China News Service, Hong Kong, March 24 (Xinhua) Financial Secretary Paul Chan of the Hong Kong SAR government published a blog on the 24th, saying that about one-fifth of the first two batches of key companies settling in Hong Kong came from Europe and the United States.
Chan Mo-po said that a total of nearly 50 companies in the two batches will invest more than HK$40 billion in Hong Kong and create more than 13,000 jobs, most of which are scientific research and management positions. Nearly half of these companies are engaged in life and health technology, while others are engaged in artificial intelligence and data science, financial technology, advanced manufacturing and new energy technology.
Chen Maobo believes that the arrival of key enterprises in Hong Kong will drive enterprises in the upper, middle and lower reaches of the industrial chain to settle in Hong Kong. The SAR government will continue to encourage research and development activities and accelerate the transformation of research results, cultivate local start-up and innovation and technology talents, promote new industrialization, and strengthen cooperation with sister cities in the Greater Bay Area to jointly build a more prosperous innovation and technology ecosystem.
Chan Mo-po said that Invest Hong Kong of the SAR Government had assisted approximately 380 domestic and overseas companies to open and expand their businesses in Hong Kong last year, an increase of nearly 30% from 2022. Invest Hong Kong plans to open consulting offices in Cairo, Egypt and Izmir, Turkey this year to strengthen investment promotion in the Middle East, Central Asia and other regions along the Belt and Road Initiative.
Chan Mo-po also pointed out that as of February 2024, Invest Hong Kong’s dedicated team has assisted 58 family offices to establish or expand their business in Hong Kong, and more than 100 have stated that they have decided or are preparing to establish or expand their business in Hong Kong, reflecting Hong Kong’s role as a The international financial center is very attractive to wealth management businesses including family offices.
Chen Maobo said that a stable and safe environment is conducive to investment, and development and security must be coordinated and balanced. The "Maintenance of National Security Ordinance" has officially come into effect, further consolidating the barrier to safeguarding national security. Next, let us focus on strengthening the economy, seeking development, and benefiting people's livelihood, and work together to build a better future for Hong Kong. (over)