On the 31st, the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department released economic data showing that according to pre estimated figures, Hong Kong's gross domestic product in the second quarter increased by 3.1% in real terms year-on-year. The Financial Secretary of the Special Administrative Region, Paul Chan, stated that this is the tenth consecutive quarter of growth. The Hong Kong economy will resume growth starting from 2023, with a growth rate of 3.1% in the first quarter of this year, following a 2.5% increase in 2024. Economic professionals believe that despite the complex external environment, the sustained 10 quarter increase in GDP demonstrates the strong resilience of the Hong Kong economy. Behind the impressive economic performance, policy support is indispensable. The implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law has enabled the city to rebuild a safe and stable environment, not only safeguarding the rights and freedoms of its citizens, but also making Hong Kong a safe haven for global investment, with more steady progress at all levels. In the first half of this year, the total market value of Hong Kong stocks reached HKD 42.7 trillion, a year-on-year increase of 33%; As of mid July, Hong Kong has raised HKD 124 billion through 52 IPOs, a year-on-year increase of 590%, currently ranking first in the world. Zhao Yang, Managing Director of China International Capital Corporation (CICC) Research Institute, believes that this is due to the innovation capability of Chinese enterprises, and the valuation of Chinese assets continues to be recognized by investors. In terms of trade, Hong Kong's overall export value of goods in the first half of 2025 increased by 12.5% year-on-year. This shows that the demand for foreign trade continues to recover, injecting strong momentum into economic growth. Export growth not only injects additional momentum into Hong Kong's economic growth, but also demonstrates the continued deepening of Hong Kong's close ties with the mainland and international markets, and reflects that Hong Kong's position as an international trade hub remains stable, "said Liang Haiming, a Hong Kong economist and director of the Silk Road Wisdom Valley Research Institute. In terms of overall investment, there will be 9960 Hong Kong based companies with overseas parent companies in 2024, an increase of approximately 10% year-on-year. As of the end of last year, the total value of asset and wealth management business in Hong Kong was approximately HKD 35.1 trillion. As of the end of March this year, the number of registered funds reached 976, recording a net inflow of over 44 billion US dollars annually, an increase of 285%. Liang Haiming believes that an increasing number of Chinese and foreign enterprises are investing and setting up offices in Hong Kong, which has driven capital inflows and industrial development. As the economy maintains momentum, funds continue to flow in, the stock market improves, and the real estate market stabilizes, coupled with the SAR government's strong promotion of major events and high value-added tourism, private institutions actively respond, providing certain support for private consumption and market atmosphere. ”Chen Maobo said. Data shows that in May of this year, Hong Kong's retail sales volume recorded its first year-on-year growth in 14 months, indicating that the consumer market has shown initial signs of stabilization. Looking ahead to the future, confidence in the Hong Kong economy remains firm. Under the new geopolitical and economic landscape brought about by other countries' policies, Hong Kong, as an international financial center, faces many challenges but also has development opportunities. Stable economic growth is beneficial for the international community to maintain confidence in the Hong Kong economy. ”Zhao Yang said. Liang Haiming believes that sustained GDP growth will not only drive Hong Kong's economic development, but also create more job opportunities, increase citizens' income, stimulate local consumption, and form a virtuous cycle. In the long run, this growth momentum can provide strong support for Hong Kong to promote economic structural optimization and accelerate transformation, especially in the development of green finance, innovative technology industries, high-end service industries, etc. As long as we continue to maintain an open and stable market environment, Hong Kong's competitiveness on the international stage will continue to improve. "On the 30th, the Hong Kong SAR government released the" Hong Kong Business Environment Report ", which pointed out that Hong Kong's core competitiveness is stable and new advantages are forming. As Paul Chan said recently, with the support of the country, the joint efforts of the SAR government, various sectors, and citizens, as long as Hong Kong accurately recognizes changes, responds scientifically, and actively seeks change, it will definitely achieve new breakthroughs, develop new growth points, and create a new situation for Hong Kong. (New Society)