Hong Kong sees rising value in finance, trade: FS

Financial Secretary Paul Chan has revealed that Hong Kong's finance and trade sectors are shifting focus from quantity accumulation to value enhancement. This comes ahead of the launch of the Offshore RMB Bond Index. In his weekly blog, Chan highlighted the rapid growth of offshore renminbi bonds, or dim sum bonds, this year, which accounted for 38 percent of total bond issuances in Hong Kong's first three quarters of 2026.

This marked a significant shift as dim sum bonds overtook US dollar bonds for the first time, making the renminbi the largest issuance currency in the city's listed bond market.

Chan also noted the increasing diversity of bond issuers, ranging from mainland technology firms to overseas authorities and financial institutions. He emphasized that around 75 percent of offshore renminbi payments are processed through Hong Kong, and the establishment of the Offshore RMB Bond Index would provide a tailored benchmark for this growing market, facilitating global investors in allocating renminbi assets.

In addition to finance, Chan discussed the maritime sector, stating that green transition and artificial intelligence are transforming the shipping industry. He stressed that Hong Kong's focus is not solely on container throughput, but on high-value-added maritime services, including financing, insurance, ship management, fuel supply, and mediation and arbitration. Chan highlighted Hong Kong as a reliable super connector that creates greater value for both the finance and shipping industries.