Total stock of foreign direct investment in Hong Kong at the end of 2024 increased by 9.1% compared to the previous year.

On December 9, the Hong Kong government Census and Statistics Department released the statistics on Hong Kong's outward direct investment in 2024. By the end of 2024, the total stock of Hong Kong's inward direct investment (i.e. Hong Kong's direct investment liability position) rose by 9.1% to HK$20.0496 trillion compared to the end of the previous year, equivalent to 631% of Hong Kong's GDP in 2024. The increase in 2024 was mainly due to the positive inflow of direct investment into Hong Kong during the year. As for the total stock of Hong Kong's outward direct investment (i.e. Hong Kong's direct investment asset position), it increased by 6.7% to HK$18.89 trillion by the end of 2024 compared to the end of 2023, equivalent to 595% of Hong Kong's GDP in 2024. The increase in 2024 was mainly due to the positive outflow of direct investment to overseas enterprises during the year, while the decrease caused by exchange rate fluctuations partially offset the increase, as some direct investment assets were denominated in other currencies. Analyzing the direct sources of investment, Mainland China and the British Virgin Islands were the two largest sources of Hong Kong's inward direct investment at the end of 2024, accounting for 32.7% and 30.4% respectively. By analyzing the main economic activities of Hong Kong corporate groups that received inward direct investment, those engaged in investment and holding, real estate, professional and commercial services accounted for the largest share at the end of 2024, reaching 68.2%. This was followed by banks at 11.0%, and import-export trade, wholesale, and retail at 10.5%. In terms of the primary destinations of investment, Mainland China and the British Virgin Islands were also the two largest destinations for Hong Kong's outward direct investment at the end of 2024, accounting for 52.1% and 27.6% respectively. By analyzing the main economic activities of Hong Kong corporate groups that made outward direct investments, those engaged in investment and holding, real estate, professional and commercial services accounted for the largest share at the end of 2024, reaching 78.8%. This was followed by import-export trade, wholesale, and retail at 8.6%. In 2024, the total inflow of direct investment was HK$982.4 billion, higher than HK$954.9 billion in 2023. On the other hand, the total outflow of direct investment in 2024 was HK$629.2 billion, lower than HK$752.9 billion in 2023. Combining inflows and outflows, a net inflow of direct investment of HK$353.2 billion was recorded in 2024. In terms of the direct sources of investment, Mainland China was the main source of inward direct investment in Hong Kong in 2024, amounting to HK$466 billion. Followed by the British Virgin Islands with HK$237 billion. By analyzing the main economic activities of Hong Kong corporate groups that received inward direct investment, those engaged in investment and holding, real estate, professional and commercial services attracted the most inward direct investment in 2024, reaching HK$588 billion. In terms of the primary destinations of investment, Mainland China accounted for the largest share of outward direct investment from Hong Kong in 2024, amounting to HK$372.9 billion. Followed by the British Virgin Islands with HK$198.9 billion. By analyzing the main economic activities of Hong Kong corporate groups that made outward direct investments, those engaged in investment and holding, real estate, professional and commercial services accounted for the largest outflow of direct investment at HK$452.9 billion. A spokesperson for the Hong Kong government stated that Hong Kong remains one of the major destinations and sources of outward direct investment globally. In 2024, there was a significant inflow and outflow of direct investment, reaching HK$982.4 billion and HK$629.2 billion respectively. The total stock of inward and outward direct investment also increased, reaching HK$20.0496 trillion and HK$18.89 trillion respectively by the end of 2024 (equivalent to 631% and 595% of GDP respectively). This reaffirms Hong Kong's role as a major international financial and business center, as well as a preferred base for multinational corporations, and reflects global investors' confidence in Hong Kong's economic prospects. Hong Kong's outward direct investment covers a wide range of geographical areas and economic activities, with Mainland China being an important source and destination for Hong Kong's outward direct investment. This highlights Hong Kong's important role as a "super connector" and "super value-added person". The Hong Kong government will continue to leverage Hong Kong's unique advantages to play a role as a "gateway to the world," continuously deepen Hong Kong's international connections, and actively attract more mainland enterprises to use Hong Kong as a platform for international expansion. The government will also strengthen policies to attract more strategic businesses to settle in Hong Kong, promoting high-quality development.