Hong Kong: HKU Business School has released the Hong Kong Economic Policy Green Paper 2026, offering a comprehensive analysis of the city’s economic challenges and future opportunities. This is the fifth edition of the Green Paper and aims to provide actionable policy recommendations to strengthen Hong Kong’s economy.
The report covers key areas including trade finance, the Greater Bay Area (GBA) startup ecosystem, green finance, intellectual property (IP) economy, healthcare, housing affordability, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and Web 3.0 development.
The Green Paper was unveiled by senior faculty members of HKU Business School. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Richard Wong, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of The University of Hong Kong, said the document is based on months of rigorous academic research. He stated that the objective is to provide the government with practical solutions to real-world political, economic and social challenges facing Hong Kong.
Professor Hongbin Cai, Dean of HKU Business School, highlighted Hong Kong’s role as a global “super-connector” between China and the world. He stressed the importance of integrating with China’s national development plans while strengthening global engagement. He added that HKU Business School remains committed to supporting Hong Kong’s high-quality development through research-driven policy solutions.
Prof. Heiwai Tang, Associate Vice-President of HKU, said the Green Paper includes studies by ten research teams offering targeted policy recommendations. He emphasised the need to digitise trade finance, improve cross-border data interoperability, and expand the role of the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation to strengthen the city’s trade ecosystem.
On green finance, Prof. Dragon Tang said Hong Kong is well positioned to lead blockchain integration, citing the city’s issuance of the world’s first tokenised green bond. He stressed the need for regulatory clarity and cross-border cooperation to boost sustainable finance.
Healthcare expert Prof. Huiyin Ouyang pointed out that emergency department overcrowding is a structural issue rather than behavioural. She called for expanded primary healthcare access alongside fee reforms.
Dr. Tingting Fan, Principal Lecturer in Marketing, highlighted the potential of developing Hong Kong into an IP industry hub, leveraging its legal system, financial markets and creative talent.
Key policy themes from the Green Paper include:
- Digitising trade finance
- Strengthening Hong Kong’s startup ecosystem
- Expanding blockchain use in green finance
- Developing an IP economy
- Addressing housing affordability
- Managing AI’s impact on jobs
- Enhancing cybersecurity
- Regulating Web 3.0 responsibly
The Green Paper stresses that structural reforms, technological adoption and policy innovation are critical for Hong Kong to remain globally competitive.
HKU Business School said it will continue engaging policymakers and industry stakeholders to translate research into actionable strategies for sustainable economic growth.
