Modern Australian
Times Advertising

Budget by Hong Kong SAR’s Financial Secretary: Accelerating Development through Reform and Innovation

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 26 February 2025 - Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region unveiled his 2025-26 Budget today (February 26). He noted that while geopolitical situation might bring risks, technology reform and artificial intelligence (AI) development are remoulding the global landscape, leading to the emergence of new industries, new forms of business, new products and new services.

He stressed that Hong Kong must seize the opportunity to make the most out of this critical window to speed up development, establishing the new before abolishing the old. He also emphasised that transformation and innovation will lead the way into the future, and the Government is poised to fast-track the high-quality development of Hong Kong's economy.

The Budget presents a series of measures aimed at accelerating the cultivation of new quality productive forces. On innovation and technology (I&T), the Government will promote Hong Kong into an international exchange and co-operation hub for the AI industry. Through frontier research and real-world application, the Government will endeavour to develop AI as a core industry and empower traditional industries in their upgrading and transformation. To spearhead and support Hong Kong's innovative research and development as well as industrial application of AI, the Government will establish the Hong Kong AI Research and Development Institute and launch the Pilot Manufacturing and Production Line Upgrade Support Scheme (Manufacturing+). On finance, the Government will continue to take forward reforms to the listing regime, host the Hong Kong Global Financial and Industry Summit, and formulate a plan this year on promoting gold market development.

Hong Kong SAR’s Financial Secretary Paul Chan delivers the 2025-26 Budget in the Legislative Council.
Hong Kong SAR’s Financial Secretary Paul Chan delivers the 2025-26 Budget in the Legislative Council.

To seize the opportunities brought about by the rapid advancement of innovation and technology, the Budget highlights the need to accelerate the development of the Northern Metropolis, which is an investment in Hong Kong's future. The Government will continue to accord priority to providing resources for this initiative, which primarily includes providing large tracts of I&T land at the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, together with San Tin Technopole; adopting an innovative mindset in piloting "large-scale land disposal"; developing a data facility cluster at Sandy Ridge; as well as identifying suitable sites in the Northern Metropolis for the construction of conference and exhibition facilities.

On the promotion of tourism, funding will be allocated to pursue the concept of "tourism is everywhere" and implement the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong's Tourism Industry 2.0. A study will be conducted on the development of the waterfront and former sites to the south of the Hung Hom Station in Kowloon into a new harbourfront landmark in Kowloon, including a yacht club.

Regarding land supply, Mr Chan announced that the Government will not roll out any commercial site for sale in the coming year in view of the high vacancy rates of offices in recent years to allow the market to absorb the existing supply. The Government will also consider rezoning some of the commercial sites into residential use and allowing greater flexibility of land use.

The Budget presents a series of measures aimed at accelerating the cultivation of new quality productive forces.
The Budget presents a series of measures aimed at accelerating the cultivation of new quality productive forces.

Mr Chan proposed a reinforced version of the fiscal consolidation programme to focus on strictly controlling government expenditure, supplemented by increasing revenue, to restore fiscal balance in the Operating Account, in a planned and progressive manner, within the current term of the Government. The Government will also deliver more efficient public services to citizens through leveraging technology, streamlining processes and driving the digital transformation of public services. Mr Chan said he will uphold the "user pays" and the "affordable users pay" principles as far as practicable while increasing revenue, including increasing the air passenger departure tax, and reviewing the tolls of government tunnels and trunk roads. The Government will suitably expand the size of bond issuance on the premise of maintaining healthy public finances and use the funds raised on infrastructure works in a proper and flexible manner to invest in Hong Kong's future and create value for society.

More information about the 2025-26 Budget is available from www.budget.gov.hk.

Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #budget






The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Preparing Your Air Conditioner for Summer: What Most Homeowners Overlook

As temperatures rise, many homeowners switch on their air conditioning for the first time in months — only to find it’s not performing the way i...

What Actually Adds Value to Properties in Newcastle

Newcastle has seen steady growth over the past few years, with more buyers looking beyond Sydney for lifestyle, space, and long-term value. As dema...

What is Design and Build in Construction?

Imagine you’re about to start a new construction project, maybe it’s a custom home or a commercial building. You’ve got the idea, the land, an...

Commercial roof leak detection: why early action protects your building

Water ingress is one of the most disruptive and costly issues facing commercial properties. For property managers and facilities teams, even a minor...

Custom Photo Frames: Turning Everyday Moments into Lasting Displays

Photos capture moments, but how you display them determines how they’re experienced every day. A meaningful photograph deserves more than a generi...

Managed IT Services: A Smarter, More Predictable Way to Run Your Business Technology

If you’ve ever had your systems go down in the middle of a busy day, you’ll know how quickly things can unravel. Phones stop ringing, emails sto...

Landscaping Geelong — Coastal Elegance Meets Practical Design

A Landscape Shaped by Location Geelong occupies a unique position within Victoria’s broader landscape. It carries the energy of a growing city, y...

Electric Adjustable Beds: A Simpler Way To Sleep Better

Sleep should feel natural. It should come easily, without discomfort, without constant repositioning, and without waking up feeling sore. But for ma...

Healthy Snacking Sorted: Premium Beef Jerky

In today's fast-paced world, finding a snack that's both satisfying and genuinely good for you can feel like a mission. Many readily available optio...

What to Know Before Getting Dental Implants: A Guide for First-Time Patients

Dental implants Perth patients often look for a long-term solution for missing teeth without the hassle of dentures or bridges. If you are thinking ...

Why Protective Packaging Matters More Than Ever In Modern Shipping

In today’s fast-paced world of logistics and eCommerce, ensuring that products reach customers safely is a top priority. This is where a bubble wrap...

Pest Control Albury: Protecting Your Property From Hidden Damage And Health Risks

Pests rarely announce their arrival. They creep into spaces quietly, turning small, unnoticed corners into breeding grounds for bigger problems. Tha...

Why Root Canal Treatment Melbourne Is Essential For Saving Natural Teeth

Tooth pain has a way of demanding attention at the worst possible time. When the discomfort becomes persistent and intense, it often signals an infe...

How Bird Flight Diverters Help Protect Wildlife Around Power Infrastructure

Power infrastructure plays an essential role in modern life, but it can also create risks for wildlife, particularly birds moving through establishe...

What Businesses Should Look for in a Commercial Coffee Partner

Choosing a commercial coffee partner is not the same as choosing a machine. It is a broader decision that affects beverage quality, staff efficiency...

3PL Logistics Australia Driving Smarter Supply Chains And Faster Deliveries

In a world where customers expect speed almost as much as quality, logistics has become the silent heartbeat of every successful business. Behind th...

Why Professional Electrical Services Are Essential For Modern Properties

Electricity powers almost every aspect of daily life, from lighting and appliances to complex systems in homes and businesses. This makes choosing a...

What Not to Pack When Moving: The Essential Guide to Smart Packing

Moving house is one of those all-encompassing events in life and most people focus their energy on deciding what to pack. But knowing what not to pa...