Strategic enterprises attracted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government will invest around HK$50 billion ($6.4 billion) and create more than 20,000 jobs in years to come, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said on Tuesday.
The international financial hub welcomed the fourth batch of 18 new strategic enterprises in artificial intelligence (AI), life sciences, fintech and advanced manufacturing at a signing ceremony on Tuesday hosted by the government-backed Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises. This brings the total to over 80 strategic enterprises.
Among the companies, two are from the United States, one from Singapore, and the rest are from the Chinese mainland, including Li Auto Inc and Ant Digital Technologies.
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Chan said all the incoming companies plan to set up either global or regional headquarters or research and development centers in the city.
The finance chief also announced that the office will expand its scope to include cultural and creative enterprises that combine technology with artistry, describing the sector as “among the fastest growing in the world”.
“We treasure not only the investments, jobs and expertise that you bring to this city, but also the solutions that will transform people’s ways of life and inspire new innovation,” Chan told the incoming enterprises.
He said these developments align with Hong Kong’s ambition to become “an international innovation hub beyond finance, trade and shipping”, adding that “technology and innovation is becoming another key engine propelling our future economic growth”.
According to Li Auto Inc’s Senior Vice-President Li Guanhua, the company plans to invest about HK$20 billion in Hong Kong. “We selected Hong Kong for establishing a core research facility this year because we recognize the city’s importance in economic, financial and fintech sectors,” she said.
“We are committed to a long-term investment strategy in Hong Kong,” she added.
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Li said that the company’s Hong Kong operations will function as both an offshore clearing center and an AI research facility.
Zhao Wenbiao, CEO of Ant Digital Technologies, said, “Hong Kong serves as a bridgehead for our global strategy. By establishing our international headquarters here, we reaffirm our commitment to the AI and Web3 industries.”
He highlighted that “Hong Kong is a global innovation hub where cutting-edge technology and entrepreneurial spirit combine to create transformative breakthroughs. Moving forward, we plan to further integrate Hong Kong’s industry, academic, and research resources to drive collaborative innovation in digital technology throughout the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).”
Contact the writer at tianyuanzhang@chinadailyhk.com
