{
  "id": 17362741,
  "title": "HK may see strongest growth in five years: Paul Chan",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/hk-may-see-strongest-growth-in-five-years-paul-chan-17362741",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-31T06:54:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTHK News",
    "slug": "rthk-news",
    "url": "https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1876049-20261031.htm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Financial Secretary Paul Chan has indicated that Hong Kong may experience its strongest economic growth in five years by 2026. During a radio interview, he reported that the economy expanded by 5.1 percent in the first half of the year, with export performance and investment growth persisting into the third quarter. Chan expressed particular satisfaction that the investment growth momentum carried over into the latter part of the year. The city's visitor numbers are high, with bustling streets and numerous major events, including the Wine and Dine Festival and FinTech Week. Chan believes 2026 could see the strongest full-year economic growth in the past five years. He noted that any budget relief measures next year would depend on economic performance, and the government would need to manage public finances closely due to substantial infrastructure spending ahead. Chan also warned of external risks, such as potential oil price increases due to geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures, which could impact interest rates and the property market.",
  "summary": "Hong Kong could record its strongest full-year economic growth figure in five years in 2026, according to Financial Secretary Paul Chan. Speaking on a radio programme on Saturday, he said the economy grew by 5.1 percent in the first half of the year and that strong export performance and investment growth continued into the third quarter. \"What I'm most pleased to see is that in terms of…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}