Hong Kong tops economic freedom index again

The Heritage Foundation's Index of Economic Freedom report ranked Hong Kong as the freest economy in the world – for the 25th consecutive year. In the report published on January 25 in Washington DC, Hong Kong's overall score remained at 90.2, once again making it the only economy attaining an overall score higher than 90. The Foundation continued to recognise Hong Kong's economic resilience, high-quality legal framework, low tolerance for corruption, high degree of government transparency, efficient regulatory framework and openness to global commerce.

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said that this achievement reaffirmed the Government's steadfast commitment in upholding the free market principles over the years. These principles have long been the cornerstone of the Hong Kong economy. “The Government will continue to uphold Hong Kong's fine tradition of the rule of law, maintain a simple and low tax system, improve government efficiency, safeguard the open and free trade regime and build a level playing field for all, so as to create a favourable environment for businesses in Hong Kong and promote Hong Kong's economic growth", Mr Chan assured.