Henry Tang Ying-yen, a senior advisor and former chief secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, emphasized Hong Kong's enduring institutional advantages during an exclusive interview with CGTN this week. As global economic uncertainties persist in 2026, Tang highlighted how this year's Government Work Report positions Hong Kong and Macao as critical hubs for both national development and international collaboration.
"Hong Kong's common law system, free flow of capital, and bilingual talent pool create an irreplaceable institutional edge," Tang stated, noting these strengths enable the region to mitigate external risks while facilitating cross-border innovation. The report specifically recognizes Hong Kong's role in channeling overseas investment into the Chinese mainland's tech modernization initiatives.
With over 1,400 mainland companies now listed on Hong Kong's stock exchange, the city remains Asia's premier fundraising hub. Tang also pointed to emerging opportunities in green finance and artificial intelligence, where Hong Kong's regulatory frameworks align with global standards while supporting national priorities.
For the Asian diaspora and international businesses, Tang reaffirmed Hong Kong's unique position: "We're not just a gateway to the mainland – we're a testing ground for ideas that benefit both our nation and the world."
