Building a Formidable Economic Cluster: The ACII Roadmap for Asian Cities
Jacob Kam, Chairman of HKGCC
Send your view to [email protected]
Recently, the Chamber officially launched the second edition of our Asian Cities Internationality Index (ACII) 2026. Conducted by research firm Ipsos and guided by an independent Steering Committee, the Index is a comprehensive benchmark across Asia’s leading cities that assesses regional strengths and challenges. Assessing cities across seven core dimensions — Business and Economy, Quality of Life, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Innovation and Ideas, Human Capital Diversity, Cultural Interaction, and Government and Legal System for Business — the Index is designed to inform policy and business decisions while fostering meaningful dialogue among governments, enterprises, and communities throughout the region.
I am delighted to share that out of a maximum score of 100, Hong Kong has once again ranked first with a score of 74.6 — a notable increase from 73.7 in 2025. Hong Kong strengthened its position across all seven dimensions, notably advancing from fourth to third place in the critical Innovation and Ideas category. Complementing this robust empirical data, survey respondents decisively rated Hong Kong as Asia’s most international city.
These results are undeniable proof of our fundamental resilience. This top placement underscores the enduring strength of our world-class infrastructure, our open business environment, and our unparalleled global connectivity. Above all, it highlights the unique, irreplaceable advantages of the “One Country, Two Systems” framework, cementing our position as a leading connector between East and West.
The launch of the ACII 2026 is timely. As the Chamber and the broader industry have submitted our strategic recommendations for the Government's upcoming Five-Year Plan, this Index provides a vital, data-driven tool to understand the shifting competitive landscape. It arms us with the critical insights needed to shape actionable policies and guide our development during this landmark period of economic transformation.
Asia’s economies are projected to account for approximately 60% of global GDP growth*. To fully capitalise on this, we must use the ACII as a strategic roadmap for regional collaboration. By understanding and complementing the distinct strengths of our neighbours, Asian cities can foster a formidable, unified economic cluster. Given our top-tier international standing, Hong Kong is perfectly positioned to play the leading role in advancing this regional economy, acting as the world’s engine for growth.
The Chamber will continue to leverage these insights to promote, represent, and safeguard your business interests. Our foundations are incredibly strong, our trajectory is positive, and our international standing remains unmatched. Together, let us build on this momentum, forge deeper global connections, and confidently share this extraordinary Hong Kong story with the world.
*Source: The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
