Global investors are increasingly recognizing Hong Kong as a robust and reliable safe haven, thanks to its demonstrated strength in key sectors such as stock markets, wealth management, and insurance. This affirmation of confidence was articulated by Hong Kong's Financial Secretary, Paul Chan Mo-po, in a blog post on Sunday.

Chan's comments come during the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's current government administration, which is nearing its three-year mark. Amidst an unpredictable global political and economic environment, Hong Kong has maintained its status as a free port with a stable legal system, reinforcing its appeal as a safe destination for international capital.

The city’s reputation as an international financial center has been solidified further, with its stock market showing a significant recovery over the past year. Chan highlighted that the trading volume on the Hong Kong stock exchange is on an upward trend, with the daily average turnover surpassing HK$240 billion, equivalent to approximately $30.57 billion, in 2025.

Moreover, Hong Kong has emerged as a leader in initial public offerings (IPOs), currently ranking first globally for funds raised through this mechanism. The quality of stocks listed in the region has also improved markedly since reforms initiated in 2018. Data indicates that around 370 new economy and biotechnology firms have entered the market, accounting for approximately 14 percent of all listed companies and more than 27 percent in market capitalization.

In wealth management, Hong Kong's growth is evident, with the number of registered funds reaching a noteworthy 976 by March's end. This sector experienced a substantial net inflow of over $44 billion, representing a remarkable annual increase of 285 percent.

Looking ahead, Chan expressed optimism that Hong Kong is on track to establish itself as the world's leading center for cross-border asset management within the next two to three years.

In the insurance sector, 2024 marked a milestone with the issuance of 1.08 million new long-term insurance policies and nearly HK$220 billion in premiums. This figure reflects a significant uptick, with a 40 percent increase in the number of policies compared to 2022, while premium values escalated by an incredible 70 percent.

Furthermore, total bank deposits in Hong Kong have surpassed HK$18 trillion as of April, signifying a rise of about 19 percent since June 2022, showcasing the region's financial resilience.

In the realm of global competitiveness, Hong Kong has made notable strides as evidenced by its ascent to third place in the latest IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook compiled by the International Institute for Management Development in Lausanne, Switzerland. This marks the first time since 2019 that Hong Kong has regained a position among the top three in the global rankings.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun remarked that Hong Kong's attractiveness as an international financial center is on the rise, attracting an increasing number of foreign investments and new businesses. Reflecting on the forthcoming fifth anniversary of the national security law’s implementation, Guo emphasized that the structure of 'One Country, Two Systems' and Hong Kong's unique advantages will foster a brighter future.

Additionally, Ong Tee Keat, president of the Malaysia-based Belt and Road Initiative Caucus for Asia-Pacific, noted that the implementation of the national security law has restored social order and stability. He concluded that Hong Kong's improvement in global rankings this year serves as a compelling response to criticism from detractors.