Budget 2026-27: what can Hongkongers expect from Paul Chan’s financial plans?

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Hong Kong finance chief Paul Chan Mo-po will unveil his latest budget on Wednesday, revealing an earlier-than-expected operating surplus after three years of deficits.

While the improved fiscal position – driven by a stock market boom – has sparked calls for more sweeteners in this year’s financial blueprint, Chan has sought to manage public expectations by repeatedly stressing the need to maintain adequate reserves to safeguard against geopolitical shocks and support long-term growth.

The financial secretary is expected to announce new measures to strengthen the city’s growing intellectual property (IP) economy and aerospace development, inject “substantial funds” into a new innovation hub near the border, and consolidate Hong Kong’s strategic roles outlined in the nation’s 15th five-year plan.

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Reporting by Jeffie Lam, Denise Tsang, Edith Lin, Jess Ma, Lo Hoi-ying, Oscar Liu, Connor Mycroft, Natalie Wong and Matthew Cheng.

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Budget 2026-27: what can Hongkongers expect from Paul Chan’s financial plans?

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