A digital platform for global talent to apply to come to Hong Kong will be rolled out on Wednesday, as part of an array of government measures to attract new blood to the territory in the midst of a brain drain.

At a press conference on Friday, officials said the Talents Service Unit will launch an online platform for people to apply for the talent admission programmes the SAR has on offer.

The government said the platform will also provide information on the city and “tell good stories of Hong Kong”.

It added that it has simplified the vetting process, and the application results will be available within four weeks.

Officials said they will also apply for funding from Legco early next year to set up a physical office of the Talents Service Unit, to formulate recruitment strategies.

Chief Secretary Eric Chan said he is confident they can achieve a target of luring at least 35,000 people to the city annually over the next three years.

“The main attraction is the economy of Hong Kong. Whether they are big companies, or international companies, [they] would like to expand their business in Hong Kong,” he said.

“Coupled with the relaxation in immigration policies, such as we extended the immigration period [of some talent admission schemes] to three years and also allow foreigners to bring in their dependents, their wives and kids, I think these are additional attractions.”

Meanwhile, Financial Secretary Paul Chan said the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises has been liaising with dozens of enterprises and has received an enthusiastic response.

Officials said by 2025, they aim to entice a minimum of 1,130 enterprises – especially those in sectors, including life and health technology, artificial intelligence, data science and financial technology – to come to Hong Kong or expand their business here.

Chan said they have come up with a preliminary list of companies they want to attract.

“We have received a lot of enquiries and meeting requests. Many are from leading enterprises in their own sectors, and some are smaller firms in advanced technologies. They all want to take the opportunity to come to Hong Kong,” he told the media.

He added that some enterprises said they had planned to go to other cities in the region, but decided to look into Hong Kong after learning about the latest policies here.

Asked how to retain local talent, labour minister Chris Sun called on everyone to stay and develop their careers in Hong Kong if they love their home city.

Sun said locals are the foundation of the territory, and he eagerly hopes those who grew up here will remain in the territory and serve the community.

"There are opportunities everywhere in Hong Kong now, because we do not have enough talent. If you are willing to stay in Hong Kong to develop [your career], there are lots of opportunities," he said.

He added many companies have promoted workers who are staying in the SAR.
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Last updated: 2022-12-23 HKT 21:10