HK should prepare for AI slowdown: Algernon Yau

RTHK - Nov 15, 2026

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau on Sunday said the development of AI could slow down, and the SAR should keep looking for new opportunities to maintain its status as an international trade centre. His remarks came as Hong Kong’s exports in September surged by nearly 65 percent over a year earlier, marking the fastest monthly year-on-year growth in more than four decades. But the minister warned about a possible decline in the AI boom. “The global landscape is constantly evolving, and we are subject to external influences,” he said. “The current upward trend is driven by developments of AI. But will the AI boom gradually subside? “Given that different countries are holding varying views on the advancement of AI, it might slow down slightly. Therefore, we need to closely monitor the global trends.” Yau said Hong Kong should get prepared by adjusting its strategies according to the trends and further expanding the city’s trade network. The minister also said the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen was aimed at building an Asia-Pacific community. It is the nation’s wish that economies in the region could cooperate for mutual development, Yau said. Edited by Tony Sabine

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