Criticism of Hong Kong’s economy and rule of law is baseless

Hong Kong has made unprecedented achievements over the past two years in attracting quality businesses to our city. According to our annual survey, the number of foreign- and mainland-affiliated companies in Hong Kong rose to 11,070 in 2025, up 11 per cent from the previous year – a record-high number of firms with parent companies located outside Hong Kong. Together, these enterprises hired nearly 510,000 people in Hong Kong, up by 3 per cent from 2024.

Such numbers represent a vote of confidence in Hong Kong by businesses and entrepreneurs. Foreign businesses have no reason to worry and should welcome the laws safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, which ensure a safer and more stable environment for investments and economic development. Those who talk down Hong Kong’s prospects must face the facts.

Allegations that Hong Kong’s freedoms are under threat are also groundless. Hong Kong people’s rights and freedoms are protected under the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights. In fact, both the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security.

The rights and freedoms – including freedom of the press, of speech and of publication – enjoyed by Hong Kong people under the Basic Law, and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong, are protected in accordance with the law.