Published : 2025-02-21
Updated : 2025-03-20
Hong Kong enjoys unique advantages in legal system, economy, logistics, innovation and technology, and culture. What are the prospects for this international city?
Our Hong Kong Foundation (OHKF) is launching a 10-episode special programme, "From Changes to Chances Hong Kong Odyssey", on its 10th anniversary to share insights into Hong Kong's future.
【EP09 - Cultural Hub: Enchanting East-Meets-West】
M+ and the Hong Kong Palace Museum have become world-class cultural landmarks and are among the world's top 100. In the year 2023/24 over 4.4 million visitors were attracted.
Leveraging its unique advantages, Hong Kong has not only been a gateway for traditional Chinese culture to go global, but has also brought the essence of various Western cultures to the city. East-meets-West has created a distinctive cultural narrative of Hong Kong.
【EP08 - Academic Hub: International Higher Education】
Hong Kong is among the cities with the most top universities globally. According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, Hong Kong has five universities in the world's top 100, four of which are recognised as the most international universities in the world.
Unity is strength, Hong Kong can be an international education hub by leveraging its institutional advantages and collaborating with the Mainland and the world.
【EP07 - Talent Hub: Attracting Global Talent】
Hong Kong now has over 600,000 foreign nationals, about 300,000 of whom have long been based in Hong Kong.
They have been engaging in various industries and greatly contributing to the city's development. Ronnie O'Sullivan, the Scottish snooker legend, has obtained Hong Kong residency through the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme.
A fertile ground for talent attraction is needed. By optimising the immigration policy and maintaining a highly liveable environment, talent will be eager to settle in Hong Kong.
【EP06 - I&T Hub: Bringing in Emerging Industries】
Hong Kong's free flow of capital and excellent research and development capabilities allow companies to accelerate expansion by locating in Hong Kong.
According to the Global Innovation Index 2024, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou science and technology cluster is ranked second globally. With unique institutional advantages, abundant human resources, and a strong venture capital platform, Hong Kong can be an international I&T centre with unlimited opportunities.
【EP05 - Maritime Hub: Vibrant & Efficient Rebound】
Do you agree that the logistics and maritime industries in Hong Kong are declining?
In fact, as one of the world's busiest and most efficient ports, Hong Kong is ranked fourth globally in the International Shipping Centre Development Index with over 240 international container liner services per week, connecting to nearly 500 destinations worldwide.
Hong Kong's overall maritime strength remains internationally recognised.
【EP04 - Aviation Hub: Connecting the World】
In 2023, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) handled a total of 4.3 million tonnes of cargo. As the only airport worldwide exceeding 4 million tonnes, it has been the world's busiest cargo airport for over 10 years.
As the third runway was officially commissioned from 2035 onwards, HKIA's annual passenger and cargo handling capacities are expected to increase respectively to around 120 million and 10 million tonnes.
Moreover, the airport is at the crossroads of Northeast and Southeast Asia, it provides transshipment services for air cargo from them to the world.
As an international aviation hub, HKIA is connected to nearly 200 destinations worldwide, reaching around half of the world's population within a five-hour flight. With the talent and resources available, Hong Kong continues to serve as an aviation hub for Asia and the world.
【EP03 - Trade Hub: International Conventions & Exhibitions】
In 2023, 125 large-scale exhibitions were held in an area of more than 2000 sq. m, 73 of which were trade-related, attracting 1.3 million visitors worldwide. As the world's 10th largest trading entity, Hong Kong plays a crucial role in global trade. Noteworthily, conventions and exhibitions are integral parts of this.
As an illustration, the Belt and Road Summit, hosted annually in the city, is a premier international platform for promoting economic and trade collaboration among Hong Kong, Mainland, and overseas operations along the Belt and Road.
As the country's most open and internationalised city, Hong Kong is well-placed as a "super-connector." It should further leverage national policies to embrace global economic and trade opportunities.
【EP02 - Financial Hub: Super Value-Adder】
It may not be uncommon for you to come across businesses that resemble those in Hong Kong. With the unique advantages of the principle of "One Country, Two Systems", Hong Kong, as a financial hub, has facilitated the global expansion of many local and Mainland companies.
By harnessing Hong Kong's experience, Mainland and Hong Kong enterprises can go global. By exploiting the exchange platform, foreign businesses can enter the Mainland market. Being the sole city globally that integrates Chinese strengths with a worldwide platform, Hong Kong will continuously serve as a "super value-adder”.
【EP01 - Legal Hub: International Arbitration & Mediation】
Arbitration is where a neutral third party serves as an arbiter to resolve a dispute. Under "One Country, Two Systems", Hong Kong is the only bilingual common law jurisdiction globally. Its awards are enforceable in over 170 jurisdictions worldwide.
The Central Government always strongly supports Hong Kong in developing international legal and mediation services.
Together with 18 countries, it has created new opportunities for Hong Kong by establishing the International Organization for Mediation headquarters in the city.
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