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Hong Kong budget 2026-27

Financial Secretary Paul Chan is set to deliver his budget address in February, during which he will lay out the Hong Kong government’s spending plans for the new financial year.

2025-26

Hong Kong Budget 2025-26

2024-25

Hong Kong Budget 2024-25

2023-24

Hong Kong Budget 2023-24

Hong Kong’s Exchange Fund is the government’s main investment arm and de facto sovereign wealth fund. Photo: Sun Yeung

Northern Metropolis

Rare Exchange Fund withdrawal to pay for Northern Metropolis, other big schemes

Paul Chan has proposed transferring HK$150 billion from the Exchange Fund in the coming two years.

21 minutes agovideocam

Paul Chan

Hong Kong’s virtual asset sector considered for taxation under policy review

4 hours agovideocam

Hong Kong

Hong Kong to set up first national innovation centre outside mainland China

4 hours agovideocam

Mainland China

Hong Kong bets big on innovation, AI and finance in line with national goals

Northern Metropolis, San Tin Technopole cornerstones of innovation and technology strategy, finance chief Paul Chan says in budget address.

2 hours ago

Financial Secretary Paul Chan delivers his budget. Photo: Sam Tsang

Hong Kong

Hong Kong boosts investment body’s role in property sector, tech investment drive

Hong Kong Investment Corporation aims to draw overseas funds into commercial property projects, while advancing open-source RISC-V chip initiatives.

5 hours ago

Banking & finance

Hong Kong seeks to hone edge as offshore yuan hub, digital-asset front runner

Market participants largely welcome Paul Chan’s renewed push to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international financial centre.

3 hours ago

Northern Metropolis

Paul Chan’s new budget sets aside HK$30 billion to kick-start Northern Metropolis

Companies overseeing megaproject’s Hetao Hong Kong Park, San Tin Technopole and Hung Shui Kiu Industrial Park to each get HK$10 billion.

5 hours agovideocam

The Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone is among projects set to get a funding injection. Photo: Eugene Lee

HKEX

Hong Kong to speed up stock settlement time to catch up with West, mainland China

HKEX proposes to shorten stock settlement cycle from current two days after transactions to one day to bolster city as global financial centre.

6 hours ago

Hong Kong economy

Here is how you and businesses will benefit from Hong Kong budget sweeteners hike

Authorities will offer sweeteners of about HK$22 billion to residents and businesses, up from HK$7.8 billion.

5 hours ago

Hong Kong economy

‘Steady as she goes’ as Hong Kong bids farewell to deficits

Financial Secretary Paul Chan pledges caution as he presents budget aimed at stoking growth and innovation.

25 Feb 2026 - 5:02PM

Hong Kong

Investments, tax breaks: what’s in it for you in Hong Kong’s budget 2026-27

From industry funding to relief measures for ordinary Hongkongers, here are eight key takeaways from finance chief Paul Chan’s latest budget.

25 Feb 2026 - 5:01PM

The AI and robotics industry is among several key sectors that will receive a boost in government spending, according to Hong Kong’s latest budget. Karma Lo

Hong Kong economy

Budget: Hong Kong bets big on AI, chips, Northern Metropolis – as it happened

Financial secretary will lead tax policy review and seek HK$20 billion in funding for cross-border I&T hub and tech zone.

44 minutes ago

Hong Kong economy

Exclusive | All eyes on latest Hong Kong investment darling HKIC

HKIC set to come up as key highlight in finance chief Paul Chan’s budget blueprint, sources say.

25 Feb 2026 - 11:42AM

Hong Kong

Exclusive | Tech hub, aerospace industry set for major boost in Hong Kong budget: sources

Officials eye ‘tripartite cooperation’ between developers and tech firms to drive Northern Metropolis progress.

25 Feb 2026 - 8:29AM

An aerial view of the San Tin Technopole development, part of the Northern Metropolis megaproject. Photo: Sam Tsang

Hong Kong

Can Paul Chan’s budget help Hong Kong’s economy strike a purple patch?

South China Morning Post examines how political and economic factors will shape budget and what Hongkongers can expect from it.

25 Feb 2026 - 8:58AM

The purple cover symbolises economic momentum amid a volatile external environment. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong economy

Exclusive | Hong Kong to boost IP economy with new academy, patent evaluation support

Initiatives to diversify the city’s economic development expected to be announced by Financial Secretary Paul Chan in his budget address.

24 Feb 2026 - 8:51AM

Yuan

Hong Kong budget 2026-27: should the coming blueprint boost yuan’s global push?

Experts say Hong Kong has ‘distinct advantages’ that can support the country’s financial development amid geopolitical uncertainties.

23 Feb 2026 - 9:56AM

Hong Kong economy

Editorial | Clearer skies allow Hong Kong budget to go beyond balancing the books

Modest growth and easing deficits enable a more focused approach to addressing the broad range of pressing issues facing the people of Hong Kong.

23 Feb 2026 - 7:15AM

Financial Secretary Paul Chan speaks during a ceremony marking the first trading day of the Year of the Horse at the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited on February 20. Photo: AP

Hong Kong economy

Opinion | Hong Kong’s finance chief must return to his original aspirations

As the financial secretary prepares his budget speech, he would do well to remember his initial focus on using the city’s wealth to help the needy.

23 Feb 2026 - 8:54AMvideocam

Hong Kong

Hong Kong budget must be ‘prudent’, balance social needs and reserves: Paul Chan

Finance chief also reveals purple cover for 2026-27 budget, saying it symbolises Hong Kong’s economic growth amid external volatility.

22 Feb 2026 - 4:54PM

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong budget 2026-27: what’s holding back the city’s tech and talent schemes?

Finance chief’s blueprint seen as gauge for officials’ ‘reform mindset’ following Beijing’s 15th five-year plan recommendations.

22 Feb 2026 - 9:04AM

Paul Chan (right) is given a robot technology demonstration. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong budget 2026-27: ‘sweeteners’ for grass roots or the middle class?

Debate grows in the wake of finance chief’s projection that city will achieve early operating account surplus after three-year deficit.

21 Feb 2026 - 8:38AM

Hong Kong

What’s at stake for Hong Kong as reflected in budget 2026-27?

Analysts are upbeat amid city’s booming IPO sector and thriving financial market, but warn of geopolitical headwinds.

20 Feb 2026 - 8:36AM

Hong Kong economy

Opinion | Hong Kong’s budget should move the city towards ‘inspirational’ development

The 2026-27 budget speech should explain how the city’s economic direction aligns with global and national trends, defining its place in the industries of the future.

8 Feb 2026 - 9:30AM

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong’s spending should not grow faster than income: Paul Chan

Finance chief issues call ahead of expected budget speech on February 25, says local economy off to good start in 2026.

1 Feb 2026 - 11:22PM

Paul Chan has noted that a stock market boom over the past year contributed to the government’s operating account returning to surplus in the 2025-2026 financial year. Photo: Jelly Tse

Hong Kong economy

Letters | Will the coming Hong Kong budget be on ordinary people’s wavelength?

Readers discuss the concerns of Hongkongers ahead of the budget, animal adoption, and seat belt rules.

21 Jan 2026 - 11:30AM

Commuters head for work in North Point on December 16. Photo: Sun Yeung

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong must issue bonds as public works drive capital account deficit: Paul Chan

Finance chief also says annual budget will be delivered on February 25.

11 Jan 2026 - 11:56PM

Hong Kong economy

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.

11 Jan 2026 - 1:23PM

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Hong Kong budget 2026-27

Rare Exchange Fund withdrawal to pay for Northern Metropolis, other big schemes

Paul Chan has proposed transferring HK$150 billion from the Exchange Fund in the coming two years.

Hong Kong’s virtual asset sector considered for taxation under policy review

Hong Kong to set up first national innovation centre outside mainland China

Hong Kong bets big on innovation, AI and finance in line with national goals

Northern Metropolis, San Tin Technopole cornerstones of innovation and technology strategy, finance chief Paul Chan says in budget address.

Hong Kong boosts investment body’s role in property sector, tech investment drive

Hong Kong Investment Corporation aims to draw overseas funds into commercial property projects, while advancing open-source RISC-V chip initiatives.

Hong Kong seeks to hone edge as offshore yuan hub, digital-asset front runner

Market participants largely welcome Paul Chan’s renewed push to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international financial centre.

Paul Chan’s new budget sets aside HK$30 billion to kick-start Northern Metropolis

Companies overseeing megaproject’s Hetao Hong Kong Park, San Tin Technopole and Hung Shui Kiu Industrial Park to each get HK$10 billion.

Hong Kong to speed up stock settlement time to catch up with West, mainland China

HKEX proposes to shorten stock settlement cycle from current two days after transactions to one day to bolster city as global financial centre.

Here is how you and businesses will benefit from Hong Kong budget sweeteners hike

Authorities will offer sweeteners of about HK$22 billion to residents and businesses, up from HK$7.8 billion.

‘Steady as she goes’ as Hong Kong bids farewell to deficits

Financial Secretary Paul Chan pledges caution as he presents budget aimed at stoking growth and innovation.

Investments, tax breaks: what’s in it for you in Hong Kong’s budget 2026-27

From industry funding to relief measures for ordinary Hongkongers, here are eight key takeaways from finance chief Paul Chan’s latest budget.

Budget: Hong Kong bets big on AI, chips, Northern Metropolis – as it happened

Financial secretary will lead tax policy review and seek HK$20 billion in funding for cross-border I&T hub and tech zone.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Exclusive | All eyes on latest Hong Kong investment darling HKIC

HKIC set to come up as key highlight in finance chief Paul Chan’s budget blueprint, sources say.

Exclusive | Tech hub, aerospace industry set for major boost in Hong Kong budget: sources

Officials eye ‘tripartite cooperation’ between developers and tech firms to drive Northern Metropolis progress.

Can Paul Chan’s budget help Hong Kong’s economy strike a purple patch?

South China Morning Post examines how political and economic factors will shape budget and what Hongkongers can expect from it.

Exclusive | Hong Kong to boost IP economy with new academy, patent evaluation support

Initiatives to diversify the city’s economic development expected to be announced by Financial Secretary Paul Chan in his budget address.

Hong Kong budget 2026-27: should the coming blueprint boost yuan’s global push?

Experts say Hong Kong has ‘distinct advantages’ that can support the country’s financial development amid geopolitical uncertainties.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Editorial | Clearer skies allow Hong Kong budget to go beyond balancing the books

Modest growth and easing deficits enable a more focused approach to addressing the broad range of pressing issues facing the people of Hong Kong.

Opinion | Hong Kong’s finance chief must return to his original aspirations

As the financial secretary prepares his budget speech, he would do well to remember his initial focus on using the city’s wealth to help the needy.

Hong Kong budget must be ‘prudent’, balance social needs and reserves: Paul Chan

Finance chief also reveals purple cover for 2026-27 budget, saying it symbolises Hong Kong’s economic growth amid external volatility.

Hong Kong budget 2026-27: what’s holding back the city’s tech and talent schemes?

Finance chief’s blueprint seen as gauge for officials’ ‘reform mindset’ following Beijing’s 15th five-year plan recommendations.

Hong Kong budget 2026-27: ‘sweeteners’ for grass roots or the middle class?

Debate grows in the wake of finance chief’s projection that city will achieve early operating account surplus after three-year deficit.

What’s at stake for Hong Kong as reflected in budget 2026-27?

Analysts are upbeat amid city’s booming IPO sector and thriving financial market, but warn of geopolitical headwinds.

Opinion | Hong Kong’s budget should move the city towards ‘inspirational’ development

The 2026-27 budget speech should explain how the city’s economic direction aligns with global and national trends, defining its place in the industries of the future.

Hong Kong’s spending should not grow faster than income: Paul Chan

Finance chief issues call ahead of expected budget speech on February 25, says local economy off to good start in 2026.

Letters | Will the coming Hong Kong budget be on ordinary people’s wavelength?

Readers discuss the concerns of Hongkongers ahead of the budget, animal adoption, and seat belt rules.

Hong Kong must issue bonds as public works drive capital account deficit: Paul Chan

Finance chief also says annual budget will be delivered on February 25.

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.

Exclusive | All eyes on latest Hong Kong investment darling HKIC

Editorial | Clearer skies allow Hong Kong budget to go beyond balancing the books