Over 92 percent of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Hong Kong plan to maintain or increase their level of investment in the third quarter of 2025, according to the Standard Chartered Hong Kong SME Leading Business Index released by the Hong Kong Productivity Council on Tuesday.
However, the overall business index of Hong Kong dipped slightly from 43.8 for the second quarter to 40.5 this quarter, reflecting persistent global economic uncertainty.
Despite challenges, certain sectors showed resilience. Construction, accommodation and food services grew, boosted by major infrastructure projects and tourism diversification. Notably, manufacturing investment intent surged to a seven-year high, indicating greater willingness for expansion and research and development.
READ MORE: HK SMEs adapt market strategies amid global trade headwinds
Kelvin Lau, senior economist for the Greater China and North Asia research team at Standard Chartered, said at a press conference that overall exports in the second half of the year will still slow down somewhat compared to the first half. Following Hong Kong's surprisingly strong economic start in the first half of 2025, growth in the second half will be more moderate, he added.
