffirmed Hong Kong's strengths as a free-market economy, as well as its open and efficient business environment with a level-playing field. Amid the intensifying geopolitical tensions, and rising unilateralism and protectionism that disrupt the international trade system and global economic order, Hong Kong will, as always, continue to steadfastly uphold its status as a free port. We will maintain free trade policies and a simple, low tax regime, while ensuring the free flow of capital, information, goods and talent – fully leveraging our role as a 'super connector' and 'super value-adder'. We warmly welcome local and overseas enterprises and talent to invest in Hong Kong and pursue business and career opportunities here."
"Since the beginning of this year, the global economy has been facing significant uncertainties stemming from unilateral tariffs. Nevertheless, our country's commitment to high-level two-way opening up, along with continuous breakthroughs in technological innovation, has injected stability and growth momentum into the regional and global economies. Under the 'one country, two systems' framework, Hong Kong retains its unique advantages in connectivity, internationalisation, diversity and inclusiveness. These strengths, combined with stable and predictable economic and financial policies, as well as an open, efficient and fair market environment, continue to attract global investors, enterprises and talent. The strong performance of Hong Kong's stock market, the sustained growth in bank deposits, and the expanding asset and wealth management sectors, are clear indicators of international investors' confidence in Hong Kong. Furthermore, the city continues to achieve outstanding results in various global competitiveness rankings across finance, innovation and technology, education and talent. These all underscore the international recognition of Hong Kong's core strengths and the HKSAR Government's efforts to promote economic and social development."
"The current-term HKSAR Government has been proactively attracting enterprises, capital and talent to Hong Kong, with remarkable results. As of last year, nearly 10000 companies with overseas and Mainland parent companies have established a presence in Hong Kong, marking a historic high. Since the end of 2022, the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises has successfully brought in over 80 strategic enterprises to set up or expand their operations in the city, many of which are global leaders in cutting-edge technologies. In the first eight months of this year, Invest Hong Kong supported more than 440 enterprises in establishing or expanding their businesses in Hong Kong, representing a 14 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Overseas and Mainland enterprises each accounted for about half of these projects. These figures demonstrate the strong appeal of Hong Kong's world-class business environment. On talent attraction, since the end of 2022 to August this year, various talent admission schemes received nearly 530000 applications, with over 350000 approvals. More than 230,000 individuals have arrived in Hong Kong."
"Looking ahead, we will continue to proactively integrate into the overall national development plan and align with national development strategies, while maintaining a free, open and fair business environment. We will capitalise on our core advantages, and strengthen connectivity with both the Mainland and the world, to create greater value and opportunities for global investors. In addition to consolidating our strengths in the traditional sectors, we are committed to nurturing emerging industries and expanding into new sectors. While deepening ties with established markets, we are also making great strides in enhancing our engagement with the Global South. The Policy Address delivered by the Chief Executive last week has set out clear goals and concrete measures to further advance Hong Kong's economic development – including fast-tracking the development of the Northern Metropolis, promoting the development of industries through reforms, accelerating the growth of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and consolidating Hong Kong's status as an international hub. With the staunch support of our country, and the concerted efforts of the HKSAR Government and the community at large, Hong Kong's path from stability to prosperity is set to shine even brighter."
As to references on Hong Kong's national security laws in the 2025 Report, the spokesman said, "The HKSAR Government protects the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents in strict accordance with the Constitution of the People's Republic of China and the Basic Law. The interests of enterprises and investors are also fully safeguarded in accordance with the law. In recent years, the implementation of national security laws has restored a safe and stable environment in Hong Kong. This has not only ensured the rights and freedoms of the general public, but also strengthened Hong Kong's position as a secure and attractive destination for international capital and investment. Under the 'one country, two systems' framework, the HKSAR continues to practise the common law and uphold the rule of law, and maintain a judiciary that exercises powers independently. Various surveys indicate that foreign businesses operating in Hong Kong generally express strong confidence in the city's rule of law. Hong Kong's remarkable performance in various international rankings further affirms its globally attractive business environment. The HKSAR Government hopes that, in conducting future assessments for the Economic Freedom of the World, the relevant parties will fully understand and accurately reflect the facts."
Source: AI-found images
