The Consulate General of Switzerland in Hong Kong - Press review

Hong Kong attracts Roche and 17 other strategic firms under OASES scheme
The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises announced that 18 additional firms will set up or expand in Hong Kong, including GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Roche and US based technology company Vobile Group. Financial Secretary Paul Chan said the programme has now attracted more than 100 enterprises in total, bringing over US$7.7 billion in investment and around 22,000 jobs. (9 Oct) SCMP

Baidu teams with PostBus to launch robotaxi service in Switzerland
Baidu announced a partnership with Switzerland’s public transport operator PostBus to launch its autonomous
ride hailing service AmiGo, with trial operations beginning in Dec 2025 and full launch in 2027. (22 Oct) SCMP

Does Switzerland beat China in innovation? New ranking raises questions about bias
The World Intellectual Property Organization’s 2025 Global Innovation Index ranked Switzerland first for the fifteenth consecutive year, while China placed tenth, prompting debate over potential Western bias in evaluation methods. (24 Oct) SCMP

Rolex leads global conversation on how technology can tackle pressing challenges
Rolex’s Perpetual Planet Initiative convened scientists and sustainability experts in Hong Kong to discuss
technological innovation for tackling climate change and biodiversity loss. (27 Oct) SCMP

Hong Kong Open: top seed Belinda Bencic fuelled by McDonald’s and hunger for more success
Swiss star Belinda Bencic claimed her 10th WTA career title in Tokyo before flying into Hong Kong for the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open, where she begins her campaign against Aliaksandra Sasnovich despite the travel and preparation challenge. (27 Oct) SCMP

Beijing liaison office sets media tone, appoints new deputy chief and stresses national goals
Beijing’s Hong Kong liaison office chief Zhou Ji urged local media to tell China’s story to a global audience and support government efforts to boost the economy and livelihoods during a National Day reception. Days later, former China Daily deputy editor Sun Shangwu was appointed as deputy director overseeing publicity and English-language media, seen as part of efforts to strengthen narrative work. The office also pledged to support Hong Kong’s integration into national development, calling implementation of the Fourth Plenum spirit and preparation for the 15th Five Year Plan a major political task. (9, 11, and 27 Oct) SCMP, SCMP, SCMP

Beijing vows to support Hong Kong in better integrating into national development
The Communist Party’s Fourth Plenum concluded on 23 Oct, focusing on the formulation of China’s 15th Five Year Plan for 2026 to 2030. In the full blueprint released on 28 Oct, Beijing pledged to support the long term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao, deepen Hong Kong’s integration into national development and strengthen its position as an international financial, shipping and trade centre. The plan also backs Hong Kong’s development as an innovation and technology hub, its strategy to attract high end talent and efforts to advance law based governance. (23, 28 Oct) SCMP

Beijing and Washington trade barbs over US engagement in Hong Kong and the Jimmy Lai case
The US State Department rejected warnings from China’s top diplomat in Hong Kong, who told newly arrived US Consul General Julie Eadeh not to meet people Beijing opposes, not to engage with what it calls anti China forces, not to support activities deemed destabilising and not to interfere in national security cases. US officials said American diplomats are expected to advance US interests globally, including in Hong Kong. Beijing’s Ta Kung Pao later cautioned Eadeh against involvement in the case of jailed media founder Jimmy Lai. Separately, Beijing condemned a letter from more than 30 US lawmakers urging President Donald Trump to call for Lai’s release, accusing Washington of interfering in China’s internal affairs and undermining One Country, Two Systems. (1, 3, and 27 Oct) Reuters, AP, SCMP

UK open to Hong Kong lawyers registering as arbitrators
In an interview, Hong Kong Bar Association Chairperson Jose-Antonio Maurellet revealed that the UK has extended a welcome to Hong Kong’s barristers to register as arbitrators in its database because of their common law background and experience in handling Asian cases. He also expressed confidence that Hong Kong could beat London to become the world’s preferred seat for arbitration given Asia’s economic growth. (1 Oct) SCMP

Hong Kong and Beijing strongly reject US trafficking report
The US State Department placed Hong Kong on the Tier 2 Watch List in its 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report, saying the city has not yet met minimum standards but is making significant efforts. The Hong Kong government strongly rejected the findings as groundless and said human trafficking has never been prevalent in the city. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in Hong Kong also expressed strong dissatisfaction, insisting Hong Kong has an effective system to combat trafficking. (29, 30 Sept) TS

China establishes global mediation body headquartered in Hong Kong
China and over 30 countries have signed the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed), marking the launch of the world’s first intergovernmental body dedicated to mediation. The organisation aims to provide an alternative to adjudicative institutions such as the International Court of Justice. Beijing said Hong Kong’s common law system and international connectivity give it unique advantages as a global dispute resolution hub. (20 Oct) SCMP, Al Jazeera

Hong Kong ‘escalates’ surveillance against dissidents living in the UK
The Washington Post published an investigative report that looked at the ‘spy case’ related to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London. The report pointed out that over the past several years, UK officials have tracked what they describe as an ‘escalating campaign of surveillance and intimidation’ against Hong Kong dissidents living in Britain. ‘The Hong Kong government has not bothered to hide its intent, declaring its right to pursue anyone it deems subversive and offering cash “bounties” for information leading to the capture of pro- democracy activists it considers traitors,’ according to the report. (28 Oct) Washington Post

Legco delegations have shunned the West for 4 years in a first since Hong Kong handover
The Legislative Council has not sent any delegations to Europe or North America over its current four-year term, a first since the city’s return to Chinese sovereignty. Observers said such trips, which were routine in the past, are now seen as ‘highly risky’ and ‘of little benefit’ amid geopolitical tensions with the West. Lawmaker Paul Tse Wai-Chun is quoted saying: ‘If the other side is lukewarm or indicates that we are unwelcome, there is little we can do.’ He also called on lawmakers to maintain connections with Western countries. While the mainland had led globally in fields such as technology, some Western countries still excelled in education and environmental protection, from which Hong Kong could learn. Separately, the government confirmed on 3 Oct that the two- week nomination period for the legislative election will begin on 24 Oct. The election will take place on 7 Dec. (3, 6 Oct) SCMP – delegation, SCMP – nomination

12 lawmakers opt out of LegCo election as speculation over generational shift grows
On 13 Oct, 3 more lawmakers announced they would not run in the upcoming Legislative Council election, bringing the total opting out to at least 12. Business and Professionals Alliance chairman Lo Wai kwok said he hoped to support renewal within the legislature. Transport sector lawmaker Frankie Yick encouraged voters to back capable candidates and allow more young people to enter LegCo. Chow Man kong said he would focus on policy research and strengthening collaboration among government, industry and academia. (13, 14 Oct) SCMP

7 more incumbent Hong Kong lawmakers bow out of upcoming Legislative Council election
New additional incumbents announced they would not seek re election, roughly 2 weeks before the nomination period opens on 24 Oct. Tik Chi yuen, the chamber’s only self described non establishment lawmaker, said his party could only field one candidate. Chan Kin por said it was time to pass the baton, while Tommy Cheung cited the development of One Country, Two Systems. Kennedy Wong said he would focus on duties as a Hong Kong deputy to the National People’s Congress, Gary Zhang referred to family reasons, Jeffrey Lam said he hoped to create opportunities for younger talent, and Connie Lam said she planned to return to social work and pursue further study. Legislative Council President Andrew Leung and veteran lawmaker Ma Fung kwok had earlier said they would not run again. (13 Oct) HKFP

LegCo reshuffle continues as veteran lawmakers step aside and parties prepare for polls
New People’s Party (NPP) chair Regina Ip said her party would announce its stance on the upcoming Legislative Council election in due course, as three more incumbents confirmed they would not seek re election, bringing the number opting out to at least 12. The wave of exits has fuelled speculation of an informal age threshold, though officials say the decisions are personal. LegCo President Andrew Leung described the turnover as healthy renewal, while the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) said it plans to field 26 candidates, including 12 first time contenders. Separately, House Committee chair Starry Lee withdrew a farewell motion for the outgoing term after concerns it might create perceptions of unfairness before the vote. (13, 16, and 21 Oct) HKFP, TS, HKFP, TS, SCMP, HKFP

Journalists’ union says Hong Kong press freedom rebounds slightly from historic low
The Hong Kong Journalists Association reported that its 2024–2025 Press Freedom Index rose to 28.9 points on a 100 point scale, up from 25 last year, though it said conditions remain difficult. HKJA argued that ‘the index’s rebound in this survey does not indicate a significant improvement in Hong Kong’s press freedom over the past year, but rather reflects the resilience of HK journalists in the current landscape. (17 Oct) HKFP

Authorities cancel LGBTQ-themed play after complaints amid broader setback for queer community
The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority cancelled an LGBTQ-themed play titled We Are Gay after complaints that it promoted confrontation. The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau called the decision precautionary. (20 Oct) SCMP

Chief Executive John Lee vows to implement spirit of Fourth Plenary Session
John Lee and senior officials held a meeting to study the outcomes of the Fourth Plenary Session of the Communist Party’s 20th Central Committee, pledging to implement its guiding principles and strengthen Hong Kong’s contribution to national development. (27 Oct) SCMP

HK shipper forms joint venture with Luxemburg-based group in push for greener energy at ports
SCMP reported that Hong Kong shipping firm Wah Kwong Maritime Transport last month formed a 50-50 joint venture with Luxembourg-based renewable energy firm NatPower Group to build shoreside power-supply projects in China and North Asia with the goal of capturing opportunities from tightening emission regulations at ports. (5 Oct) SCMP

Global banks highlight Hong Kong’s role as gateway for China amid renewed investor interest
Morgan Stanley’s Asia Pacific investment banking head Shane Zhang said global investors, including US funds, are returning to the mainland to reassess Chinese companies, contributing to a sharp rise in Hong Kong market liquidity. He described the city as a critical bridge connecting China and global capital. Separately, CICC executive Xu Jia noted that Hong Kong’s ability to attract international funds distinguishes it from mainland markets. UBS Securities chairwoman Janice Hu likewise said Hong Kong remains China’s key international financial centre and launch pad for global ambitions, citing rising cross border capital flows and the city’s strengths in finance, technology and talent. (6, 9 Oct) SCMP, SCMP

HK strengthens green finance hub role in Belt & Road Initiative context with new global building certificates
SCMP reported that the Hong Kong Green Building Council has started issuing international certificates for buildings overseas, which is expected to enable more international developers to secure local funding for sustainable projects, boosting the city’s role as a regional green finance hub. The council issued its first BEAM Plus global version certificate in June to a complex in the East African country of Djibouti under the Belt and Road Initiative, while another structure in Macao is expected to soon get the same certification. (6 Oct) SCMP

Hong Kong launches task force to help mainland Chinese firms go global
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau announced that Hong Kong has set up a task force to provide one stop professional services for mainland enterprises entering overseas markets, especially in the Global South and Belt and Road countries. The group brings together business, legal, accounting and investment experts to help firms develop strategies and build international networks. Yau said the initiative supports China’s shift to high quality development and reflects Hong Kong’s role in national development. (6 Oct) SCMP

Hong Kong sees strong tourism and retail performance during National Day period
Retailers and caterers reported year on year business growth of up to 20% during the mainland’s National Day Golden Week, with gold, jewellery and cosmetics performing particularly well. About 1.28 million mainland visitors travelled to Hong Kong during the eight day holiday, a 5.6% increase from last year, and retail sector representatives said sales recorded double digit gains. The Hong Kong Tourism Board later reported that the city received 36 million visitors in the first three quarters of 2025, up 12% year on year. (8, 15 Oct) SCMP, HKFP, SCMP

Hong Kong revamps family office rules to widen global appeal, targets 220 more by 2028
Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui pledged to widen Hong Kong’s appeal to global family offices as the government shapes new policies designed to meet emerging trends in the sector. (Oct 8) SCMP

HSBC announces plan to privatise local subsidiary Hang Seng
HSBC announced a proposal to privatise Hang Seng Bank, offering to purchase the subsidiary’s outstanding shares at US$19.95 per share in cash, according to a filing to the Hong Kong exchange. The offer represents a premium of 30% over Hang Seng’s last closing price of US$15.3 per share. HSBC said it believed the proposal would strengthen ‘the Hong Kong banking presence’. (9 Oct) SCMP, Reuters

Goldman Sachs banker says Hong Kong as good as Wall Street for Chinese tech firms
Jacky Leung, Goldman Sachs head of Hong Kong coverage and co-chief operating officer of the technology, media and telecom group for Asia excluding Japan, said that Hong Kong has become the fundraising venue of choice for Chinese technology giants, surpassing the US thanks to growing liquidity, market reforms and proximity to their home market. (10 Oct) SCMP

Financial Secretary promotes Hong Kong in US and urges American firms to invest
Financial Secretary Paul Chan wrote that he would promote Hong Kong’s advantages to global investors during a visit to the United States, where he joined the IMF and World Bank annual meetings as part of the Chinese delegation. He noted that Hong Kong continues to welcome foreign investment, with nearly 10,000 companies in the city having parent firms overseas or on the mainland, a record high. During the trip, Chan also called on American companies to expand in Hong Kong, stressing that the city’s business environment remains stable
despite wider trade tensions. (12, 15 Oct) TS, SCMP

SFC launches dedicated REIT channel, allows confidential consultation
The Securities and Futures Commission announced the launch of a new dedicated channel to facilitate real estate investment trust listings and confidential consultations to improve listing efficiency. (13 Oct) TS

Hong Kong stocks rebound after recent sell-off
Hong Kong shares rallied on 20 Oct, with the Hang Seng Index up 2.4% and the Hang Seng Tech Index rising 3.2%, recovering from last week’s losses driven by tariff concerns and renewed US-China tensions. The rebound followed China’s third quarter GDP growth of 4.8% and optimism over trade talks. Mainland indices also gained, while major Hong Kong-listed firms such as NetEase, Alibaba and AIA advanced. Market focus has turned to the Communist Party’s fourth plenum, where leaders will set economic and social goals for the next five years. (20 Oct) SCMP

Hong Kong retains top spot in finance, logistics and tourism within Greater Bay Area
Hong Kong ranked first in financial services, trade and logistics, and culture, sports and tourism among the 11 Greater Bay Area cities for the second consecutive year, according to the Greater Bay Area Industry Development Index compiled by Our Hong Kong Foundation and Dah Sing Bank. The survey covered 3,400 companies. Shenzhen again led in innovation and technology and in manufacturing, while Guangzhou topped real estate. (21 Oct). SCMP, RTHK

Hong Kong’s exports rise in September, powered by Asian demand
Hong Kong’s exports grew 16.1% year on year in September to US$59.5 billion, the fastest pace in six months, led by strong demand from Asia. (27, 28 Oct) SCMP

Hong Kong revamping school history subjects, with Communist Party founding added
The Education Bureau announced significant changes to the framework for the senior secondary Chinese History and History curriculums. Senior secondary school students will learn more about the Communist Party’s founding. In addition, the Cultural Revolution will no longer be a stand-alone topic in the Chinese History curriculum. (3 Oct) SCMP

HKU aims for 50% non-local student ratio next year
The University of Hong Kong Director of Undergraduate Admissions and International Student Exchange Bennett Yim revealed that the higher education institution expected non-local students to reach 50% of its undergraduate population next academic year. HKU anticipates enrolling over 1'600 non-local students in 2025/26, approximately 400 more than last year. (9 Oct) TS

Macao, Beijing rebut US trafficking report
The US Trafficking in Persons Report placed Macao in Tier 3, saying the government has not met minimum standards or made significant efforts to do so. The Macao government strongly opposed the assessment, stating it has consistently enforced laws in line with international conventions. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in Macao also criticised the report as biased and dismissive of the city’s efforts. (30 Sept) Macau Business

Chinese mainland and Macao sign memorandum on cross border payment system
The People’s Bank of China and the Monetary Authority of Macao signed a memorandum to establish a cross
border payment connection aimed at improving financial integration. (13 Oct) China Daily

Macao’s ‘golden week’ sees 1.14 million visitors, slightly below forecast
Over 1.14 million people visited Macao during the recent 8-day National Day ‘golden week’ holidays, according to Public Security Police data. It represented a 15% year on year growth. (13 Oct) Igamingbusiness

This is a review of the Hong Kong media and does not necessarly represent the opinion of the Consulate General of Switzerland. The Consulate General of Switzerland in Hong Kong does not bear any responsibility for the topicality, correctness, completeness or quality of the information provided. Liability claims regarding damage caused by the use of any information provided, including any kind of information which might be incomplete or incorrect, will therefore be rejected.

31.10.2025