What Changed
- Plans to introduce an amendment bill providing preferential tax rates of 5% or half-rate for key sectors including finance, manufacturing, R&D, headquarters, and logistics.
- Earmarking of HK$10 billion in government loans to support university campus development in the Northern Metropolis University Town.
- Legislative Council approval raising the joint borrowing ceiling of the Government Sustainable Bond Programme and Infrastructure Bond Programme to HK$900 billion.
On October 27, 2026, the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, delivered a speech at the Global University Presidents and Leaders Summit 2026 outlining Hong Kong’s 'Finance+' policy strategy. The framework aims to integrate financial capital, risk management, and market infrastructure with education, research, and enterprise to support the real economy. The policy directly affects universities, research institutions, international investors, financial institutions, and strategic enterprises looking to establish or expand operations in Hong Kong SAR.
To attract enterprises that strengthen the real economy, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau plans to introduce an amendment bill providing preferential tax rates of five per cent, or half-rate, for selected enterprises in key sectors. These sectors cover finance, advanced manufacturing, research and development in innovation and technology, headquarters activities, as well as logistics and supply chain management.
In addition to proposed tax incentives, the government is mobilizing capital for infrastructure and post-secondary education development in the Northern Metropolis. Key financial measures detailed in the speech include:
- Campus Development Loans: The Financial Secretary earmarked HK$10 billion in the Budget for government loans to support campus development at the Northern Metropolis University Town.
- Infrastructure Financing: The Legislative Council approved raising the total borrowing ceiling of the Government Sustainable Bond Programme and the Infrastructure Bond Programme to HK$900 billion. As of July 2026, funding for Northern Metropolis-related public works approved by the Legislative Council Finance Committee exceeded HK$180 billion.
- Risk Capital and Partnerships: Enhancements to the insurance risk-based capital regime aim to release insurance capital for infrastructure projects. Concurrently, the Northern Metropolis Financial Advisory Taskforce—formed by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Hong Kong Association of Banks—is evaluating public-private partnership (PPP) models and tailored financing solutions.
Under the 'one country, two systems' framework, Hong Kong aims to leverage its common law system, freely convertible currency, and financial infrastructure to connect international academic institutions and global capital with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Who May Be Affected
Higher education institutions, technology and manufacturing enterprises, logistics operators, financial institutions, and global investors operating in or expanding to Hong Kong SAR.
Cross-Border Context
Connects international university leaders and global investment networks with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area under Hong Kong's common law and financial framework.
What to check next
- Official publication and submission of the preferential tax rate amendment bill by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau.
- Regulatory details and application criteria released for the HK$10 billion Northern Metropolis University Town loan scheme.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.