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Policy Address by Hong Kong SAR’s Chief Executive John Lee: Deepening Reforms and Leveraging Strengths for a Brighter Future

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John Lee

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 September 2025 – Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee, today (September 17) announced his fourth Policy Address, unveiling a range of initiatives to strengthen both established and emerging industries, attract overseas investment and talent, support Mainland China enterprises to “go global” and improve people’s livelihood.

“The well-being of our people is intimately linked to the health of our economy, making economic growth the key driver of livelihood improvement,” Mr Lee said.

Entitled “Deepening Reforms for Our People Leveraging Our Strengths for a Brighter Future”, the Policy Address initiatives are well aligned with the city’s competitive advantages under the “One Country, Two Systems” principle, Mr Lee said.

“With an ever‑expanding influence internationally, Hong Kong is rated the world’s freest economy, as well as an advanced and business‑friendly city. These fully demonstrate the notable institutional strengths and great vitality of ‘One Country, Two Systems’,” he added.

The Chief Executive said the development of the Northern Metropolis, an area that borders the Mainland and accounts for about one-third of Hong Kong’s total area and population, was a “new engine for Hong Kong’s economic development and holds immense potential.”

To accelerate its development, a new Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis will be set up, chaired by the Chief Executive, with a view to raising the level of decision-making. Administrative workflows will be streamlined, while unnecessary barriers and restrictions will be removed. Additionally, dedicated legislation will be introduced to empower the Government to devise simplified statutory procedures for accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis.

On industry development, Mr Lee said that artificial intelligence (AI) was “a key driving force”.

“With our advantages in scientific research, capital, data and talent, together with abundant use cases, Hong Kong is poised to become a global hub for AI development,” Mr Lee said.

The Government has launched the HK$3 billion (about US$386 million) Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme to help funded universities attract international top‑notch scientific researchers in AI and other fields to Hong Kong to spearhead basic research in frontier technologies, Mr Lee added.

Hong Kong has an advantage in internationalisation and possesses strong scientific research capabilities, with various universities participating in national aerospace projects. This, coupled with financing advantages, allows Hong Kong to promote the development of aerospace science and technology, supporting the space economy.

To attract more investment from the Mainland and overseas, Mr Lee announced that the Government would formulate preferential policy packages, that would include incentives such as land grants, land premiums, financial subsidies, and tax incentives, to attract high value‑added industries and high‑potential enterprises to set up in Hong Kong.

New industrialisation-related industries, such as aircraft recycling and new energy, will also be attracted and developed. The Government will foster the development of the life and health technology industry and set up the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation, helping pharmaceutical companies bring innovative drugs to the market.

To consolidate Hong Kong’s status as an international hub and integrate into overall national development, the Policy Address proposed a range of initiatives to support development of core industries.

Regarding financial services, the Government will expedite the building of a premier international gold trading market by supporting more institutions to establish gold storage facilities in Hong Kong, with a target gold storing capacity of over 2 000 tonnes in three years, propelling Hong Kong into a regional gold reserve hub. The Government will also encourage gold traders to set up or expand refineries in Hong Kong, establish a central clearing system for gold in Hong Kong, and offer a greater variety of gold investment vehicles.

Hong Kong is expected to become the world’s largest cross-boundary wealth management centre in the next few years. The Government will enhance the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme to attract more investors by lowering the transaction price threshold for residential properties from HK$50 million (about US$6.43 million) to HK$30 million (about US$3.86 million).

To propel Hong Kong towards becoming an international hub for post-secondary education and high-calibre talents, the Government will construct the Northern Metropolis University Town and establish the Task Force on Study in Hong Kong to promote the “Study in Hong Kong” brand.

Hong Kong is among the world’s top three art trading centres. The Government will step up efforts to build Hong Kong into a global premium arts trading hub by developing an arts ecosystem at the Airport City, deepening collaboration with Art Basel, and engaging the industry to carry out studies on taxation, financing, talent, and related areas of art trading.

Mr Lee concluded, “Hong Kong faces challenges and is also presented with continuing opportunities amid the changing world. Our country, the world’s second-largest economy, is our staunchest supporter and the source of our biggest opportunities. Combined with Hong Kong’s international prospects, our opportunities far outweigh the challenges. By working together, innovating, and embracing reform, we will turn our beloved Hong Kong into an even better home for everyone. The Pearl of the Orient will keep shining brighter than ever before.”

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As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

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Debate

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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CLG

After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

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ITFC

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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