Hong Kong stock listing boom helps city escape string of deficits

Economy

Budget speech reveals plan to raise debt ceiling to fund infrastructure

Hong Kong’s government is raising its debt ceiling, with proceeds from bond issuances earmarked for infrastructure development. (Photo by Yuki Kohara) 

LORRETTA CHEN

February 25, 2026 18:05 JST

HONG KONG — The Hong Kong government on Wednesday said it will log its first operating budget surplus after three consecutive years of deficit, thanks to a stock listing boom and economic recovery, while it steps up plans for more debt-loading.