The government on Monday unveiled the sixth batch of strategic enterprises that wish to establish or expand their presence in Hong Kong, including biopharmaceutical giant, Pfizer, as well as biotech firm Amgen.

Both of the firms are valued at over HK$1 trillion, and other medical firms on the list include Germany's Boehringer Ingelheim, the mainland's Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals, and Switzerland's Haya Therapeutics.

They were among 22 firms brought in via the government's Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (Oases).

The latest list also features companies from diverse sectors, such as emerging AI startup MiniMax, semiconductor designer Hygon Information Technology, ride-hailing giant Didi, and flying car maker, AutoFlight.

Speaking at a signing ceremony, Financial Secretary Paul Chan noted that Oases has so far lured in 124 strategic enterprises and they are estimated to have brought in investments of HK$73 billion, while creating some 25,000 "high-value" jobs.

"This is a clear win-win for Hong Kong and for the enterprises," he told event participants.

"On the one hand, they bring investments, create jobs and deliver innovations that benefit our community. On the other, Hong Kong provides them with the platform, connectivity, finance, talent and professional support to expand internationally and realise their full potential," he said.

The finance minister also noted that around 75 percent of the previous batches of companies have already established or are setting up their global and regional headquarters in Hong Kong.

Many are also thinking about having a presence in the Northern Metropolis as well as the Hetao Hong Kong Park, he added.

Oases director-general Peter Yan noted that over half of the firms in the latest batch are from overseas.

He also stressed the importance of adhering to the nation's 15th Five-Year Plan, especially "in areas including biomedical, biotech, artificial intelligence development, and also the self-reliance and strength of the economy".

"We'll encourage more chip companies to come to Hong Kong to develop further," he added.

Earlier in a group interview, Peggy Fung, general manager for Pfizer Hong Kong and Macao, noted that the group hopes to further tap into the Greater Bay Area market.

She also cited Hong Kong's policy support on designating life sciences as a strategic development area, along with a favourable regulatory environment.

"The Department of Health has just announced the primary review of the drugs that would be set up in 2028, and I think it would help translate those research outcomes into the drug development, enabling us to get faster access to medicines," she said.

Pfizer is also set to conduct more clinical trials by collaborating with local universities and hospitals.

Separately, Kellen Xie, senior vice president of flying car maker, AutoFlight, noted that his company aims to increase air connectivity between Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.

"Just imagine in the future, if you land in Hong Kong, and then you get to Guangzhou within half an hour, that'd be really fantastic," he said.

The previous batch of strategic enterprise partners was announced in October of last year.


Edited by Aaron Tam