2. Hong Kong
CPA Australia members: 16,293
Overview
Hong Kong is a strategic gateway to Mainland China and the Asia-Pacific. The city has attracted substantial FDI. By the end of 2023, Hong Kong’s total inward FDI increased by 6.2 per cent over 2022 figures to HK$18,376 billion (A$3.6 trillion).
In 2024, Hong Kong’s economy grew by 2.5 per cent. Real GDP, according to advanced estimates, grew by 3.1 per cent in Q1 2025 over one year, with CPI at 1 per cent.
Unemployment is stable at 3.2 per cent. According to Trading Economics, Hong Kong “is the eighth largest trading entity in the world, with the value of goods and services exchanged four times the size of GDP”.
Major sectors
- Financial services
- Professional and producer services
- Trading and logistics
- Tourism
Key business attractions
As well as its strategic location, Hong Kong boasts a common law system, strong IP protection, a competitive tax regime, and world-class transportation and communication infrastructure.
Skills in demand
- Artificial intelligence (AI) skills for IT, marketing, customer service and finance
- Finance and accounting
Local insight
“Business travellers are often surprised by how efficiently they can get things done in Hong Kong,” says Kelvin Leung FCPA, managing director of Equity Capital Markets, Huatai Financial Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited and deputy president of CPA Australia’s Greater China division.
“Meetings are direct and outcome-oriented. World-class services, from legal to financial support, are readily available. In fact, travellers find they can accomplish in just two days what might take a week in other cities.”
In terms of market sectors, Leung says Hong Kong’s IPO market is rebounding, with 2025 volumes projected to surpass the past two years.
“This resurgence is driven by improved market sentiment and a wave of [listings coming] from Mainland Chinese firms,” he says. “In wealth and asset management, Hong Kong is cementing its role as a global hub.”
“Meanwhile, the Greater Bay Area initiative continues to drive momentum in logistics, advanced manufacturing and professional services.”
