Brief

Hong Kong's Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, has called for enhanced cooperation and dialogue with Europe, emphasizing mutual opportunities in trade, investment, and innovation. During a recent trip, Chan noted European interest in Hong Kong's capital markets as a way to diversify away from US dollar assets and mitigate risk concentration. He also observed a European trend towards seeking strategic autonomy and resilient economic partnerships amidst global geopolitical uncertainty. AI

Hong Kong's tourism sector is showing signs of recovery, with a significant increase in visitor numbers and a rise in retail and catering spending. However, this rebound is not translating into a broad revival across all industries, as tourist spending remains inconsistent and concentrated in specific districts. The nature of tourism has also shifted, with mainland visitors now prioritizing experiences and value over traditional shopping, necessitating a focus on increasing spending per visitor rather than just arrival numbers. AI

Hong Kong's financial secretary, Paul Chan, reported a notable increase in French investor interest in the city. This renewed confidence is attributed to Hong Kong's robust market performance, which saw a 28% rise in its stock market in 2025, and an improved geopolitical climate, particularly following a summit between US and Chinese leaders. French businesspeople operating in Hong Kong have also indicated strong operating profits over the past two years, further bolstering positive sentiment. AI