Hong Kong retains position as world's freest economy, report finds

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has once again been ranked as the world's freest economy, according to the Economic Freedom of the World 2026 Annual Report released on Tuesday by the Fraser Institute.

Among the five areas of assessment, the HKSAR maintained its top position in "freedom to trade internationally" and secured second place in "regulation." A spokesperson for the HKSAR government noted that the report reaffirmed Hong Kong's strengths as a free-market economy, alongside its open, efficient and fair business environment.

Amid increasing global economic uncertainties and rising trade protectionism, Hong Kong remains firmly committed to maintaining its free port status, zero-tariff policy, and simple and low tax regime, providing a secure, stable, fair, predictable and internationalized business and investment environment for investors and entrepreneurs from around the world.

The spokesperson said that as China remains committed to high-standard, two-way opening up and continues to achieve breakthroughs in technological innovation, it serves as a major stabilizing force and driving engine for global economic growth.

Under the "One Country, Two Systems" framework, Hong Kong enjoys the strong support of the motherland and maintains close connections with the world.

Looking ahead, with the staunch support of the country, the HKSAR government will continue to work with all sectors of the community to further enhance Hong Kong's roles as "four centers and one hub" and accelerate the development of the Northern Metropolis to inject stronger impetus into social and economic growth, open up broader development prospects for local enterprises and the public, and provide greater opportunities for enterprises, investors and talent worldwide, the spokesperson added.