Economy

Can Hong Kong Thrive? Beijing’s Bold Plan to Elevate the Financial Hub Amidst Global Shifts

China‘s He Lifeng vowed support for Hong Kong’s financial role, eyeing future prosperity amid China’s plan.

byAndres Castro

November 4, 2025, 8:55 AM

Sweeping aerial panorama of the densely packed Hong Kong skyline with skyscrapers, apartment buildings, and Victoria Harbour at sunset.

A stunning aerial view of the intensely dense urban landscape of Hong Kong at sunset. By MDL.

Executive Summary

China’s Vice-Premier He Lifeng pledged Beijing’s continued support for Hong Kong’s role as an international financial center, expressing confidence in its future prosperity.

He highlighted that the Party Central Committee’s 15th five-year plan proposal includes important arrangements to support Hong Kong’s development.

The Vice-Premier urged sustained international support for Hong Kong’s growth and encouraged global participation in China’s economic expansion.

The Story So Far

China’s Vice-Premier He Lifeng’s pledge of continued support for Hong Kong’s role as an international financial center comes as Beijing strategically reinforces the city’s unique position as a crucial link between mainland markets and the international financial system. This commitment is further solidified by important arrangements included in the Party Central Committee’s proposal for the upcoming 15th five-year plan, all aimed at bolstering Hong Kong’s development amidst a changing global economic landscape.

Why This Matters

China’s Vice-Premier He Lifeng’s pledge, backed by strategic arrangements in the upcoming 15th five-year plan, signals Beijing’s firm commitment to reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as an international financial center and a crucial link between mainland markets and the global financial system, aiming to consolidate its influence and ensure its future prosperity amidst evolving global economic shifts.

Who Thinks What?

China’s Vice-Premier He Lifeng expressed confidence in Hong Kong’s future as an international financial center, pledging Beijing’s continued strategic support and emphasizing its consolidation and elevation through China’s upcoming 15th five-year plan.

Vice-Premier He Lifeng called for sustained international support for Hong Kong’s growth and encouraged global participation in China’s economic expansion to inject stability into the global economic and financial landscape.

China’s Vice-Premier He Lifeng pledged Beijing’s continued support for Hong Kong’s role as an international financial center and its participation in global financial governance, expressing confidence in the city’s future prosperity. Speaking via video at the 2025 Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit on Tuesday, He emphasized that Hong Kong’s status as a financial hub is poised for further consolidation and elevation, particularly as China enters its 15th five-year plan.

Beijing’s Strategic Support

He highlighted that the Party Central Committee’s proposal for the upcoming 15th five-year plan includes important arrangements designed to support Hong Kong’s development. He stated that this new chapter would usher in significant historical opportunities and bright prospects for the city.

The Vice-Premier called for sustained international support for Hong Kong’s growth and encouraged global participation in China’s economic expansion. He urged stakeholders to inject “greater stability and positive energy” into the global economic and financial landscape.

Global Financial Leaders’ Summit

He’s remarks were delivered at the three-day summit, which is themed “Trekking Through Shifting Terrain” and concludes on Wednesday. The event convened approximately 300 global financial leaders, including over 100 group chairmen and CEOs, to discuss the evolving global economic environment.

Outlook for Hong Kong

He Lifeng’s statements underscore Beijing’s strategic commitment to reinforcing Hong Kong’s unique position as a crucial link between mainland markets and the international financial system. This pledge aims to solidify the city’s role in global finance amidst a changing economic landscape and ongoing global economic shifts.