(March 17): Hong Kong leader John Lee said conflict in the Middle East could fuel capital flows to the Asian financial hub, as investors put their focus on diversification and security. Although he acknowledged the short-term shocks, Lee said that a longer-run impact would be to highlight the stability of Hong Kong, one of the world’s major financial centers. “The conflict in the Middle East actually highlights the strengths of Hong Kong,” he told reporters in a briefing on Tuesday, predicting sustained capital flows over the medium- to long-term. The capital flows may also provide a boost to the offshore renminbi market, he added. It joins other airlines in raising the levy as the war in Iran drives up oil prices.

Source: The Edge Markets March 17, 2026 06:41 UTC