Bridging Continents: Inbound Investment from Hong Kong SAR to Australia

Hong Kong SAR
  • Report
  • 10 minute read
  • March 13, 2026

Since the establishment of Australia’s trade representation in Hong Kong in the mid‑20th century, Hong Kong SAR has remained a crucial source of foreign investment for Australia, serving as a key gateway for Asian, Mainland Chinese and international capital. Its role as an international financial hub continues to underpin strong bilateral economic ties, with capital from Hong Kong SAR expected to play a strategic role in supporting the growth, transformation and competitiveness of Australian businesses and industries.  

 

This report examines the multifaceted nature of investment from Hong Kong SAR into the Australian economy over time, highlighting its impact while outlining the strategic drivers and policy frameworks shaping these investment flows.

Snapshot of Hong Kong SAR's Inbound Activities in Australia

311

Closed deals (2014-2025)

28.9%

Investment in Retail & Consumer

5th

Foreign investment ranking (ABS, 2024)*

* Includes direct, portfolio and other types of investment.

Hong Kong SAR's Outbound Investment by Destination

  • Hong Kong SAR’s overseas direct investment continues to be heavily concentrated in the Chinese Mainland and British Virgin Islands, with investments of HK$8,896.9 billion and HK$4,706.8 billion respectively in 2024. In 2024, Australia attracted overseas direct investment from Hong Kong SAR worth approximately HK$121.6 billion, showing a slight decrease from previous years (HK$127.5 billion in 2023 and HK$137.9 billion in 2022).
  • Hong Kong SAR’s outbound direct investment rose primarily due to large positive direct investment outflows to enterprises outside Hong Kong SAR, showing that Hong Kong SAR companies continue expanding overseas. These outflows—representing acquisitions, reinvested earnings, and intercompany lending—significantly increased the stock of outward direct investment, reaching HK$17,071.4 billion in 2024.​
  • As of 2024, Investment and holding, Real estate, Professional and Business services, Wholesale & Retail and Banking ranked as the top three industries for Hong Kong SAR investment abroad. Over 78.8% of Hong Kong SAR’s outward direct investment originates from enterprise groups engaged in investment and holding activities, real estate, and professional/business services—industries with high cross‑border investment capacity. Wholesale & retail trades contribute a further 8.6%, reflecting the sector’s strong regional commercial linkages. Together, these sectors’ global expansion strategies naturally contribute to Hong Kong SAR’s sustained outward direct investment growth.​

  • Hong Kong SAR’s outward direct investment is strongly supported by well‑established investment corridors with the Mainland (52.1% share) and the British Virgin Islands (27.6% share). These longstanding channels in corporate structures, supply chains, and capital deployment provide natural platforms for Hong Kong SAR investors to expand abroad efficiently.​​

  • As high‑net‑worth individuals in Chinese Mainland  pursue broader diversification strategies including property acquisitions, residency pathways and sophisticated financial arrangements, Hong Kong SAR’s outward investment flows are correspondingly increasing, reflecting shifts influenced by evolving regulatory and geopolitical conditions.​

Key Statistics (2024)

HK$17.1​trillion​
Overseas direct investment

HK$13.5​ trillion​​
Investment and holding, Real Estate, Professional and
Business services​

HK$1.5 ​trillion​
Wholesale & Retail

HK$0.5​ trillion​​
Banking

Hong Kong SAR's Inbound Investment in Australia

Key Highlights

  • Number of Deals: From 2014 to 2025, Hong Kong SAR recorded 311 completed inbound transactions in Australia. Deal activity peaked in 2014 with 43 deals, remained strong until a pandemic‑related decline in 2020 with 18 deals, and then recovered from 2021 onwards. In recent years (2022–2024), activity has stabilised at 10–26 deals annually, indicating sustained and consistent investment interest.​ 
  • Investment Value: Hong Kong SAR inbound M&A deal values in Australia have exhibited notable fluctuations over recent years. Significant peaks include 2014 (A$12.5 billion) and 2016 (A$20.4 billion), driven by key transactions such as CK Hutchison Holdings Limited; Power Assets Holdings Limited and CK Infrastructure Holdings Limited’s A$4.2 billion acquisition of Australian Gas Networks Ltd, Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings Ltd, Power Assets Holdings Limited and Cheung Kong Property Holdings Limited’s A$14.1 billion acquisition of DUET Group. Conversely, years like 2020 saw much lower activity (A$1.2 billion), highlighting the variable scale of investments.​
  • Investment Rank: In 2024, Hong Kong SAR ranked as the sixth-largest source of direct foreign investment, contributing A$3.0 billion, representing nearly 3.7% of Australia’s total direct foreign investment. It is also the fifth-largest overall foreign investor in Australia, with total investments of A$180.8 billion across direct, portfolio, and other categories.​
  • Key Sectors: Hong Kong SAR M&A investments in Australia are primarily focused on Retail & Consumer (28.9%), EUR (21.2%), and Real Estate (17.4%), together accounting for nearly 67.5% of deal activity. Other significant sectors include Industrials (10.3%) Financial Services (8.4%), Health (7.1%) and Tech, Media & Telcom (6.8%). ​
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Hong Kong SAR to Australia

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Major Deals by Sectors

Tech, Media & Telecom

Tech, Media & Telecom sector completed deals

In the TMT sector in Australia, there were 22 M&A deals with investments from Hong Kong SAR in the past decade. Some of the most significant transactions have been included below.

TPG Growth Capital Asia Limited

PAX Technology Ltd

Animoca Brands Limited

ADV Partners Limited

Horizons Ventures Ltd (Hong Kong)

Airwallex Pty Ltd

Affinity Equity Partners (HK) Ltd

Fujifilm Business Innovation

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Industrials & Logistics

Industrials sector completed deals

In the Industrials sector in Australia, there were 32 M&A deals with investments from Hong Kong SAR in the past decade. Some of the most significant transactions have been included below.

Templewater Ltd

TrueGreen Mobility Ltd

PAG Asia Capital

China Merchants Port Holdings

Beijing Enterprises Water Group Limited

Baring Private Equity

CCCC International Holding Limited

Hastings Funds Management Ltd

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Retail & Consumer

Retail & Consumer sector completed deals

In the Retail & Consumer sector in Australia, there were 90 M&A deals with investment from Hong Kong SAR in the past decade. Some of the most significant transactions have been included below.

Argyle Street Management Limited

PAG Asia Capital Ltd

PAG

Baring Private Equity Asia

PAG Asia Capital Ltd

China Mengniu Dairy Company Limited

PAG Capital

Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited

Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited

CITIC Capital China Partners

SIIC Medical Science and Technology (Group) Limited

Sino Land Company Limited

Sunshine Insurance Group Co., Ltd

Affinity Equity Partners (HK) Ltd

First Pacific Company Ltd

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Financial Services

Financial sector completed deals

In the Financial Services sector in Australia, there were 26 M&A deals with investments from Hong Kong SAR in the past decade. Some of the most significant transactions have been included below.

Acclime Holdings HK Limited

Rota Capital

Mid Market Trust

Lei Shing Hong Capital

Affinity Equity Partners

Lei Shing Hong Capital Ltd

AIA International Ltd

Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited (CTFE)

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Healthcare

Healthcare sector completed deals

In the Healthcare sector in Australia, there were 22 M&A deals with investments from Hong Kong SAR in the past decade. Some of the most significant transactions have been included below.

Affinity Equity Partners

EQT Partners

Harrison AI

Harrison AI

CDH Genetech

China Resources

Affinity Equity Partners

Modern Dental Laboratory Co., Ltd.

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Energy, Utilities & Resources

Energy, Utilities & Resources sector completed deals

In the Energy, Utilities and Resources sector in Australia, there were 66 M&A deals with investment from Hong Kong SAR in the past decade. Some of the most significant transactions have been included below.

Sinomine International Exploration (Hong Kong) Holdings Co Ltd

Billions (Hong Kong) Corporation Limited

Sparky International Company Limited

Xinhai Investment Ltd

Chijin International (HK) Ltd

Shandong Gold Mining (Hong Kong) Co., Limited

APAC Resources Ltd

GFL International Co., Ltd

Xinhai Investment Ltd

Goldwind International Holdings (HK) Limited

Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings Ltd, Power Assets Holdings Limited, and Cheung Kong Property Holdings Limited

Xinneng (Hong Kong) Energy Investment Limited

Guangdong Rising HK Ltd

Transcendent Resources Limited

Cheung Kong Holdings Ltd, Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings Ltd

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Real Estate

Real Estate sector completed deals​

In the Real Estate sector in Australia, there were 54 M&A deals with investments from Hong Kong SAR in the past decade. Some of the most significant transactions have been included below.

PAG

PAG Asia Capital Ltd

PAG

PAG

Link Real Estate Investment Trust

ESR Group Limited

Link REIT

Foo Hang Jewellery Ltd

ESR Group Limited

Early Light International Ltd

Early Light International (Holdings) Limited

The Cheng Family

The Hong Kong SAR Monetary Authority

Wanda Australia Real Estate Investment Co., Limited

Blackstone Real Estate Asia

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Key Investment Sectors

Retail & Consumer Sector

  • From 2014 to 2025, Hong Kong SAR completed 90 M&A deals in Australia’s Retail & Consumer sector, with a total deal value of approximately A$13.1 billion. Deal activity peaked in 2014 and 2018, each with 13 deals, while the highest deal value occurred in 2019 with 11 transactions totaling A$2.9 billion. Despite fluctuations in annual deal values, the volume of deals remained relatively stable throughout the period.​

  • Major Hong Kong SAR investors such as PAG Asia Capital Ltd, First Pacific Company Ltd., and China Mengniu Dairy Company Limited have made significant acquisitions in Australia’s Retail & Consumer sector to strengthen their market presence and leverage operational synergies. Their strategic priorities focus on geographic expansion, broadening product and service offerings, utilising existing infrastructure, and driving growth through international connections and diversification.

EUR Sector​

  • Hong Kong SAR inbound M&A transactions in Australia's EUR sector demonstrate a fluctuating but substantial investment trend over the years. The highest deal values were recorded in 2016 (A$15.1 billion) and 2014 (A$4.7 billion), driven by major transactions. The total deal value of A$23.4 billion across 66 transactions indicates strong, sustained interest in the sector, with consistent activity maintained despite periodic fluctuations in deal values.​
  • Hong Kong SAR investors are attracted to Australia’s renewable energy sector due to favorable government incentives, stable long-term cash flows, and strong growth prospects driven by the country’s transition to cleaner energy. They seek to capitalize on returns driven by advancing technologies and integrated solar, wind, and battery projects.

Key Enablers and Linkages

Trade policy

Australia’s simplified trade regime, including streamlined customs and Mutual Recognition Arrangements with Hong Kong SAR, provides an efficient market access environment. Combined with Australia’s focus on innovation-driven sectors like sustainable agriculture, digital trade, and environmental services, these factors offer Hong Kong SAR investors reduced barriers and growing opportunities in key industries.

Australia-Hong Kong SAR Free Trade Agreement

The free trade agreement, which came into force in 2020, ensures tariff-free access for Australian goods and entry for service providers in sectors like finance, education, and legal services. It promotes professional cooperation, facilitates temporary movement of Australian professionals, and allows free cross- border data flows, boosting digital trade and business.​

Australia-Hong Kong SAR Investment Agreement

Effective from 2020, the agreement promotes two-way investment by protecting investors from discrimination and expropriation. From January 2025, it sets a A$1.5 billion review threshold for Hong Kong SAR investments in non-sensitive sectors and maintains screening for agricultural and residential land. It safeguards investments and includes a modern Investor-State Dispute Settlement mechanism.​

Co-operation Agreement between The Hong Kong SAR Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and ASIC

The agreement, signed in 2017, aims to work together to share information on emerging Fintech trends, developments, and related regulatory issues, along with details about organizations that promote innovation in financial services. Additionally, the agreement sets up a bilateral referral framework to support innovative firms seeking to enter each other’s markets.

Potential Headwinds and Tailwinds

Headwinds

Stricter national interest scrutiny by Australian authorities on critical infrastructure, emerging technologies, and sensitive assets poses challenges for Hong Kong SAR investors. Recent delays in FIRB approvals, such as the stalled acquisitions of five solar farms by Beijing Energy International Holding from Lightsource BP and Tetris Energy by Alinta Energy (owned by Hong Kong SAR-based Chow Tai Fook Enterprises), highlight increased regulatory hurdles and uncertainty that could slow or block future investments.​

Despite the increased review threshold for private Hong Kong SAR investments in non-sensitive sectors, certain regulatory constraints remain. Lower screening thresholds continue to apply to investments in agricultural land (A$15.0 million) and agribusiness (A$73.0 million), which may restrict or delay investment opportunities in these areas. Additionally, Australia maintains the authority to screen investments in residential land, potentially creating further regulatory hurdles for investors in that sector. These measures could pose challenges for investors seeking to enter or expand within these sensitive industries.​

Hong Kong SAR’s investments in Australia’s critical technology sectors may face significant headwinds due to expanded US outbound investment restrictions targeting entities with 50% or more ownership by companies based in China or Hong Kong SAR. These rules could lead to increased regulatory scrutiny, investment restrictions, and greater compliance challenges for Hong Kong SAR-backed ventures in semiconductors, AI, and quantum computing.​

Tailwinds

The Australia-Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement, effective from 17 January 2020, secures Australia's zero-tariff access to Hong Kong SAR and ensures ongoing opportunities for services providers and investors. With strong investment ties between the two economies, the Investment agreement encourages foreign investment in Australia, supporting the growth of key industries, boosting productivity and creating jobs. The investment review threshold for non sensitive Hong Kong SAR investments has increased to A$1.5 billion from A$266.0 million. The Investment agreement also provides protections for significant investments in both economies.​

Australia’s stable political and economic environment, combined with favourable cyclical and structural shifts in the Asia Pacific commercial real estate market, positions it as an attractive destination for Hong Kong SAR investors. Office markets show promising rental growth prospects, while core assets near amenities and transport are increasingly in demand. The luxury property segment is expected to benefit from affluent investors seeking cost-efficient safe havens amid global immigration and residency changes in the US and UK.

Hong Kong SAR is a major international financial centre with strong links to Mainland China, serving as a key gateway for Chinese investment worldwide. It facilitates a significant portion of China’s foreign direct investment flows and is well-positioned to help expand Chinese investment into Australia’s open and growing market.​

2024 - Novotech–HSITPL MoU

The MoU seeks to strengthen clinicaldevelopment support for biotech andother community companies within thenew, approximately 87-hectare HongKong-Shenzhen Innovation andTechnology Park. Novotech aims toprovide consulting and leverageexpertise to accelerate biotech clinicaltrials for the Park’s communitycompanies.

2025 - Cell Therapies Pty Ltd–Xellera Holdings Limited MoU

Cell Therapies and Xellera Therapeutics signed an MoU toaccelerate the development and accessibility of cell and gene therapies across the Asia-Pacific region. The partnership will boost GMP standardsand drive innovation to improve patient care and expand treatment options in the region.

2019 - Australia-Hong Kong IP Cooperation MoU​

Under the MoU, Hong Kong and Australia would collaborate on sharing information about IP protection and commercialization, building capacity inpatent examination, exchanging experience in trademark registration, promoting dispute resolution for IP conflicts, and developing IT systems tomanage IP rights examination and granting.

2022 - HKMC signs MoUs with 14 Partner Banks (inc. ANZ, NAB)

The MoUs aim to help partner banksidentify infrastructure-related loan assets for the The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited (HKMC) and support the HKMC’s Infrastructure Financing and Securitisation business in addressing market gaps, while strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a leading infrastructure financing hub.

2016 - ASQA-Hong Kong VET regulator MoU

The MoU aims to establish a collaborative partnership to enhance the quality of vocational education and training in Australia and Hong Kong through information exchange and improved regulation and quality assurance in both regions.

2016 - Global Infrastructure Hub-Hong Kong Monetary Authority infrastructure financing facilitation MoU

The MoU aims to promote quality infrastructure projects by enhancing capacity building, sharing best practices, and facilitating financing transactions between Global Infrastructure Hub and Hong Kong Monetary Authority.

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