Hong Kong’s finance chief confirms early surplus, vows more elderly support
Paul Chan cites financial market performance and stock trading stamp duty for surplus, as he addresses calls for more welfare at public forum
Hong Kong’s finance chief has confirmed that the city is set to achieve an early operating account surplus, driven by strong financial market performance and increased stock trading stamp duty revenue.
He also stressed that the government had not reduced public spending on the social welfare sector in the past financial year, despite a budget deficit.
Chan was speaking to about 100 residents who attended a public forum to express their views ahead of the 2026-27 budget, scheduled to be unveiled in late February.
“Despite the trade war and rising geopolitical tensions last year, Hong Kong still recorded 3.2 per cent economic growth, with the economy now showing steady and orderly development,” he told the forum.
“Thanks to the financial market performance, we gained more [stock market] stamp duty, which enabled us to achieve [operating account] surplus earlier.”