Hong Kong Signs First Protocol to Amend ASEAN Investment Agreement
On.cc · 3 SOURCES1 day ago4 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong signed the First Protocol to Amend the Hong Kong-ASEAN Investment Agreement on Sunday, September 20, 2026, in Manila, the Philippines. The protocol was signed by Commerce and Economic Development Bureau Deputy Secretary Chan Tai-pak (陳百里) alongside Philippine Trade and Industry Secretary and Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister. The signing activates provisions that will ensure Hong Kong enterprises receive treatment no less favorable than local or foreign businesses when investing in any of the ten ASEAN member states .
Key Points
- Deputy Secretary Chan Tai-pak signed the protocol in Manila on September 20, 2026 with Philippine and Thai officials
- ASEAN has been Hong Kong's third-largest outward direct investment destination for four consecutive years
- Investment stock between Hong Kong and ASEAN reaches HK$671.2 billion
- Hong Kong enterprises will receive national treatment and most-favored-nation treatment in ASEAN's ten countries
- The ten ASEAN member states are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam
Why It Matters
The agreement provides a stronger institutional framework for Hong Kong businesses entering ASEAN markets, complementing the existing Free Trade Agreement's service trade provisions by extending protections to non-service sectors . Commerce Secretary Algernon Yau stated the signing demonstrates Hong Kong's commitment to deepening regional economic integration and will bolster the city's status as an international investment hub .
The agreement provides a stronger institutional framework for Hong Kong businesses entering ASEAN markets, complementing the existing Free Trade Agreement's service trade provisions by extending protections to non-service sectors . Commerce Secretary Algernon Yau stated the signing demonstrates Hong Kong's commitment to deepening regional economic integration and will bolster the city's status as an international investment hub .