HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 October 2026 – Hong Kong has again been rated as the world's freest economy, according to the Economic Freedom of the World 2026 Annual Report, published on October 6 by the Canada-based Fraser Institute. Hong Kong remained top among 165 jurisdictions worldwide with Switzerland in second place.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government welcomed the latest report, noting that, among the five areas of assessment, the city continued to be ranked first globally in "Freedom to trade internationally" and second in "Regulation".
Hong Kong retains leading position as the world’s freest economy
"The Fraser Institute's report once again affirms Hong Kong's strengths as a free-market economy and its open, efficient and fair business environment," a spokesman for the HKSAR Government said. "Amid increasing global economic uncertainties and rising trade protectionism, Hong Kong remains firmly committed to maintaining its free port status, zero-tariff policy, and simple and low tax regime, providing a secure, stable, fair, predictable and internationalised business and investment environment for investors and entrepreneurs from around the world."
"One country, two systems" advantages
The HKSAR Government highlighted that, under the "one country, two systems" framework, Hong Kong enjoys the strong support of the Chinese Mainland and maintains close connections with the rest of the world.
"While offering convenient access to both the Chinese Mainland and international markets, Hong Kong continues to practise common law in both Chinese and English," the spokesman said. "It also offers financial, shipping, trading and professional services that align seamlessly with international best standards, supported by an efficient government structure and a clean and professional civil service."
These strengths enable Hong Kong to fully leverage its roles and functions as a 'super connector' and 'super value-adder', making it the best gateway for Mainland enterprises to enter international markets and for overseas enterprises to enter the Mainland.
Attracting investment and talent
So far this year, Hong Kong has continued to scale new heights in various international competitiveness rankings covering finance, innovation and technology (I&T), education and talent, reflecting wide recognition by the international community of Hong Kong's core strengths and the HKSAR Government's efforts to promote high-quality social and economic development.
Indeed, Hong Kong's favourable business and living environment, coupled with the proactive and concerted efforts of the HKSAR Government and all sectors of the community, continues to attract enterprises and talent from around the world.
Last year, the number of companies in Hong Kong with parent companies overseas or in the Mainland exceeded 11,000, an increase of 11 per cent over 2024 and a record high.
The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), established by the HKSAR Government in 2022, has successfully attracted over 120 strategic enterprises to date, including many global industry leaders with a market capitalisation or valuation exceeding $100 billion and possessing cutting-edge technologies.
On talent attraction, from end-2022 to August this year, over 670,000 applications were received and over 470,000 were approved under various talent admission schemes, with more than 310,000 individuals having arrived in Hong Kong.
Over the past year, Hong Kong recorded considerable growth in funds raised through initial public offerings, bank deposits and assets under management in the asset and wealth management business, reflecting international investors' confidence in and recognition of Hong Kong.
Looking ahead
Last month, the HKSAR's Chief Executive, John Lee, announced the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) (Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan) and the 2026 Policy Address.
Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan states that Hong Kong will remain committed to a free and open economic system and the free flow of capital, goods, people and information, all of which are Hong Kong's core strengths under the "one country, two systems" framework.
"These efforts will inject stronger impetus into social and economic development, open up broader development prospects for local enterprises and the public, and provide greater opportunities for enterprises, investors and talent worldwide," the spokesman said.
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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 October 2026 – The World Green Organisation (WGO) successfully hosted the Sustainable Finance & Climate Innovation Exchange 2026 (ESG XCHANGE 2026) on 9 September 2026 as part of the Hong Kong Green Week 2026 event series, bringing together more than 100 senior executives, industry experts and professionals from banking, investment, insurance, real estate, technology, artificial intelligence, GreenTech, ESG and sustainability, professional services and other sectors.
World Green Organisation ESG XCHANGE 2026 - Advancing Sustainable Finance, Climate Innovation and AI at Hong Kong Green Week 2026
The event was supported by AWS Hong Kong as Event Partner and BOC Group Life Assurance Company Limited as Strategic Partner, with Hong Kong Institute of Circular Economy and Cantabrigian Consulting Limited serving as Supporting Organisations.
The event featured a distinguished line-up of senior leaders and experts from the financial, technology, GreenTech, business and social impact sectors to exchange perspectives on the future of sustainable transformation., including:
- Mr. Ronald Young, Head of Sustainable Banking Development, Hong Kong Monetary Authority
- Dr. William Yu, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, World Green Organisation
- Mr. Chris So, Managing Director, AWS Hong Kong
- Mr. Terry Yung, Chief Investment Officer, BOC Group Life Assurance Company Limited
- Ms. Vivienne Chiu, Chief Brand and Communications Officer, BOC Group Life Assurance Company Limited
- Mr. Eugene Li, Head of Outsourcing, GBA NATC Director, IBM
- Mr. Ronald Cheung, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Lifewood Data Technology Ltd.
- Ms. Annie Cheung, Executive Director and CEO, Peoplebank Hong Kong Limited
- Mr. Peter Wong, Deputy CEO, Dialogue-in-the-Dark HK Foundation
- Mr. Angus Chan, Senior Manager, GreenTech, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation
- Mr. Arthur Lam, Co-founder and CEO, Negawatt Utility Limited
- Mr. Terence Chow, Senior Generative AI Go-To-Market Specialist, AWS
- Mr. Eric Chau, Enterprise Partner Success Strategist, AWS
From Sustainable Finance to Climate and Technology Innovation
The forum explored how capital, technology, innovation and people can work together to accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient economy. Speakers shared practical experience and forward-looking perspectives across sustainable finance, GreenTech, artificial intelligence, ESG innovation, talent development, accessibility and social impact.
A keynote presentation by Mr. Ronald Young, Head of Sustainable Banking Development at the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, highlighted key initiatives advancing sustainable finance in Hong Kong. Mr. Terry Yung, Chief Investment Officer of BOC Group Life Assurance Company Limited, shared an investment perspective on sustainable transformation, while Ms. Vivienne Chiu, Chief Brand and Communications Officer of BOC Life, highlighted the role of corporate engagement, strategic partnerships and innovation support in advancing ESG solutions and creating wider societal value.
The discussions reinforced Hong Kong's role in international finance, technology and innovation, highlighting the importance of cross-sector collaboration in turning ESG strategies into measurable business, climate and societal value.
AI as an Enabler of Sustainable Transformation
Artificial intelligence emerged as a key theme throughout the event, with speakers examining how AI and data technologies can support ESG decision-making, improve operational efficiency, strengthen climate and sustainability intelligence, and accelerate innovation across industries.
At the same time, discussions also highlighted the importance of responsible AI adoption, workforce reskilling, accessibility and social inclusion, ensuring that technological advancement creates broader opportunities for businesses and society.
Turning ESG Strategy into Real-World Impact
Speaking at the event, Dr. William Yu, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the World Green Organisation, highlighted that sustainable transformation requires the collective participation of finance, technology, business and society.
The future of ESG transformation will increasingly depend on how effectively organisations combine finance, technology, AI, human capability and cross-sector collaboration to create measurable business, climate and societal value.
WGO will continue to develop the ESG XCHANGE series as a platform to connect different sectors, promote practical partnerships and translate ESG strategies into business value, climate impact and societal value.
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About World Green Organisation
The World Green Organisation (WGO) is an independent non-governmental organisation concerned with environmental conservation and environmentally related livelihood and economic affairs. It provides a holistic approach to a fully integrated three-pronged solution that combines social, environmental and economic dimensions for a paradigm shift towards low-carbon and climate-resilient development pathways.
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