The Hong Kong 2024-25 Budget, announced by Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po, focuses on economic recovery and high-quality development in the post-epidemic era, emphasizing confidence and opportunity. Despite projected fiscal deficits, the budget highlights include tax reductions, support for SMEs, and initiatives in green finance, digital economy, and innovation and technology. It aims to stimulate the property market, enhance financial services, and bolster Hong Kong’s role as an international financial hub and innovation center. The strategy encompasses removing property cooling measures, investing in technology infrastructure, and promoting green and sustainable finance, reflecting a holistic approach to navigating global challenges and seizing future growth opportunities.

While spectators worldwide had pinned high hopes on China achieving a swift and sharp rebound in economic activity, the wheel of fortune turned more sluggishly than expected after its post-Covid reopening. A cocktail of pressing challenges, including subdued consumption and a slump in the property market, continue to cloud China’s recovery outlook. Despite a somewhat bumpy ride last year, the world’s second-largest economy managed to hit its growth target of 5%, expanding by 5.2% year-on-year to RMB 91.3 trillion.

On 25 October 2023, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee delivered the 2023 Policy Address. The ambitious agenda contained almost 200 initiatives, setting out a roadmap for a continuing trajectory of growth and development. This article will present the key takeaways from the 2023 Policy Address. In particular, it will detail the range of initiatives and measures introduced to bolster the economy and support businesses.