HONG KONG CONNECT


	Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry's visit to Australia and New Zealand The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, visited Australia and New Zealand from 22 to 27 June to strengthen innovation and technology (I&T) collaboration and deepen partnerships with government, academia, industry and the research sector. In Sydney, Professor Sun met with the Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Minister for Building, Minister for Corrections of New South Wales, The Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong MP, to exchange views on I&T development and opportunities for collaboration between Hong Kong and New South Wales. He also visited the University of Sydney to learn about its research in artificial intelligence (AI), digital health and biomedical engineering, met with Chinese scientists and scholars to discuss research collaboration and talent exchange, and introduced Hong Kong's latest I&T developments to local media. He also paid a courtesy call on the Consul-General of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in Sydney, Mr Wang Yu. In Melbourne, Professor Sun met with the Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs and Minister for Sport and Major Events of Victoria, Mr Steve Dimopoulos MP, and delivered keynote address at the 2026 Australia-China Innovation Summit, outlining Hong Kong’s I&T development strategy and encouraging Australian businesses, universities and research institutions to leverage Hong Kong as a gateway to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the wider Asian market. He also met with business leaders, research institutions and biotechnology organisations to explore collaboration in life and health technology, advanced manufacturing and innovation. He also paid a courtesy call on the Consul-General of the PRC in Melbourne, Mr Fang Xinwen. In Auckland, Professor Sun attended the China Business Summit 2026, where he met with the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, and the Minister for Trade and Investment, Hon Todd McClay, to discuss opportunities for closer collaboration in innovation, research and investment. He also delivered a keynote speech at the Summit on Hong Kong's role as an international I&T centre and gateway to the GBA, and met with representatives from local I&T enterprises. Professor Sun also met with the Interim Vice-Chancellor of the University of Auckland, Professor Frank Bloomfield, visited the University's Centre for Automation and Robotic Engineering Science and Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and explored collaboration opportunities with companies in life and health technology and research commercialisation. He also paid courtesy calls on the Ambassador of the PRC to New Zealand, the Cook Islands and Niue, Mr Wang Xiaolong and the Consul General of the PRC in Auckland, Mr Chen Shijie. During his visit, Professor Sun also participated in other events co-hosted and supported by HKETO Sydney. More details can be found in HKETO Activities below. More details on Professor Sun’s visit to Sydney, Australia here. More details on Professor Sun’s visit to Melbourne, Australia here. More details on Professor Sun’s visit to Auckland, New Zealand here. More details on Professor Sun’s last day of visit in Auckland, New Zealand here.

	Hong Kong ranked the world's second most competitive economy Hong Kong has climbed to second place globally in the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026, published by the International Institute for Management Development, marking its third consecutive year of improvement and its highest ranking since 2019. Among 70 economies assessed, Hong Kong ranked No.2 in “Government efficiency” and No.3 in “Business efficiency”. Among the competitiveness sub-factors, Hong Kong ranked No.1 for both “Tax policy” and “Business legislation”. The rankings reflect the international community's trust in Hong Kong's legal and regulatory environment, as well as the seamless alignment of the city's business practices and environment with international best standards. More details here.

	Hong Kong universities reach new heights in QS World University Rankings 2027 Hong Kong's higher education sector has achieved another remarkable milestone in the World University Rankings 2027 published by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), with two universities ranked among the world's top 20 and five placed in the global top 100 for the first time. The University of Hong Kong maintained its strong position at 11^th, while the Chinese University of Hong Kong entered the world's top 20 for the first time at 18^th. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology ranked 33^rd, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University achieved its first-ever top-50 placing at 50^th, and City University of Hong Kong followed closely at 52^nd. The outstanding results fully affirm the effectiveness of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government's steadfast investment in education and its full support through the University Grants Committee for institutions to continuously innovate, optimise, expand capacity, and enhance quality. The significant year-on-year rise in the overall rankings of our institutions further validates Hong Kong's strong appeal as a premier hub for international high-end talent. More details here.

	Action Plan to promote development of Corporate Treasury Centres in Hong Kong The HKSAR Government launched the Action Plan to Promote the Development of Corporate Treasury Centres (CTCs), strengthening Hong Kong as a premier hub for multinational CTCs. Jointly formulated by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the Inland Revenue Department, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and Invest Hong Kong, the Action Plan introduces a comprehensive "4T" framework covering Tax revamp, Tax agreements, Targeted promotion, and Talent and dialogue. By providing a stable, business-friendly environment and world-class financial services, the Action Plan will further cement Hong Kong's role as a platform for enterprises to "bring in and go global", supporting both Chinese Mainland companies expanding overseas and international businesses accessing the Chinese Mainland and wider Asian markets. More details here.

	A vibrant June of arts, culture and sporting excitement in Hong Kong Hong Kong came alive this June with a vibrant calendar of arts, cultural and sporting events. The city celebrated the Dragon boat Festival with spectacular dragon boat races across Victoria Harbour and beyond, including the 50^th anniversary of Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, attracting more than 220 teams from 16 countries and regions. Reinforcing Hong Kong's status as a global sporting hub, the International Dragon Boat Federation also established its global headquarters in the city. Meanwhile, Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Month showcased more than 500 elements of the city's living heritage through performances, exhibitions, workshops and community activities. Culture enthusiasts also enjoyed the Muwen Tang Collection of Cantonese and Export Art, celebrating Guangdong's artistic legacy, and Hong Kong Film Archive Stories, a curated exhibition of film artefacts that revisits the golden age of Hong Kong cinema. From exhilarating sporting spectacles to world-class cultural experiences, Hong Kong continues to offer something for everyone, reflecting the city's unique blend of tradition, creativity and international appeal.



	Hong Kong delegation showcases sustainable building expertise at WSBE 2026 HKETO Sydney was pleased to support the participation of the BEAM Society delegation at the World Sustainable Built Environment (WSBE) Conference 2026 in Melbourne from 10 to 12 June. At a luncheon workshop on “Hong Kong’s State of Sustainable Built Environment”, Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Ricky Chong, welcomed the Hong Kong delegation and highlighted Hong Kong’s commitment to sustainable urban development and carbon neutrality. He noted that green buildings play a critical role in Hong Kong’s climate strategy, with initiatives such as the BEAM Plus assessment scheme helping to drive higher standards in energy efficiency, water conservation and sustainable building management. Mr Chong also emphasised the importance of international collaboration in addressing climate challenges and fostering innovation. He noted the many opportunities for Hong Kong and Australia to deepen cooperation in areas such as green building technologies, sustainable construction, smart city development and climate resilience. The conference brought together professionals, academics and industry leaders from around the world to exchange insights, share best practices and foster partnerships in support of a more sustainable future. The participation of the Hong Kong delegation also offered an excellent opportunity to showcase Hong Kong’s expertise and best practices in green building, as well as the city’s strengths in providing professional services in green and sustainable finance to an international audience.

	HKETO Sydney joins HKABA in honouring global business excellence in Melbourne On 23 June, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, together with the Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Ricky Chong, attended the Hong Kong Australia Business Association (HKABA) National Business Awards Gala Dinner supported by HKETO Sydney, where Professor Sun joined business and community leaders to celebrate the enduring ties between Hong Kong and Australia and discuss future opportunities for partnership. In his keynote address, Professor Sun highlighted that with a robust I&T ecosystem of major I&T parks and research and development institutions as well as InnoHK's 38 world-class laboratories partnering with world-renowned universities and institutions, including the University of Melbourne, Hong Kong is advancing in industries of strategic importance in life sciences, AI, and advanced manufacturing and new materials. In his welcoming speech, Mr Chong congratulated the award finalists and winners for their contributions to strengthening Hong Kong–Australia ties, and reaffirmed HKETO Sydney's commitment to working closely with the business community to promote two-way trade, investment and innovation partnerships.

	Hong Kong highlights innovation gateway at China Business Summit 2026 On 25 June, Professor Sun, together with Mr Ricky Chong, attended the China Business Summit 2026, co-organised by the Auckland Business Chamber and NZINC. and supported by HKETO Sydney. Recognised as New Zealand's premier forum on China, the Summit brings together government leaders, business executives and industry experts to examine the economic, commercial and strategic dimensions of the New Zealand–China relationship, while exploring opportunities for trade, investment and innovation collaboration. In his keynote address, Professor Sun highlighted Hong Kong's transformation into an international I&T centre, underpinned by strategic initiatives such as the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone and the Northern Metropolis. He emphasised Hong Kong's strengths as a gateway to the GBA and the wider Asia-Pacific, inviting New Zealand businesses to leverage the city's world-class innovation ecosystem, open business environment and strategic connectivity to expand into regional markets.

	HKETO Sydney supports HKNZBA Business Awards and Gala Dinner in Auckland On 26 June, HKETO Sydney supported the Business Awards and Gala Dinner organised by the Hong Kong New Zealand Business Association (HKNZBA), bringing together business and community leaders to celebrate the strong and enduring economic and people-to-people ties between Hong Kong and New Zealand. Speaking at the Gala Dinner, Professor Sun highlighted Hong Kong’s transformation into an international I&T centre, supported by world-class research capabilities, major I&T infrastructure, targeted funding initiatives, and a competitive business environment. He encouraged New Zealand businesses to leverage Hong Kong as a gateway to the GBA and Asian markets, and to deepen collaboration in areas such as food technology, AI, sustainable production, and green innovation. In his welcoming remarks, Mr Chong congratulated the award finalists and commended HKNZBA for its continued efforts in promoting Hong Kong and strengthening business links between Hong Kong and New Zealand. He highlighted the strong potential for both sides to deepen collaboration in I&T, drawing on Hong Kong's role as a super-connector and New Zealand's strengths in research, sustainability and commercialisation.


	*HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair (Hong Kong)* The HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair will return from 15 to 21 July, bringing together publishers, authors and book lovers from around the world to celebrate the joy of reading. Under the theme "Cultural Legacy \| Joyful Journeys", this year's fair will feature inspiring seminars by renowned writers, a rich programme of cultural activities, and the "World of Art and Culture" zone, encouraging visitors to discover diverse cultures, ideas and perspectives through books and storytelling. More details here.

	*Fencing World Championships 2026 Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)* Hong Kong will host the Fencing World Championships 2026 from 22 to 30 July, welcoming the world's top fencers for one of the sport's most prestigious competitions outside the Olympic Games. Building on the city's growing reputation as a major sporting events destination, the Championships will showcase world-class competition while capitalising on the surge in local enthusiasm for fencing inspired by Olympic champions Cheung Ka-long and Vivian Kong Man-wai, as well as reigning World Champion Ryan Choi Chun-yin. The event is expected to attract elite athletes, international visitors and fencing fans from around the world. More details here.

	*Hong Kong Football Festival 2026 (Hong Kong)* The record setting Hong Kong Football Festival 2026 marks a monumental return, bringing together four of the most decorated clubs in the history of the sport: Manchester City, FC Internazionale Milano, Chelsea FC, and Juventus. From 31 July to 5 August 2026, football fans will witness two electrifying matches at the 50,000-seat, state-of-the-art Kai Tak Stadium. Following last year’s record-breaking edition, which drew over 100,000 fans, the 2026 festival promises even more excitement and top-tier action, serving as a crucial warm-up for these European giants ahead of the 2026/27 season. More details here.

Updates on Latest Situation in Hong Kong