Fin chief reveals positive Q3 econ. growth

The preliminary third quarter GDP figures are poised to be out on Tuesday. Financial Secretary Paul Chan revealed the trend of economic growth remains positive. This as Hong Kong logged a 5.1% growth in the first half of the year with the full-year forecast raised to between 3.5% and 4.5%.

Speaking on a radio programme, Chan says exports remain very strong with 2026 likely delivering the strongest annual economic growth in the past five years.

But impacted by the Middle East conflict, international oil prices remain elevated. Chan said that could also amp up local inflation though overall price hikes remain modest.

Possible rate hikes also puts pressure on the property market and the overall economy.

On Monday, Hong Kong will host the three-day Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit.

The finance chief said he hopes the summit will help visiting executives gain a better understanding of Hong Kong's economic environment, ratchet up investment here, including the Northern Metropolis and IT sectors.