HKU Urges Hong Kong to Deepen Mainland Ties and Build Overseas Networks

HKU urged Hong Kong to reposition itself as a “super value-adder” by deepening integration with mainland industry while expanding overseas networks, according to its 2026 economic policy green paper.

HKU dean Cai Hongbin said the city must better understand mainland strategic priorities and support Chinese firms expanding abroad, while strengthening higher education to attract global talent.

Economist Tang Hei-wai said geopolitical shifts are opening opportunities in regions such as the Middle East and ASEAN, and called for upgrades in trade-finance digitalisation and cross-border data interoperability.

The HKU green paper also highlighted blockchain as a tool to strengthen trust in green-finance flows, while projecting steady economic growth with finance at the core.