Deputy FS Wong Attends Spain National Day Reception, Cites $1.8B Investment
Bastillepost · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago3 MIN
Summary
Financial Secretary Deputy Director Wong Wai-lun attended Spain's National Day reception on Monday evening, delivering remarks that underscored the long-standing economic partnership between Hong Kong and Spain. Drawing on official data, Wong revealed that Spain's cumulative direct investment in Hong Kong had reached $1.8 billion as of the end of 2024, while bilateral services trade recorded a 31% increase compared to the same period last year. He expressed gratitude to Invest Hong Kong for its role in facilitating exchanges between the two economies.
Key Points
- Spain's cumulative direct investment in Hong Kong totaled $1.8 billion as of end-2024, with bilateral services trade up 31% year-on-year
- Wong congratulated Spain on winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup and highlighted Hong Kong's Five-Year Plan emphasis on sports development
- Invest Hong Kong partnered with Valencia and Barcelona chambers of commerce for "Using Hong Kong as a Springboard to Asia" seminars in April 2026
- In May 2026, Invest Hong Kong sponsored a superyacht networking event at the Palma International Boat Show to promote yachting economy
- The Northern Metropolis, a priority in Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan, will create opportunities for Spanish enterprises in technology, education, and talent
- A two-week "Taste Spain, Drink Spain" food festival was held last month, while the Spanish Film Festival opens this Wednesday in Hong Kong
- Ten Hong Kong films will be screened at the "Spain on the Move" film festival in Madrid through this Sunday
- Hong Kong will host the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) General Assembly in December this year
- Wong emphasized Hong Kong's commitment to free trade and a rules-based multilateral trading system for international partners including Spain
- The Deputy FS expressed confidence that Hong Kong-Spain ties will continue healthy growth across trade, tourism, arts, culture, and gastronomy
Why It Matters
The strong Spanish investment presence in Hong Kong, totaling $1.8 billion, demonstrates continued international confidence in Hong Kong's status as a premier gateway to Asian markets. The Northern Metropolis development, with its focus on technology, education, and talent integration, offers concrete new opportunities for Spanish enterprises and investors seeking to participate in Hong Kong's next phase of growth. The upcoming ANOC General Assembly and various cultural exchanges further reinforce Hong Kong's ability to attract and host major international events that strengthen bilateral ties beyond traditional trade.
The strong Spanish investment presence in Hong Kong, totaling $1.8 billion, demonstrates continued international confidence in Hong Kong's status as a premier gateway to Asian markets. The Northern Metropolis development, with its focus on technology, education, and talent integration, offers concrete new opportunities for Spanish enterprises and investors seeking to participate in Hong Kong's next phase of growth. The upcoming ANOC General Assembly and various cultural exchanges further reinforce Hong Kong's ability to attract and host major international events that strengthen bilateral ties beyond traditional trade.