What's New
November 4, 2025
Hong Kong rose to rank fourth globally in digital competitiveness
In the latest World Digital Competitiveness Ranking (WDCR) 2025 published by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), Hong Kong ranked fourth globally, up further by three places after rising by three places last year. Among the three factors in WDCR 2025, Hong Kong continued to perform well and remained third and fifth globally in "Technology" and "Knowledge" respectively, while ranking in "Future readiness" improved notably by five places to tenth.
November 2, 2025
Japanese delegation to attend Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK Festival 2025 to explore business opportunities in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo (Tokyo ETO) and Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) are supporting the participation of leading Japanese fintech companies in Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK Festival 2025, taking place from November 3 to 7. Over 100 members of the Japanese delegation will join the week’s activities, including a Greater Bay Area tour and networking sessions. The Chief Advisor for International Finance of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Mr Hiromi Yamaoka, and the Head of Finolab of Japan, Mr Makoto Shibata, will also share insights at the main forum. Eight Japanese companies will also showcase their latest fintech solutions at the Japan Pavilion.
October 1, 2025
Air Passenger Departure Tax Exemption
The Airport Authority Hong Kong will launch a new Refund Application Platform for the air passenger departure tax (APDT) on 1 October 2025. Eligible passengers who have paid the APDT at the time of purchasing the air tickets may easily apply for tax refunds by simply uploading supporting documents to the platform.
September 25, 2025
Hong Kong once again ranks as the world's freest economy
In the Economic Freedom of the World 2025 Annual Report (2025 Report) released 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".
Sep 10 & 11, 2025
Belt and Road Summit Returns in September
The 10th Belt and Road Summit, co-organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, will take place on 10 and 11 September 2025 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Under the theme Collaborate for Change • Shape a Shared Future, the Summit will bring together over 90 key officials and business leaders from 18 Belt and Road countries and regions and feature in-depth discussions on the immense opportunities arising from the Belt and Road Initiative across sectors including finance and investment, innovation and technology, professional services, infrastructure and maritime services.
Sep 9, 2025
Hong Kong leaps to fourth place and ranks first in Asia in World Talent Ranking 2025
The International Institute for Management Development (IMD) published the World Talent Ranking 2025. Hong Kong's ranking leapt markedly to fourth globally from ninth last year, marking the highest-ever ranking and ranking first in Asia. For the second consecutive year, Hong Kong improved across all three ranked talent competitiveness factors, "Appeal," "Readiness" and "Investment and Development."
August 31, 2025
Tokyo ETO promotes Hong Kong cinema in Osaka
Tokyo ETO supported the "Hong Kong Gala Screening" featuring the Hong Kong film "Behind the Shadows", held in Osaka during the 21st Osaka Asian Film Festival (OAFF).
August 25 & 26, 2025
Tokyo ETO supports Asian Youth Orchestra performances in Japan
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo supported the Hong Kong-based Asian Youth Orchestra in staging three concerts in Ibaraki and Tokyo as part of its Asia tour, further strengthening cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Japan.
