HKSAR's Credit Ratings Highlight Economic Resilience, Says MOFA

The recent reaffirmations of credit ratings for China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) by the world’s leading credit agencies have been praised as a signal of resilient economic fundamentals and positive future prospects for the city, despite persistent uncertainties affecting the global economy.

All three major international rating agencies — Fitch, S&P, and Moody’s — have maintained a “stable” outlook for HKSAR, with S&P and Moody’s keeping their impressive AA+ and Aa3 ratings, respectively. Both agencies pointed to Hong Kong’s significant fiscal reserves, strong foreign exchange positions, solid external balance sheet, and high per capita income as key factors underpinning their decisions.

Moody’s in particular upgraded its outlook for Hong Kong from “negative” to “stable,” highlighting the region’s credit resilience in the face of ongoing global trade tensions and sluggish trade growth. These moves are being interpreted as an important display of confidence in Hong Kong’s longstanding role as a vital international financial center, according to Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Lin emphasized that the mainland’s efforts in high-quality development provide fresh momentum and new opportunities for Hong Kong. “We are confident about Hong Kong’s development prospects and welcome enterprises from all countries to invest in Hong Kong, work together for mutual development and share in its prosperity,” he said.

Echoing these sentiments, Paul Chan Mo-po, the Financial Secretary of HKSAR, stated in a social media post that the “stable” outlooks from the ratings agencies highlight the resilience and robustness of Hong Kong’s economic and financial framework against a backdrop of increasing global risks. Chan expressed optimism that the local financial market would continue to thrive, citing substantial progress in attracting investment and suggesting that this reflects widespread international trust in the city’s future and its sound economic governance.

With these latest affirmations, Hong Kong appears set to maintain its standing as one of Asia’s premier financial centers, leveraging both its strategic position and policy support to navigate through global challenges while fostering continued economic dynamism.