陈茂波：明年香港经济可望保持良好势头 将持续巩固提升在金融市场的优势领域

Economic Outlook - The Hong Kong economy is expected to maintain a positive momentum in the coming year, supported by moderate global economic expansion and strong growth from mainland China and Asia [1] - The anticipated interest rate cuts are expected to enhance the business and investment climate in Hong Kong [1] Financial Market Developments - The Hong Kong stock market has shown significant performance, with the Hang Seng Index rising approximately 29% year-to-date, marking the best performance since 2017 [2] - The IPO fundraising in Hong Kong has exceeded HKD 270 billion, ranking first globally, with four listings among the top ten new stocks worldwide [2] - The average daily trading volume in the Hong Kong stock market reached nearly HKD 260 billion in the first eleven months of the year [2] Real Estate Market Trends - The residential property market remains active, with nearly 57,000 transactions recorded in the first eleven months, a year-on-year increase of about 16% [2] - Property prices have increased by approximately 3%, while rental prices have risen by about 4% [2] - The office market has also improved, with transaction volumes increasing by 74% year-on-year in the first ten months [2] Economic Growth Drivers - Hong Kong's economy has shown growth for the third consecutive year, driven by strong export performance and fixed capital investment, which rose by 2.5% in the first three quarters [3] - Private consumption has increased by 0.9% in the first three quarters, reversing the decline from the previous year [3] Financial Sector Initiatives - Hong Kong aims to enhance its position as an international financial center by attracting high-quality companies from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and other regions to list in the city [3] - The development of green finance, fintech, and the expansion of fixed income and currency markets are key areas of focus [3] Innovation and Technology Development - Hong Kong is accelerating the establishment of an international innovation and technology hub, particularly in collaboration with cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area [4] - The city is focusing on artificial intelligence and biotechnology as core industries, with initiatives to support their development [4][5] International Trade and Supply Chain Management - Hong Kong is enhancing its role as a trade center, providing services for mainland enterprises looking to expand internationally [5] - The establishment of a specialized program for mainland enterprises aims to support their global operations through comprehensive services [5]