Hong Kong may post strongest growth in five years, finance chief says

The existing 3.5%-4.5% forecast could be raised, while Paul Chan said future infrastructure costs would require careful budgeting.

By newsdesk · 31 October 2026, 12:10 HKT

Reporting: Commercial Radio · Ming Pao · HK01

Hong Kong could record its strongest annual economic growth in five years in 2026, financial secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said on October 31. He said the full-year forecast might be raised.

Chan said the economy grew 5.1% in the first half, driven mainly by exports, with investment also growing relatively quickly. Third-quarter economic figures had not yet been released. He said exports remained very strong and investment growth had continued into the quarter.

The existing full-year growth forecast was 3.5%-4.5%, according to Commercial Radio, which reported that it had already been raised once. Chan said a further increase was possible, but no revised forecast was announced.

Asked whether next year’s budget would offer concessions to the public, Chan said the government would consider the economic figures and do its best. Substantial future infrastructure spending, he said, meant the government would need to manage its finances prudently.