Hong Kong ranks as the freest economy in the world and continues to attract companies and talents from around the world to settle in

The Zhitong Finance App learned that the Fraser Institute released the “2026 World Economic Freedom Report” today (October 6), and Hong Kong continues to be ranked as the freest economy in the world. Among the five major assessments, Hong Kong ranked first in “freedom of international trade”, while “regulation” remained second in the world.

A Hong Kong government spokesperson said, “The Fraser Institute's report once again affirms Hong Kong's free market advantages and an open, efficient and fair business environment. In the current context of increasing global economic uncertainty and rising trade protectionism, Hong Kong firmly maintains its status as a free port, implements a zero-tariff policy and a simple low tax system to provide a safe, stable, fair and predictable international business and investment environment for investors and entrepreneurs at home and abroad.”

“The country adheres to a high level of two-way opening-up to the outside world, and continues to make breakthroughs in scientific and technological innovation. It continues to be the main stabilizer and driving force for world economic growth. Under 'one country, two systems', Hong Kong relies on the motherland and connects the world. On the one hand, it is easily connected to the mainland and international markets. On the other hand, it continues to implement common law in parallel with Chinese and English. It has financial, shipping, trade and professional services that are seamlessly connected with the best international standards, as well as an efficient government structure and a clean and professional civil service team. The above elements allow Hong Kong's 'super contact' and 'super value-added person' to give full play to the role and function, making it the best gateway for mainland enterprises to break out of the international market and for overseas enterprises to enter the mainland. Since this year, Hong Kong has continued to achieve excellent results in many international competitiveness rankings relating to finance, innovation and technology (innovation and technology), education and talent, reflecting Hong Kong's core strengths and the efforts of the SAR government to promote high-quality social and economic development, which has been widely recognized by the international community.”

“In fact, Hong Kong's excellent business and living environment, combined with the concerted efforts of the HKSAR Government and all sectors of society, continues to attract enterprises and talents from all over the world to settle in. Last year, Hong Kong had more than 11,000 parent companies based in Hong Kong overseas and in the Mainland, up 11% from 2024, to a record high. The Government set up the Key Enterprise Office in 2022 to attract globally representative and high-growth innovation and technology companies to settle in Hong Kong in a strategic and targeted manner. So far, it has successfully introduced more than 120 key enterprises, many of which are global industry leaders with a market capitalization or valuation of over HK$100 billion and mastering cutting-edge technology. In the first eight months of this year, the Investment Promotion Department also assisted about 520 mainland and overseas enterprises to set up or expand their business in Hong Kong. In terms of attracting talents, since the end of 2022 to August of this year, various talent entry schemes have received more than 670,000 applications and approved more than 470,000, of which more than 310,000 have arrived in Hong Kong. Over the past year, Hong Kong's IPO capital raised, bank deposits, assets and assets managed by the wealth management industry have all recorded considerable growth, reflecting the confidence and affirmation of international investors in Hong Kong.”

“Last month, the Chief Executive announced the “Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development (2026-2030)” (“Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan”) and the 2026 “Policy Address” to formulate a blueprint for Hong Kong's social and economic development, actively connect with the country's 15th Five-Year Plan and development strategy, better integrate and serve the country's overall development situation, and achieve great development for itself. The “Hong Kong First Five-Year Plan” states that it will adhere to a free and open economic system, and the free flow of capital, goods, personnel, and information. These are all core advantages of Hong Kong under “one country, two systems.” Looking forward to the future, with the firm support of the country, the SAR government will continue to work with all sectors of society to further enhance the role and function of the 'four centers and one highland', accelerate the construction of the northern metropolitan area, inject stronger momentum into social and economic development, open up a wider development space for local enterprises and citizens, and provide greater opportunities for global enterprises, investors and talents.”