The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has responded to the latest World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY) 2026, published by the International Institute for Management Development, which shows Hong Kong's global competitiveness rising to second place this year. The city has performed strongly across a wide range of indicators, topping the charts in "Tax policy" and "Business legislation," ranking second in "Finance," and third in "International trade," "International investment," "Management practices," and "Education." These results underscore the city’s clear institutional strengths and market efficiency.
Prof Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, stated: "The WCY 2026 reaffirms Hong Kong’s competitiveness and business advantages. Together with a number of recent international reports showing that Hong Kong has become the world’s fifth-largest trading entity, overtaken Switzerland to rank first globally in cross-border wealth management, and remained among the top global destinations for IPO fundraising, these positive developments highlight Hong Kong’s competitive advantages as the ‘Four Centres and One Hub.’ They also demonstrate that Hong Kong is the premier two-way springboard connecting the Chinese Mainland and international markets."
Prof Ma added that the HKTDC will continue to actively support the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, to proactively align with the national 15th Five-Year Plan and Hong Kong’s Five-Year Plan. Leveraging the city’s unique strengths as a superconnector and super value-adder, the HKTDC will help Hong Kong better integrate into and contribute to the nation’s overall development.
Released on NewMediaWire, the announcement underscores Hong Kong's sustained competitive edge amid global economic shifts. The HKTDC's response highlights the city's robust legal and financial frameworks, which continue to attract international business and investment. The rankings also reflect Hong Kong's resilience and adaptability in maintaining its status as a global financial hub.
For more information, visit the HKTDC Media Room.
