Blog

2025 is about to come to an end. Looking back on the year, we overcame quite a number of challenges. Despite external uncertainties, the local asset markets continued to improve, capital kept flowing in, the number of visitor arrivals increased, overall exports and fixed capital investment performed well, and local consumption showed signs of stabilisation. It is estimated that Hong Kong’s economic growth this year will accelerate to 3.2%, slightly higher than the forecast made at the beginning of the year. Overall, strong performances in exports and investment have been the main engines of economic growth. At the same time, both the stock and residential property markets saw increases in price and volume, further reinforcing the market’s positive expectations.

The Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei section), which runs across East and West Kowloon, officially opened to traffic this morning. Vehicles travelling between Yau Ma Tei and Kai Tak can now use this direct route, bypassing the previously busy urban road sections between the two districts. During peak hours, travel time can be greatly reduced from 30 minutes to about 5 minutes. Starting tomorrow, the first working day after the opening, 8 bus routes will utilise this bypass, saving up to 50 minutes of travel time per day (round trip) for commuters travelling across districts.

The 59th Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo, an annual event organised by the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association, kicked off yesterday at Victoria Park. Featuring 12 themed zones and a total of 900 booths, the Expo attracted a large crowd of local residents and visitors from the Greater Bay Area. For many, attending the Expo has become a yearly tradition. Families and friends often visit together to enjoy the wide variety of food and shop for new products. Shoppers come prepared with trolleys, stocking up on goods and festive treats in anticipation of the upcoming Chinese New Year.