HONG KONG CONNECT


	Policy Address: Deepening Reforms for Our People and Leveraging Our Strengths for a Brighter Future The Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr John Lee, on 17 September announced his fourth Policy Address entitled “Deepening Reforms for Our People and Leveraging Our Strengths for a Brighter Future”, setting out a range of initiatives anchored in two pillars, the economy and people's livelihood, enabling citizens to enjoy a better quality of life. Mr Lee said that this Policy Address serves as a roadmap for Hong Kong to strive for a vibrant economy, pursue development, and improve people's livelihood, accelerating Hong Kong’s advancement from stability to prosperity. It also outlines a strategic plan for Hong Kong to proactively align with national development strategies and achieve breakthroughs in forging a new landscape. More details here. For the full version of the Policy Address, please visit here.

	Shenzhen–Hong Kong–Guangzhou cluster ranked world’s no. 1 innovation hub The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has ranked the Shenzhen–Hong Kong–Guangzhou innovation cluster first globally in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025, after holding the second spot for the previous five years. This year, the ranking newly takes into account the number of venture capital deals, in addition to international patent filings and scientific publications. Leveraging Hong Kong’s role as an international financial centre, with the Mainland and Hong Kong ranked first and second in Asia for venture capital and private equity fund management, the cluster stands out as a powerhouse of innovation and technology (I&T) with its strong ability to channel capital for turning ideas into real-world outcomes. In the same index, Hong Kong rose three places to 15^th globally among 139 economies, and remained 5^th in Asia. Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem continues to strengthen through the works of the major I&T parks, R&D institutions and supportive policies that foster basic research, accelerate technology transfer and promote commercialisation. Strong performances in “Credit”, “Investment”, “Tertiary Education” and “Knowledge Absorption” further underscore Hong Kong’s competitive edge in attracting global talent and resources, driving its vision of becoming an international I&T centre. More details here.

	Hong Kong once again ranks as the world’s freest economy In the Economic Freedom of the World 2025 Annual Report (2025 Report) released on 25 September by the Fraser Institute, Hong Kong has once again been ranked as the world's freest economy. Among the five areas of assessment, Hong Kong retains the top position in "Freedom to trade internationally", while securing the third position in "Sound money" and "Regulation". The Fraser Institute's report has reaffirmed Hong Kong's strengths as a free-market economy, as well as its open and efficient business environment with a level-playing field. The Policy Address delivered by the Chief Executive of HKSAR has set out clear goals and concrete measures to further advance Hong Kong's economic development – including fast-tracking the development of the Northern Metropolis, promoting the development of industries through reforms, accelerating the growth of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and consolidating Hong Kong's status as an international hub. With the staunch support of our country, and the concerted efforts of the HKSAR Government and the community at large, Hong Kong's path from stability to prosperity is set to shine even brighter. More details here.

	Global Financial Centres Index According to the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI) 38 Report published on 25 September, Hong Kong's overall rating increased by four points to 764, maintaining third place globally and first place in Asia Pacific. The rating gaps with first place (New York) and second place (London) narrowed to two points and one point respectively. The report fully recognises Hong Kong's leading status, strengths and competitiveness as an international financial centre. Hong Kong ranked first globally in fintech offerings, reflecting that the joint effort of the Government and the industry over the years to leverage technology in delivering more convenient, efficient and inclusive financial services has earned international recognition. More details here.

	10^th Belt and Road Summit explores new opportunities and drives collaboration for a shared future The 10^th Belt and Road Summit opened on 10 September, drawing over 6 000 participants, more than 90 government and business speakers and over 100 delegations worldwide. The Summit yielded a record number of approximately 50 government and enterprise memorandums of understanding (MOUs), highlighting Hong Kong’s role as a functional platform for the Belt and Road Initiative (B&RI). Speaking at the opening session, the Chief Executive of HKSAR, Mr John Lee, introduced Hong Kong’s strengths in trade and investment, competitiveness, talent, connectivity, green and sustainable development and the legal system, highlighting that Hong Kong is an ideal B&R hub and the only world city that converges both the China advantage and the global advantage. Hong Kong stands as the premier gateway for co-operation, bridging people, trade, business, education, culture and values across the region, connecting Asia and the world. He said that Hong Kong’s “dual superpower” as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” injects vigour, innovation, sustainability and strategic value into capital and projects, and will continue to drive high-quality development along the B&R. More details here. See the Chief Executive of HKSAR’s speech at the opening session here. See the Secretary for Justice’s speech at thematic breakout session here. See the Financial Secretary’s speech at the Keynote Luncheon here.

	Hong Kong surpasses family office target ahead of schedule The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) announced on 15 September that more than 200 family offices have set up operations or expanded their business in Hong Kong with the facilitation of Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), fulfilling the 2022 Policy Address target well ahead of schedule. This milestone further solidifies Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s leading private wealth management centre and global family office hub. Moving forward, the Government will enhance the preferential tax regimes for funds, single family offices and carried interest. Meanwhile, InvestHK will keep up its work with chambers of commerce, industry associations, and the Network of Family Office Service Providers to deepen international collaboration, as well as expand outreach to raise global awareness of Hong Kong as a leading family office hub. More details here.



	Strengthening ties in Adelaide: business, culture and education The Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Ricky Chong, visited Adelaide from 4 to 6 September, engaging with the city’s business, academic, and cultural communities. At the South Australia Chapter of the Hong Kong Australia Business Association Business Awards Gala Dinner, he highlighted Hong Kong’s role as a “super-connector” and new opportunities arising from the resumption of direct flights between Hong Kong and Adelaide and liquor duty reduction. He also met with Ms Kate Gould, CEO of Adelaide Festival Centre, to strengthen collaboration through OzAsia Festival and introduce the Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo 2026, and with Ms Victoria Bick of the University of Adelaide to explore closer ties in education and research. In addition, he attended State Opera South Australia’s production of The Magic Flute, a collaboration between Hong Kong, Australia and Mainland China, showcasing Hong Kong’s vibrant role in international cultural exchange.

	HKETO Sydney engages students at 20^th Chunhui Cup Melbourne Qualifier The Deputy Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Timothy Chau, attended and delivered remarks at the 20^th Chunhui Cup – Melbourne Qualifier on 4 September. The event, celebrating its 10^th year in Melbourne, drew a record 19 entries across fields such as AI, clean energy, life sciences and advanced manufacturing. With a strong focus on Greater Bay Area, the competition continues to serve as a bridge linking Australia’s research and entrepreneurial talent with opportunities in Mainland China and Hong Kong, fostering deeper collaboration in innovation and technology.

	AO Recruitment Talk 2025 HKETO organised two Administrative Officer (AO) recruitment talks for Hong Kong students in Australia and New Zealand at Hong Kong House on 23 September and a webinar on 24 September, targeting Hong Kong students in Sydney and other states of Australia and New Zealand, respectively. The Deputy Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Timothy Chau, gave an overview on the career opportunities within the Hong Kong civil service, with a particular focus on the Administrative Officer Grade and the latest recruitment exercise, as well as the Administrative Service Internship Programme. He encouraged students to consider returning to Hong Kong upon graduation to take advantage of the city’s dynamic and diverse professional landscape.

	HKETO Sydney showcases Hong Kong’s charm to New Zealand travellers The Deputy Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Timothy Chau, attended the Tourism Seminar 2025 hosted by the Hong Kong New Zealand Business Association on 25 September in Auckland. Mr Chau highlighted to the attendees the latest Policy Address initiatives, emphasising the Government’s commitment to advancing the integrated development of culture, sports and tourism, generating fresh economic momentum and raising Hong Kong's global appeal. He said that under a new “Tourism Is Everywhere” framework, the government plans to infuse tourism into diverse sectors through initiatives such as developing yacht economy and cruise tourism, staging large-scale “Mega events + Tourism,” and positioning Hong Kong as the most sought-after destination for premium visitors.

	HKETO Sydney promotes liquor trade and tourism in Sydney The Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Ricky Chong, attended the Food and Whisky event hosted by the Hong Kong Australia Business Association (New South Wales Chapter) in Sydney on 26 September. Speaking at the event, Mr Chong shared the encouraging results since the reduction of import duty on liquor in last October, with imports surged by over 20% in volume and nearly 90% in value. He also highlighted the new initiatives in the 2025 Policy Address to make Hong Kong more attractive for visitors, including mega-events, eco-tours, cruises, immersive local experiences, as well as the yacht economy.



	*Hong Kong football comes to Sydney (Sydney)* Top-tier Tai Po Football Club (Taipo FC) will represent Hong Kong in the 2025-2026 AFC Champions League Two, one of the region’s major football club competitions. They will be taking on Macarthur Football Club in a Group Stage match right here in Sydney on 27 November 2025 at 6:45 pm. Tai Po Football Club, champion of the Hong Kong Premier League, has made history as the first club in Hong Kong to win league titles across all three tiers. Founded in 2002, the club has grown from a humble district team into a true community powerhouse, inspiring youth, promoting social inclusion, and uniting fans who proudly call the team their own. Don’t miss this exciting international showdown! Grab your tickets now for the game here. More details here.

	*Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance (Hong Kong)* Held from 5 to 7 October 2025 in Tai Hang, Causeway Bay, the annual Fire Dragon Dance transforms the neighbourhood into a blazing spectacle of light, smoke and ritual. Over three nights, a majestic 67-metre “fire dragon” festooned with thousands of incense sticks is carried through narrow alleys by some 300 performers, accompanied by drums, gongs and the crackle of burning incense. A tradition dating back more than a century, the Fire Dragon Dance is officially recognised as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage and remains one of Hong Kong’s most evocative Mid-Autumn celebrations. More details here.

	*Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival (Hong Kong)* From 23 to 26 October, the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival will transform the Central Harbourfront into a vibrant celebration of global flavours. Visitors can enjoy fine wines, gourmet treats, and live performances, all set against the stunning backdrop of Victoria Harbour, making it one of the city’s most anticipated annual epicurean events. More details here.

	*Hong Kong Tennis Open 2025 (Hong Kong)* The Hong Kong Tennis Open 2025 will take place at Victoria Park from 25 October to 2 November as part of the Hong Kong Tennis Series. This WTA 250 tournament will feature some of the world’s top female players competing in singles and doubles, delivering an exciting showcase of world-class tennis in the heart of the city. More details here.

	*Hong Kong Open 2025 (Hong Kong)* The Hong Kong Open, the city’s oldest professional sporting event, returns from 30 October to 2 November. Co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Golf Association of Hong Kong, China, the tournament will see 138 top golfers compete for the championship. Alongside the thrilling golfing action, visitors can also enjoy family-friendly activities, interactive games, and a variety of food and drinks, making it a great day out for all. More details here.

Updates on Latest Situation in Hong Kong