Chief Executive John Lee engaged Professors Joseph E. Stiglitz and Michael Spence, recipients of the 2001 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, on November 18, 2025, in Hong Kong to discuss strategies for bolstering the city’s economy, technological innovation, and education sector. The high-level consultation, which included key government officials, took place ahead of the Nobel laureates’ participation in the International Forum on China’s Economy and Policy 2025, aiming to refine Hong Kong’s long-term economic policies amidst global challenges and enhance its unique role within the rapidly developing Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
Strengthening Global and Regional Economic Linkages
Mr. Lee welcomed the acclaimed economists, emphasizing that their insights would significantly enrich the dialogue on global, national, and local economic outlooks. The Chief Executive noted his appreciation for the Nobel recipients’ positive evaluation of Hong Kong’s future prospects, particularly their recognition of the city’s established strengths in higher education and innovation and technology (I&T).
Discussions focused on the government’s current initiatives, including diversifying investment, penetrating emerging markets, and deepening cross-boundary collaboration across the GBA. Mr. Lee firmly reiterated Hong Kong’s fundamental strengths derived from the “one country, two systems” framework, positioning the city as a crucial “super connector” and “super value-adder” linking mainland China with the international community. Continued close collaboration with GBA partners, he asserted, is critical for optimizing the flow of people, goods, data, and capital, enabling enterprises and talent to seize substantial regional opportunities.
Leveraging Robust Fundamentals and Talent
Underscoring the city’s appeal to global investors and high-caliber professionals, Mr. Lee highlighted significant indicators of Hong Kong’s robust economic health. He pointed out the city’s ranking as third globally and first in the Asia-Pacific region in the latest Global Financial Centres Index.
The city’s higher education system remains a core strength, as Hong Kong stands as the only location worldwide hosting five universities ranked among the world’s top 100. Furthermore, the city achieved an all-time high ranking of fourth globally in the newly released World Talent Ranking 2025, demonstrating its capacity for attracting and retaining skill.
Key Initiatives Driving Future Growth:
- Northern Metropolis Development: This large-scale project is being expedited to serve as a new economic engine, generating significant value creation, job opportunities, and enhanced productivity.
- I&T Acceleration: The government is focusing heavily on developing innovation and technology, artificial intelligence, and related sectors.
- Hetao Science and Technology Zone: Efforts are being accelerated at the Hong Kong Park within the Hetao Shenzhen–Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co‑operation Zone to fully integrate education, research, and talent development.
Proactive Strategy for Sustainable Development
Acknowledging the current environment of rapid change and external uncertainties, the Chief Executive stressed the administration’s proactive approach to identifying new growth drivers. The overarching goal of these strategic moves is to solidify Hong Kong’s status as an international I&T centre and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s high-quality development objectives. The ongoing engagement with world-leading economists like Professors Stiglitz and Spence provides essential validation and guidance for ensuring that Hong Kong’s policies remain globally competitive and strategically aligned for sustainable growth.