Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Edward Yau: Retail and food and beverage industry data in Hong Kong have gradually rebounded in recent months, indicating that the industry is entering a phase of recovery.

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po stated that Hong Kong's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to grow by 3.5% in 2025 compared to the previous year. Retail and catering industry data in recent months have also shown signs of improvement, indicating that related industries are gradually emerging from the adjustment period and showing stable and upward trends. Speaking at an event, Paul Chan Mo-po pointed out that in 2025, Hong Kong's economic growth will be mainly driven by goods exports, recording a year-on-year increase of 12%, while service exports have also performed well, growing by 6.3%. He emphasized that the local consumption sentiment in Hong Kong has improved, with retail and catering industries showing signs of recovery in recent months, reflecting that the industries are entering a path of revival. Regarding the job market, Paul Chan Mo-po mentioned that Hong Kong's unemployment rate has remained at a low level of around 3.8%, indicating that the labor market is generally stable. He reiterated that the Hong Kong government will continue to help citizens adapt to economic structural transformation and enhance competitiveness through providing training courses. Paul Chan Mo-po also reviewed the achievements of the Invest Hong Kong since its establishment. He stated that since its establishment in 2022, Invest Hong Kong has successfully attracted more than 100 companies to set up in Hong Kong, with a total estimated investment of about HK$60 billion and the creation of about 22,000 job positions. Looking ahead, Paul Chan Mo-po emphasized the importance of the "14th Five-Year Plan" being formulated by the country for Hong Kong's long-term development. He believes that under the unique advantages of "One Country, Two Systems," Hong Kong must continue to strengthen international connections, deepen cooperation with mature markets, actively explore emerging markets, attract more new capital and new businesses to Hong Kong, and inject sustained dynamism into the economy.