During the South China Morning Post Greater Bay Area (GBA)-ASEAN Summit 2026, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive underscored the city’s strategic role in fostering foreign direct investment (FDI) and enhancing economic collaboration within the region. The speech highlighted the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) as a pivotal framework driving business integration and market access.
CEPA, established to facilitate trade and investment flows between Hong Kong and Mainland China, continues to serve as a cornerstone for companies seeking to capitalize on the economic dynamism of the Greater Bay Area. The arrangement offers preferential treatment in areas such as tariff reductions, investment facilitation, and regulatory cooperation, which collectively bolster Hong Kong’s position as a gateway for international enterprises entering the Mainland market.
The Chief Executive emphasized that Hong Kong’s unique advantages—its robust legal system, transparent regulatory environment, and sophisticated financial infrastructure—make it an attractive destination for ASEAN investors aiming to expand their footprint in China and beyond. The city’s connectivity with ASEAN economies is further enhanced through initiatives that promote cross-border trade, innovation, and supply chain integration.
In addition to CEPA, the speech addressed the importance of leveraging the Greater Bay Area’s comprehensive infrastructure and policy support to create a more conducive environment for entrepreneurship and technological advancement. This approach aligns with Hong Kong’s broader strategy to diversify its economy and strengthen its role as an international business hub.
By reinforcing its commitment to open markets and regional cooperation, Hong Kong aims to attract sustained foreign investment, stimulate economic growth, and facilitate seamless collaboration between Mainland China and ASEAN partners. The summit provided a platform to showcase these efforts and discuss future opportunities for business development within the evolving economic landscape of the Asia-Pacific region.