Hong Kong SAR, China Regulatory Quality
Regulatory Quality RQ.EST
Hong Kong SAR, China's regulatory quality was 1.33 in 2025, ranked 26th globally. This represents a 17.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Hong Kong SAR, China's regulatory quality stood at 1.33 in 2025, a decline of +0.27 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.33 by 2025. Hong Kong SAR, China ranked 26th globally.
Hong Kong SAR, China's Regulatory Quality index has seen a decline in recent years, with the latest 2025 value standing at 1.33, ranking #26 globally. This is a significant drop from the peak value of 2.22 recorded in 2018, indicating a decrease in the quality of its regulatory framework. When compared to its peer countries, Hong Kong's current ranking is closest to Germany's 1.35, but still lags behind Norway's 1.42. The index has been steadily decreasing since 2018, marking a shift away from the favorable business environment that once characterized the territory. The decline in Regulatory Quality may be attributed to various factors, including changes in government policies or increased bureaucratic red tape. To reverse this trend, the Hong Kong government may need to implement reforms aimed at streamlining regulatory processes and enhancing transparency, potentially leading to an improvement in the index value in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Regulatory Quality | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 1.24 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 1.33 | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.33 | −0.27 | #26 |
| 2023 | 1.60 | +0.01 | #14 |
| 2022 | 1.59 | +0.02 | #14 |
| 2021 | 1.57 | −0.22 | #14 |
| 2020 | 1.78 | −0.19 | #7 |
| 2019 | 1.98 | −0.25 | #2 |
| 2018 | 2.22 | +0.06 | #1 |
| 2017 | 2.16 | +0.01 | #1 |
| 2016 | 2.14 | −0.04 | #2 |
| 2015 | 2.18 | +0.13 | #2 |
| 2014 | 2.05 | +0.13 | #2 |
| 2013 | 1.92 | −0.02 | #2 |
| 2012 | 1.94 | +0.16 | #2 |
| 2011 | 1.78 | −0.10 | #9 |
| 2010 | 1.87 | +0.06 | #1 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Hong Kong SAR, China matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2017. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw regulatory quality improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Hong Kong SAR, China's regulatory quality was 1.33 in 2025. Ranked 26th globally. This represents a 17.1% decrease from the previous year.
Hong Kong SAR, China's regulatory quality peaked at 2.22 in 2018.
The lowest regulatory quality in Hong Kong SAR, China was 1.33 in 2025.
Hong Kong SAR, China ranks 26th globally in regulatory quality as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RQ.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Hong Kong SAR, China's regulatory quality is projected to reach 1.33 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The regulatory quality of Hong Kong SAR, China in 2025 was 1.33. This ranks 26th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_hong-kong-sar-china_regulatory-quality,
title = {Hong Kong SAR, China Regulatory Quality},
url = {https://historysaid.com/hong-kong-sar-china/regulatory-quality/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}