On September 27, Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan wrote in a blog post that, driven by demand for artificial intelligence and related electronic products, Hong Kong's total merchandise export value reached HK$667.9 billion in August, up 53% year on year, with the first eight months combined rising 42.5%. According to the latest assessment by the government's economic adviser, Hong Kong is confident of meeting the revised full-year GDP growth forecast target of 3.5% to 4.5%.
Chan said artificial intelligence also brings governance challenges. As major economies begin discussing AI governance, data, compliance and risk management, Hong Kong can play a unique role in providing "rules" and "trust." Leveraging its common law system, common law talent proficient in both Chinese and English, internationally connected standards and professional services, and financial support, Hong Kong can offer solutions trusted by all parties in areas spanning model training, cross-border data, privacy protection and dispute resolution.
Chan noted that artificial intelligence will bring new job types and new tracks to Hong Kong, requiring talent who understand the AI industry, talent willing to explore applications with AI, and talent in areas that AI cannot handle no matter how powerful it becomes. The workforce's AI literacy and broader skills upgrading are not only about future competitive advantage in the market, but also about Hong Kong's need to adapt to AI development and about residents' work and daily life.
According to the government's latest manpower projection, of Hong Kong's overall manpower shortage of 130,000 by 2028, the gap is concentrated in job types most reliant on interpersonal interaction, on-site judgment and complex craftsmanship. At the same time, Hong Kong is fully supporting residents in learning and using AI more. The "AI for All" popularization program will roll out more than 200 training courses and activities by the first quarter of 2028; the AI skills upgrading program is expected to benefit at least 40,000 employees; and the new Policy Address proposes a "30,000 Youth Jobs and Internship Scheme," together with the business sector and major employer groups, covering entry-level business positions, innovation and technology and startup internships, plus financial services internships and construction industry on-the-job training, providing young people with preparation and help as they enter the workplace and new tracks.
It is reported that Chan arrived in Doha, Qatar, to attend the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank annual meeting. Chan said he would share Hong Kong's experience with member state governors on issues such as promoting infrastructure construction, enhancing regional connectivity and sustainable development, and would also introduce the new opportunities and new advantages Hong Kong enjoys in aligning with national development strategies.