Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said there will be announcements soon regarding steps to attract strategic enterprises to Hong Kong in the wake of his a three-day visit to Shanghai.
Writing in his official blog yesterday, Chan said he met with executives from a wide range of technology firms during the visit, which all expressed strong interest in expanding into global markets by establishing businesses in Hong Kong.
"I believe there is some good news to be announced in the near future in terms of attracting strategic enterprises," he said.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu noted in his policy address in October that the administration would set up an Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises to be led by Chan in an attempt to lure businesses from the mainland and overseas by offering them special facilitation measures and one-stop services.
Members of the office, set up in December, have met over 150 technology firms and industry leaders, authorities said. In the policy address, Lee also announced a HK$30 billion co-investment fund to help attract businesses.
Chan said this was his first trip to Shanghai since the Covid pandemic.
His visits to companies and their research centers enabled him to get a better understanding of emerging startups and leading technology firms, which recognized the advantages of Hong Kong's one country, two systems and international standing.
Chan also gave a speech at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, saying the SAR is committed to attracting AI firms and talents.
Paul Chan gets a tech briefing during a visit to an artificial intelligence company in Shanghai.
