Increased sponsored visitors boost HK global ties: Home Affairs chief

The rise in visits through the Sponsored Visitors Program (SVP) after the pandemic underscores the program's success in fostering connections between Hong Kong and the global community, said Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-keun.

Mak stated the goal of SVP is to invite influential figures from places outside the city, including political and business leaders, industry dignitaries, think-tank members, opinion leaders and scholars to gain firsthand insights of the city's latest developments, opportunities, and advantages in order to promote Hong Kong's stories.

As of December last year, Mak revealed that 84 guests have been invited to the city since the 2022-23 fiscal year, with a total expenditure of HK$3.03 million.

Mak noted that the number of SVP visitors had increased from two in the fiscal year 2022-23 to 43 in the fiscal year 2024-25 as of December 2024, citing the growth as evidence of the program's effectiveness and that the government would continue the program to promote the city's strength to the world. 

Most visitors from the Mainland, Africa, America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania work in sectors such as government, business, academia, arts & culture, and technology, Mak added. 

Mak emphasized that when selecting invitees, the government will take into account current national development objectives as well as HKSAR policy priorities, such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the positioning of Hong Kong's "eight centers" under the 14th Five Year Plan.

Mak believed that strategically inviting individuals from different countries and sectors could enhance the city's global network and promote collaboration.

Apart from the SVP program, Mak also mentioned the government is fostering non-governmental exchanges with the mainland and the international community, which include diversified internship programs and exchange opportunities for young people.