Chief Executive John Lee today commented that the measures in the 2026-27 Budget are innovative and practical, adding that he is confident that Hong Kong's economic momentum will continue its positive trend.

In a statement, Mr Lee said the Budget announced today put forward a series of measures that build on the direction of the Policy Address and actively dovetail with the national 15th Five-Year Plan. He outlined that the measures empower Hong Kong’s diversified development through innovation, technology and finance, cater to people’s needs improve livelihoods.

Mr Lee said that in pursuing two major aspects – namely “Artificial Intelligence+” and “Finance+”, the Budget will vigorously foster sectoral development, build Hong Kong into an international hub for high-calibre talent, strengthen the city's core competitiveness, boost economic momentum, and both speed up and scale up the economy’s sustainable development.

He stressed that Hong Kong’s public finances had improved faster than expected, benefiting from a booming economy and increased tax revenue, coupled with the Government’s implementation of fiscal consolidation measures.

Taking full account of the Government’s financial situation, Mr Lee said, the Budget contains a range of practical measures, including increasing support for the public and small and medium-sized enterprises, enhancing medical services, addressing the needs of different social groups, and improving people’s livelihoods.

He also highlighted that the Budget maintains efforts to consolidate and optimise financial resources, and support infrastructure development, particularly in accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis.

It also proposes a scaling up of bond issuances and the issuing of more bonds with longer terms, with a view to supporting infrastructure projects and driving diversified development of the local bond market.

The statement also emphasised that the Budget implements measures outlined in the Policy Address and is in accordance with the Government’s overall governance directions. Mr Lee said it leverages Hong Kong’s unique advantages of being connected to both the Mainland and the world under the “one country, two systems” principle in actively pursuing economic growth, advancing development, improving livelihoods, seizing new development opportunities, and better integrating into and serving the nation’s overall development.

“The Financial Secretary and I are confident that Hong Kong's economic momentum will continue its positive trend.”

The Chief Executive called on all sectors of the community to support the Budget and work together to promote Hong Kong’s high-quality development.