Among the four competitiveness factors in the WCY 2026, Hong Kong ranks second globally in "Government efficiency" and third in "Business efficiency". Hong Kong ranks eighth and 11th globally in "Infrastructure" and "Economic performance" respectively. As regards the various competitiveness sub-factors, Hong Kong tops the rankings in "Tax policy" and "Business legislation"; ranks second globally in "Finance"; third globally in "International trade", "International investment", "Management practices" and "Education"; and fourth globally in "Public finance" and "Basic infrastructure". 
      
A Government spokesperson said today (June 18), "The WCY 2026 reaffirms Hong Kong as one of the most competitive economies in the world, and notes that Hong Kong's rise to second globally sustains the strong upward trajectory from 2024 and 2025. In the competitiveness factor 'Government efficiency' Hong Kong continues to rank second globally, reflecting the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government's ongoing efforts to promote free and open, stable, predictable and business-friendly economic policies, as well as the international community's trust in Hong Kong's legal and regulatory environment. Hong Kong's 'Business efficiency' is ranked third globally, reflecting the strong support for industry development rendered by our robust financial ecosystem, as well as the seamless alignment of the city's business practices and environment with international best standards."

The spokesperson added, "Amid rapidly evolving geopolitical dynamics, Hong Kong, with its close connectivity to both the Chinese Mainland and the world under the 'one country, two systems' principle, and its sound institutions, open markets and sustained investments in innovation, has become a 'value hub' that offers both security and growth opportunities. In fact, Hong Kong continues to excel in various international rankings including those for economy, finance, and talent. The International Monetary Fund has also given positive recognition to Hong Kong in recent months, and major credit rating agencies have successively reaffirmed Hong Kong's credit ratings and 'stable' outlook. All these echo the WCY 2026 results.

"Currently, Hong Kong is formulating at full speed its first Five-Year Plan to proactively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan. With the staunch support of our country, the HKSAR Government will work together with all sectors of society to strengthen our role and function as a 'super connector' and 'super value-adder', with a view to better integrating into and serving the overall national development, achieving our own high-quality development, creating more new room for development for our people and businesses, as well as opening up new opportunities for global investors and enterprises."