Group 1: Economic Growth and Investment - Hong Kong has assisted over 1,300 overseas and mainland enterprises in establishing or expanding their businesses, resulting in over HKD 160 billion in foreign direct investment and the creation of more than 19,000 new jobs from January 2023 to mid-2025 [1] - The local GDP has experienced growth for 10 consecutive quarters, with various economic indicators showing positive trends and vitality [1] - The Hong Kong Stock Exchange has welcomed 31 new listings in the first half of 2025, raising over HKD 884 billion, ranking first globally [2][3] Group 2: Financial Market Performance - The market capitalization of Hong Kong's securities market increased to HKD 42.7 trillion in the first half of 2025, a 33% increase year-on-year [3] - The number of registered funds reached 976, with a net inflow of over USD 44 billion, marking a 285% increase year-on-year [3] - Hong Kong's banking deposits exceeded HKD 18 trillion, reflecting a 19% increase compared to June 2022 [3] Group 3: Consumer Market Recovery - Visitor numbers to Hong Kong increased by 12% in the first half of 2025, totaling approximately 24 million [5] - Retail sales value in May 2025 was estimated at HKD 31.32 billion, a 2.4% increase year-on-year, surpassing market expectations [5] - The Hong Kong Ocean Park saw a 19% increase in visitor numbers in May and June compared to the previous year, driven by the addition of new giant pandas [4] Group 4: Trade and International Relations - Hong Kong has signed 9 free trade agreements with 21 economies and 24 investment agreements with 33 economies, expanding its trade network [7] - The overall export value of goods from Hong Kong increased by 11.9% year-on-year in June 2025, marking 16 consecutive months of growth [8] - The establishment of a London Metal Exchange warehouse in Hong Kong is expected to enhance the efficiency of metal delivery in the Asian time zone [7] Group 5: Innovation and Development Initiatives - Hong Kong has launched several innovative measures, including a cross-border payment system and a digital asset development policy framework [3] - The government aims to enhance the breadth, depth, and efficiency of the financial market by encouraging new products and attracting new investments [3] - The Hong Kong government is optimistic about long-term prospects, with significant investments planned in real estate and aviation sectors [6]

Core Viewpoint - Hong Kong is strategically positioning itself to enhance its status as an international financial, shipping, and trading center by developing a commodity trading ecosystem, particularly focusing on gold and non-ferrous metals [2][4]. Group 1: Strategic Developments - On October 16, 2024, Hong Kong's Chief Executive announced plans to build a commodity trading ecosystem and establish an international gold trading market [2]. - The Hong Kong Airport Authority is planning to expand its precious metals storage facilities to support the development of an international gold trading center [2]. - A working group led by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury was established to review various aspects of gold financial trading, including supply and demand, product development, and cross-border cooperation [2][3]. Group 2: Non-Ferrous Metals Initiatives - The London Metal Exchange (LME) has included Hong Kong in its global warehouse network for the storage of LME registered metals [3]. - As of May 2025, the number of LME-approved warehouses in Hong Kong has increased to seven, enhancing the region's capacity for metal storage and delivery [3]. Group 3: Tax and Regulatory Framework - The Hong Kong government is considering a proposal to halve the tax on eligible commodity trading activities, which could incentivize more trading in the region [3]. - The introduction of the "Hong Kong Digital Asset Development Policy Declaration 2.0" aims to promote the tokenization of physical assets like gold and non-ferrous metals [3]. Group 4: Implications of Financial Technology - The integration of financial technology, including asset tokenization, is expected to enhance trading efficiency and liquidity in the commodity market [5]. - Tokenization allows for the digitalization and programmability of assets, lowering investment barriers and attracting more retail investors [5]. Group 5: Future Prospects - The developments in Hong Kong's commodity trading ecosystem could position it as a global liquidity center for commodity futures and spot trading, similar to New York and London [6]. - Strengthening connections with domestic markets and integrating with the digital renminbi ecosystem are essential for achieving these strategic goals [6].

Group 1 - Hong Kong is actively expanding its financial value chain, focusing on creating an international gold trading market and establishing a commodities trading ecosystem [1] - The meeting between Hong Kong's Secretary for Financial Services and the Canadian Deputy Minister of Finance highlighted the potential for cooperation in the gold market and virtual assets, addressing challenges posed by unilateralism and protectionism [1] - Hong Kong has been recognized as a reliable partner for Canada due to its efficient policy mechanisms and robust financial market amidst global economic uncertainties [1] Group 2 - Hong Kong was included in the London Metal Exchange's global warehouse network in January, with seven approved warehouses established within four months to serve global base metal traders [2] - The government aims to integrate the real economy with Web3 innovations, introducing a licensing system for fiat-backed stablecoin issuers while promoting the rapid development of Web3 and digital assets under a balanced regulatory framework [2]

陈茂波：合资格大宗商品贸易活动半税优惠条例将尽快提交立法会 金十数据5月21日讯，香港财政司司长陈茂波表示，行政长官去年施政报告提出，建立大宗商品交易生 态圈，今年1月香港获伦敦金属交易所纳入全球仓库网络内许可交付地点，使仓储设施更接近内地工业 中心和消费中心，他形容进度良好，至今已经有7个仓库获得许可，最快今年7月起陆续投入营运，特区 政府会继续推展政策，推动相关发展，为合资格大宗商品贸易活动提供半税优惠的条例草案，将尽快提 交立法会。 ...