Advocacy

Financial Secretary Paul Chan delivered Hong Kong’s 2026-27 Budget on Wednesday, 25 February 2026. He reported an earlier than expected improvement in public finances, supported by a buoyant economy and strong capital markets. The consolidated account is now expected to deliver a HK$2.9 billion surplus (reversing the earlier projected HK$67 billion deficit), the first surplus since 2021–22. Fiscal reserves are projected to reach HK$657.2 billion by 31 March 2026. Despite global uncertainty, the economy remains resilient, posting 3.5% real GDP growth in 2025, with 2026 projected at 2.5% to 3.5%.

2026-27 Hong Kong Budget Submission

The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (AustCham) has written to the Chief Executive with our recommendations for the 2025-26 Policy Address. AustCham welcomes the opportunity to work with the Hong Kong Government in the development and roll out of initiatives arising from this year’s policy address.

AustCham has responded to a Hong Kong Government Expression of Interest exercise in developing Island & Coastal Tourism. We strongly recommend any development should include integrated transport links and provision for outdoor dining with a fast-track, single-window outdoor seating licensing system.

The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (AustCham) has submitted our recommendations for the 2025-26 Australian Federal Budget recommending the prioritisations of a Comprehensive Double Tax Agreement (CDTA) between Australia and Hong Kong and the confirmation that proposed changes to Australia's Individual Tax Residency Rules will not be enacted.

The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (AustCham) has written to the Financial Secretary with our recommendations for the 2025-26 Budget. AustCham welcomes the opportunity to work with the Hong Kong Government in the development and roll out of initiatives arising from this year’s budget.

The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (AustCham) has written to the Chief Executive with our recommendations for the 2024-25 Policy Address. AustCham welcomes the opportunity to work with the Hong Kong Government in the development and roll out of initiatives arising from this year’s policy address.

AustCham has responded to an Australian Treasury consultation on the expansion of Australia’s tax treaty network by advocating for a Comprehensive Double Tax Agreement (CDTA) between Australia and Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong SAR Government's Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) invited consultation on Hong Kong's Tax treaty network expansion. AustCham shared its support for expanding Hong Kong’s tax treaty network by considering a Comprehensive Double Tax Agreement (CDTA) between Australia and Hong Kong.

The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (AustCham) has written to the Financial Secretary with our recommendations for the 2024-25 Budget. AustCham welcomes the opportunity to work with the Hong Kong Government in the development and roll out of initiatives arising from this year’s budget.

On 18 October 2023 AustCham Hong Kong wrote to Australian Ministers and Assistant Ministers to brief them on the concerns of our members regarding proposed changes to Australia's Individual Tax Residency Rules.

AustCham's submission to the Australian Treasury consultation on Tax treaty network expansion 2022.