HONG KONG – Hong Kong again topped the Asian Cities Internationality Index (ACII) 2026, underscoring its standing as Asia’s most international city and the region’s premier gateway for regional and global operations.

The index, commissioned by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) and conducted by independent research firm Ipsos, evaluates how effectively each city engages with global markets and functions as an international hub across seven 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.

Eleven Asian cities were assessed this year: Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Taipei, and Tokyo.

According to a report released last week, Hong Kong ranked first with a score of 74.6 out of a maximum 100, up from 73.7 in 2025. Singapore remained in second place with 72.6 points.

In 2026, Hong Kong further strengthened its position across all seven key dimensions, notably improving from fourth to third place in “Innovation and Ideas.”

Survey respondents also rated Hong Kong as Asia’s most international city, aligning with the index’s hard data.

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“By launching the ACII 2026, HKGCC provides a vital, data-driven tool to understand the shifting competitive landscape in Asia,” said HKGCC Chairman Jacob Kam. “Hong Kong’s top ranking proves our fundamental resilience and underscores that global businesses continue to view us as the ultimate bridge between East and West.”

Kam pointed to the city’s resilience, supported by world-class infrastructure, an open business environment, strong connectivity, and the unique “one country, two systems” framework.

He also said the release of the ACII 2026 is “exceptionally timely as the industry submits its recommendations for the Five-Year Plan,” providing critical insights to guide development during this landmark period.

Shifting dynamics  

Across the region, Seoul rose to third place with a score of 69.2, overtaking Tokyo by performing better in Quality of Life and Innovation and Ideas.

Tokyo fell back to fourth place with 68.6 points, with the 2026 index indicating small contractions in its Quality of Life and Cultural Interaction dimensions compared with the previous year.

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After the top tier, Shanghai secured fifth place with 65.3 points, followed by Bangkok with 62.9, Kuala Lumpur with 60.4, and Taipei with 58.9. While Shanghai continued to lead in innovation through its vibrant ecosystem, other cities highlighted different regional strengths in tourism and education, though they have yet to fully lift their broader international standing.

Notably, Mumbai moved up to ninth place with an improved score of 54.1. The index says the city’s progress reflects its continued evolution as it transitions from a traditionally domestic-focused market into a more globally oriented business hub.