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CEOs at top Hong Kong builders, landlords share optimism on outlook, see sustainability as key issue amid market stress

  • CEOs of major landlords and developers say priorities for 2024 include offering tenants new, sustainable services and diversifying portfolios
  • While optimistic about Hong Kong’s future, executives say a talent shortage and ageing population are weighing on the market

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“Sunflower Field” is set up at Summerfest 2023 at the Central Harbourfront Event Space on July 10, 2023. Photo: Sam Tsang

The CEOs of major landlords and developers in Hong Kong have made building on the normalisation that began last year a top priority for 2024, with a focus on strengthening balance sheets, evolving tenant portfolios and exploring new business opportunities.

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These priorities also come with an emphasis on sustainability by offering green services to customers, they said. High interest rates, a slowing economy, a lack of talent and Hong Kong’s ageing population are among key challenges as the industry seeks to overcome a slide in property prices.

Stephen Ng Tin-hoi, chairman and managing director of The Wharf Group, which owns a large portfolio of properties in Hong Kong and mainland China, acknowledged these concerns, in addition to geopolitical tensions between the US and China. However, he said he anticipates new investment opportunities this year.
Stephen Ng Tin-hoi, chairman and managing director of The Wharf (Holdings), photographed in Tsim Sha Tsui on September 26, 2023. Photo: Xiaomei Chen
Stephen Ng Tin-hoi, chairman and managing director of The Wharf (Holdings), photographed in Tsim Sha Tsui on September 26, 2023. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

While placing emphasis on serving the community, tenants, customers, staff, and shareholders, Wharf “will also prioritise maintaining a healthy balance sheet to take advantage of investment opportunities as they arise”, he said.

The government in November lowered its full-year forecast for Hong Kong’s economic growth to 3.2 per cent, warning that a worsening external environment, rising geopolitical tensions and high interest rates will continue to pose challenges.
Robert Wong, CEO of Hongkong Land, the largest commercial landlord in the city’s main business district of Central, said ongoing economic uncertainties in both Hong Kong and the mainland have affected the office market.
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He also expresses confidence in the city’s future, though, and the property market as a whole. He highlighted Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a financial centre.

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