Hong Kong sees rising value in finance, trade: FS

Financial Secretary Paul Chan emphasized on Sunday that Hong Kong's finance and trade sectors are shifting from merely accumulating quantity to enhancing value. The city is gearing up for the launch of the Offshore RMB Bond Index, as offshore renminbi bonds, or dim sum bonds, have seen rapid growth this year. In the first three quarters of 2026, dim sum bonds made up 38 percent of total bond issuances in Hong Kong, surpassing US dollar bonds for the first time and becoming the largest issuance currency in the city's listed bond market.

Chan also noted that bond issuers have become increasingly diverse, ranging from mainland technology firms to overseas authorities and financial institutions, as they view dim sum bonds as an important financing channel. Around 75 percent of offshore renminbi payments are processed through Hong Kong. Chan stated that once the market reaches a certain size, it requires a benchmark specific to itself, and the Offshore RMB Bond Index will provide this for the growing dim sum bond market, allowing global investors to allocate renminbi assets with confidence.

The finance chief also announced a new batch of partner ports during the Hong Kong Maritime Week, which is expected to attract over 18,000 participants from around the world. Chan highlighted that the green transition and artificial intelligence are transforming the shipping industry, focusing not only on container throughput but also on high-value segments such as financing, insurance, ship management, fuel supply, mediation, and arbitration.

He emphasized that Hong Kong's role as a reliable super connector enables it to create greater value for the financial and shipping industries.