Business · 2026-10-25 · Morning briefing

AIIB signals interest in Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis project

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has expressed interest in financing Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis, a mega-project to transform 30,000 hectares bordering mainland China into a technology and housing hub. The China-led development bank's president, Zou Jiayi, discussed potential co-investment opportunities with Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu during a visit for the APEC finance ministers' meeting.

The Beijing-headquartered bank, which has 111 members, is simultaneously expanding its physical footprint. It plans to open an office in Hong Kong by the end of the year, its second outside mainland China after establishing an operational hub in Abu Dhabi in 2023. Hong Kong's financial secretary, Paul Chan Mo-po, confirmed the bank's interest in the project's infrastructure development.

This potential financing aligns with a broader push by the city to attract foreign capital. Hong Kong’s Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises has so far assisted 142 companies in expanding their presence. The government estimates these efforts will ultimately generate HK$84 billion (US$10.7 billion) in investment and create around 26,700 jobs.

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• AIIB keen to fund projects in Northern Metropolis, Hong Kong finance chief says
• JD.com (JD) Forms Hong Kong Northern Metropolis Joint Venture
• AIIB Signals Fresh Climate Adaptation Bond Push As Asia’s Resilience Funding Gap Widens Further

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