Hong Kong has signed 57 comprehensive tax agreements and is in active talks with 17 jurisdictions as it seeks to narrow the gap with Singapore's network of over 90 treaties while prioritising Belt and Road partnerships.Â
Hong Kong is accelerating efforts to expand its tax agreement framework following the signing of its 57th Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement with Barbados in March 2026.
Financial Services and Treasury Secretary Christopher Hui revealed the expansion strategy in a press release on 22 April 2026, while addressing comparisons with Singapore, which currently maintains over 90 similar agreements. The initiative forms part of broader government efforts to reinforce Hong Kong’s position as a premier international financial centre.
Strategic expansion and active negotiations
The government is focusing on jurisdictions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative as priority partners for future agreements. Currently negotiating with 17 countries, authorities anticipate finalising three to four new treaties by the end of 2026.
Hong Kong’s existing network already covers 15 of its top 20 trading partners, accounting for more than 75% of total trade value based on 2025 data. The first agreement was established with mainland China in 1998, and the current administration has contributed 12 treaties to the network, demonstrating significant momentum in recent years.
To support this expansion, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau will continue organising the annual Belt and Road Summit, alongside dedicated missions and business matching activities designed to strengthen economic ties with partner jurisdictions.
Attracting corporate investment and treasury centres
The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises is actively promoting Hong Kong’s competitive tax policies to multinational corporations evaluating regional headquarters locations. A comprehensive action plan for Corporate Treasury Centres, featuring enhanced tax benefits and operational flexibility, is scheduled for release in mid-2026. The plan will include measures to strengthen promotion efforts, improve communication with multinational enterprises, and provide enhanced training for industry practitioners.
Maintaining international standards
To ensure international compliance, Hong Kong updated earlier treaties in 2022 through legislation that brought them in line with OECD Base Erosion and Profit Shifting standards. Recent agreements incorporate modern provisions, including safeguards against treaty misuse and improved mechanisms for resolving disputes between tax authorities.
The Financial Services and Treasury Bureau, together with the Inland Revenue Department, manages the treaty expansion program with a dedicated team comprising one Principal Assistant Secretary, one Assistant Commissioner, and seven supporting officers.
