The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government released the 2026 First Quarter Economic Report and revised GDP figures for the first quarter on Friday.
Taking into account the stronger-than-expected actual performance in the first quarter and the potential near-term headwinds in the external environment, the government maintained its full-year real GDP growth forecast of 2.5 to 3.5 percent as outlined in the budget.
The government noted that Hong Kong's economy expanded robustly in the first quarter of 2026, driven by sustained strength in external trade and strengthening domestic demand.
Real GDP grew 5.9 percent year on year in the first three months, unchanged from the advance estimate and accelerating from the 4.0 percent increase in the previous quarter.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, real GDP rose 2.9 percent quarter on quarter.
HK maintains 2026 GDP growth outlook at 2.5-3.5 pct
HK maintains 2026 GDP growth outlook at 2.5-3.5 pct
Hamas announced on Saturday the start of its meetings in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, with Palestinian factions and mediators to discuss the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the future of the Gaza Strip.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem told reporters that the meetings aim to complete what was agreed upon in the first phase, including halting "Israeli aggression and escalation, assassinations, opening the crossings, and allowing the entry of the National Committee."
Discussions will then move to seek reasonable and acceptable approaches for all parties regarding the second phase, whether it involves the entry of international forces or the Gaza technocratic committee into the enclave, or addressing the issue of Palestinian weapons, Qassem added.
He said that Hamas prioritizes the Palestinian people's interest and seeks to "remove any pretexts for Israel to resume war on the Gaza Strip."
A Hamas delegation led by its leader in Gaza, Khalil al-Hayya, along with other faction representatives, arrived in Cairo on Friday for the multi-day talks.
These developments come as the fragile October 2025 ceasefire between Hamas and Israel falters, with key provisions, including disarmament and reconstruction, yet to be implemented.
The first phase of the ceasefire included an exchange of prisoners and detainees, the entry of humanitarian aid into the strip, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from some areas.
The United States announced in mid-January the start of the second phase of the ceasefire, which includes a complete Israeli military withdrawal, Hamas disarmament, reconstruction, and the establishment of a transitional governing body in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas says Cairo talks begin to discuss Gaza ceasefire implementation
