News
A quick look at business news that you may have missed:
1. Irish exports jump 12.5% in July, driven by surge in tech goods
Irish exports rose 12.5% year-on-year to €18.9 billion in July, according to new Central Statistics Office figures. While medical and pharmaceutical exports (the country's largest category) held steady at €6.9 billion, exports of office machines and data processing equipment soared 188% to €2.3 billion. The US remained Ireland's top export destination at €5 billion, followed by the Netherlands (€1.9 billion) and Britain, where exports jumped 33.7% to €1.7 billion.
Imports rose 7.5% to €13.6 billion, with petroleum imports up 15.9% to €536.1 million. The US,
China and Britain were Ireland's
largest import sources, accounting for 14.8%,
11% and 10.4% of the total respectively. Source:
RTE
2. HKSAR’s Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development (2026–2030)
The Hong Kong SAR Government has released its first-ever Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), aligned with the nation's 15th Five-Year Plan. Chief Executive John Lee said the blueprint, containing 105 indicators, will clarify development direction and provide certainty for citizens and global investors.
The plan reinforces Hong Kong's role as an international financial, maritime, trade and aviation centre, while accelerating development as an innovation and technology hub and a magnet for global talent. Priorities include strengthening offshore Renminbi and wealth management services, maintaining zero tariffs, developing three major I&T parks, the Northern Metropolis project, deeper Greater Bay Area integration, and more. Source:
HKSAR
3. Hong Kong to introduce new short-term training visa and expand talent schemes
A new visa category allowing non-locals to join short-term training programmes was announced by HKSAR’s Chief Executive John Lee during his policy address. Authorities will also consider adding more AI-related professions to the Talent List, which currently covers 60 shortage occupations across finance, healthcare, and innovation and technology.
Extension-of-stay requirements under the Top Talent Pass Scheme will be eased for technology start-up founders while those backed by designated public sector organisations will no longer need to provide proof of company income when renewing their stay. Source:
Hong Kong Business
4. Hong Kong Steps Closer to RCEP
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has agreed to Hong Kong’s accession process. As a member of RCEP, Irish companies would gain preferential access to 15 economies including China, Japan and all of ASEAN through a single Hong Kong base.
Firms could qualify for reduced or zero tariffs under RCEP's rules of origin, benefiting agri-food, pharma and tech exporters, while services firms would see improved market access. In short, RCEP membership would strengthen Hong Kong's role as Ireland's gateway into the world's largest trading bloc. Source:
RTHK and
here.
