The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) unveiled a 20-point road map on Monday to modernise the city’s trade finance ecosystem through Project CargoX, aiming to digitalise processes, expand lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and strengthen ties with mainland China and Asean. Howard Lee Tat-chi, a senior HKMA official, emphasised its role in maintaining competitiveness.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) unveiled a 20-point road map on January 19, 2026, named Project CargoX, to modernise Hong Kong’s trade finance ecosystem. The initiative focuses on digitalising trade finance, expanding lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and strengthening connectivity with mainland China and Asean countries.
Howard Lee Tat-chi, a senior HKMA official, said in an interview ahead of the road map’s release on Monday: “For Hong Kong to remain competitive, advancing digital trade finance infrastructure and broadening access to small and medium-sized enterprises [SMEs] will be key priorities.” He added: “Project CargoX marks a pivotal step in modernising Hong Kong’s trade finance ecosystem by integrating advanced digital solutions, optimising cargo and trade data connectivity through our next-generation Credit Data Interchange [CDI] infrastructure, and strengthening international links.”
The Credit Data Interchange (CDI), launched in October 2022, is an electronic platform that enables 26 banks to use data from 17 providers to assess SME creditworthiness. As of December 2025, HKMA data shows it has facilitated more than 82,000 loan applications worth HK$66.4 billion (US$9.5 billion). Loans approved using CDI data are processed faster and carry average interest rates 36 basis points lower than those without, Lee noted.
This road map underscores Hong Kong’s position as an international financial hub, leveraging fintech innovations and regional partnerships to bolster trade growth.
