Hong Kong has welcomed more global enterprises to expand their business in the city in the first six months of this year, Chief Executive John Lee said on Thursday.

Lee made the remarks at a reception hosted by InvestHK – the SAR’s official investment promotion agency, saying Hong Kong is one of the world’s best economies to do business in and with.

The SAR serves as a two-way springboard for mainland enterprises to go global and overseas companies to explore the mainland market, he said, adding that the city’s investment promotion results have been more than reassuring.

“In the first half of this year, we welcomed 413 companies establishing or expanding their operations in Hong Kong, a year-on-year increase of some 10 percent,” Lee said.

“Together, they are expected to bring in over HK$53 billion in foreign direct investment and also create more than 8,600 new jobs.”

Lee went on to say that the Northern Metropolis would serve as the city’s new economic engine by developing into an international innovation and technology and business hub.

“This will unlock abundant opportunities and shape a prosperous future for Hong Kong,” he said.

Alpha Lau, director-general of InvestHK, said the agency has made steady progress in assisting overseas and mainland enterprises over the past year.

She added that InvestHK would actively cooperate with national development strategies and seize the opportunities brought by the Greater Bay Area to offer further support to enterprises.


Edited by Aaron Tam