Hong Kong tops Asian Cities Internationality Index in 2026

It also rose from fourth to third for the Innovation and Ideas dimension.

Hong Kong retained the top position in the Asian Cities Internationality Index 2026, scoring 74.6 out of 100 and placing ahead of Singapore at 72.6.

The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC), which launched the second edition of the index on 27 August, commissioned independent research firm Ipsos to assess Asian cities on their ability to engage with global markets and operate as international hubs.

Hong Kong's score rose from 73.7 in 2025, whilst it moved from fourth to third in the Innovation and Ideas category.

Singapore remained in second place, whilst Seoul moved into third with a score of 69.2, overtaking Tokyo, which ranked fourth at 68.6.

The index placed Shanghai fifth at 65.3, followed by Bangkok at 62.9, Kuala Lumpur at 60.4, and Taipei at 58.9. Mumbai rose to ninth with a score of 54.1.

The index evaluates cities across seven dimensions: Business and Economy, Quality of Life, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Innovation and Ideas, Human Capital Diversity, Cultural Interaction, and Government and Legal System for Business.

“Hong Kong’s top ranking proves our fundamental resilience and underscores that global businesses continue to view us as the ultimate bridge between East and West,” said Jacob Kam, Chairman of HKGCC.

Seoul's rise was linked to stronger performance in Quality of Life and Innovation and Ideas, whilst Tokyo recorded declines in those two dimensions compared with the previous year.

The index also found that Shanghai continued to lead in innovation, whilst Mumbai advanced as it moved from a traditionally domestic-focused market towards a more globally oriented business hub.

Kam said the index could help Asian cities identify areas where they can collaborate and complement one another's strengths.