Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po speaks during an interview, at Hong Kong Central Government Offices, Hong Kong, on June 27, 2023. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG - The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has invested nearly HK$200 billion (about $25.6 billion) into innovation and technology in recent years, and the sector's ecosystem is flourishing, an official said Sunday.

The current-term HKSAR government has achieved certain accomplishments in attracting technology and innovation companies, as authorities have engaged with over 200 enterprises, with more than 25 already established or preparing to expand their operations in Hong Kong, Paul Chan Mo-po, financial secretary of the HKSAR government, said in a blog post.

According to the current plans, the initial stage of their investments in Hong Kong is expected to surpass HK$17 billion, generating over 4,000 job opportunities, primarily in the fields of research and development and senior management positions

These 25 enterprises span various fields, such as artificial intelligence, big data, robotics, medical technology, and healthcare. They possess cutting-edge technologies within their respective industries, with several having a market or estimated value exceeding HK$10 billion, Chan said.

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According to the current plans, the initial stage of their investments in Hong Kong is expected to surpass HK$17 billion, generating over 4,000 job opportunities, primarily in the fields of research and development and senior management positions.

Notably, leading mainland-based technology company Huawei, as well as e-commerce giants Meituan and JD.com, are actively expanding their operations and pursuing new business ventures in Hong Kong, he added.

According to Chan, in the field of financial technology, Cyberport, serving as Hong Kong's Web 3.0 hub, has already attracted over 170 related enterprises. These include unicorn companies and leading trading platforms in the industry. The founders of these enterprises come from more than 20 countries and regions.

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The HKSAR government is currently engaged in in-depth discussions with more key enterprises from both the Chinese mainland and overseas. Chan said it is believed that in the latter half of this year, more significant businesses will be established in Hong Kong as a result.