Financial Secretary Paul Chan on Sunday said Hong Kong's continued development in innovation and technology is attracting the attention of the international community, with health firms in particular expressing an interest in the SAR.

Writing on his blog, Chan said that on a trip to Australia last week, he had been approached by multiple life sciences, health and pharmaceutical companies asking him specific questions to deepen their understanding of the city.

"It can be said that the SAR government's continued investment and promotion of innovation and technology in the past few years, along with the nation's strong support, have made them feel that they need a deeper understanding of the opportunities available in Hong Kong and its function as a two-way portal," he wrote.

Chan added that the development of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, and the gradual establishment of the "primary evaluation" system – which directly approves applications for registration of drugs and medical devices based on clinical data without relying on other drug regulatory authorities – have greatly boosted medical tech firms' interest in Hong Kong.

The finance secretary said that apart from attracting entrepreneurs and senior executives from different industries, the meetings and events also helped promote business tourism in Hong Kong.

He added that the SAR will host the 9th Belt and Road Summit from Wednesday to Thursday. The summit is expected to attract nearly 6,000 people from over 70 countries and regions, including political and business leaders from countries and regions along the Belt and Road.