We are very happy to share the key highlights of the first day of the HSBC Global Investment Summit 2025, which is taking place in Hong Kong this week.
The scene was set by HSBC Chairman Sir Mark Tucker, whose opening remarks presented the summit’s overarching topic: "New Networks Connecting the Global Economy", and how these evolving networks bring great opportunities, along with potential risks.
There was a welcome address from top officials of the host city with K. K. Chan, the Acting Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR, and Dr. Bin Qi, Deputy Minister of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR, discussing Hong Kong’s many strengths – covering its regulatory framework, vibrant capital markets, and financial infrastructure.
Later in the day, another of the city's senior figures further elaborated on this theme, with Financial Secretary Paul Chan highlighting Hong Kong's role as a super-connector that serves as a bridge for an increasingly diversified global economy.
New networks of influence
The key theme for Tuesday was how new networks of influence are transforming the global order, as emerging markets become more prominent, both economically and geopolitically.
Throughout the day, world-leading experts shared practical insights on the evolving landscape. Sanna Marin, the Former Prime Minister of Finland, discussed how Europe is stepping up to boost its defense capabilities as the region's relationship with the US shifts; while former Foreign Minister of Singapore, George Yeo, explored the importance of partnerships against the backdrop of a changing balance of power.
China’s economy
China featured prominently throughout the day. The country’s relationship with the US was the focus of renowned historian, Sir Niall Ferguson, who looked ahead to see how the global balance between the two powers will evolve under President Trump.
We also heard from Alibaba Group Co-founder and Chairman Joe Tsai, who in a conversation with David Liao, Co-Chief Executive, Asia and the Middle East, HSBC, shared how the technology giant is integrating AI into its business.
The health of the world’s second-largest economy was covered across several sessions. A panel of leading economists assessed the strengths and weaknesses of China’s economy, while a separate panel evaluated the importance of investment in the country’s future development.
Another important development that is currently unfolding - the deepening trade and investment links between China and the Middle East - was addressed by a panel of senior financial leaders.
Emerging economies
Beyond China, expert speakers shared insights into the world’s most exciting emerging economies. India’s legacy of innovation was analysed from both a historical and modern perspective by a panel that included an economist, a historian, and an investment professional.
Light was also shone on developments in the Middle East, as we received an update on Saudi Arabia’s progress towards realising its transformative Vision 2030 programme, with a focus on the Kingdom’s growing tourism industry; while the prospects of the energy sector in Dubai was discussed alongside progress in its broader economy
Presenting actionable business plans amid these rapid changes was an important part of the day’s agenda. One panel delivered just this, as top executives from Grab, Trip.com, and Yum China discussed how best to cater to the Asian consumer.
Central banking outlook
An uncertain monetary policy regime underlies business decisions across the world, and the day’s agenda was topped off with a session focused on central banking. Decision-making at the Federal Reserve influences borrowing rates around the world, and we heard about the Fed’s room for policy manoeuvre from Lael Brainard, Former Director of the US National Economic Council and Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.