John Lee says HK offers businesses long-term certainty

Chief Executive John Lee emphasized on the first day of Hong Kong Fintech Week and StartmeupHK that Hong Kong offers businesses the long-term certainty they require to innovate, invest and thrive, even amidst global uncertainty. The conference, attended by thousands of government leaders and professionals from over 100 countries, highlighted the rapid pace of technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence, which is reshaping industries worldwide.

Lee stressed the importance of certainty in direction, opportunities, and investment prospects in such a dynamic environment. He pointed to Hong Kong's strategic five-year plan, which solidifies the city's position as a global financial hub, maritime center, trade hub, aviation hub, and innovation center. Lee also highlighted Hong Kong's ranking as the freest economy in the world, its thriving fintech sector with over 1,400 companies, and the success of InvestHK in attracting over $9 billion in foreign direct investment and creating 11,100 jobs in its first nine months.

The Northern Metropolis is touted as a long-term source of opportunity, with a megaproject aimed at creating an innovation through-train connecting talent, research, commercialization, capital, and global markets. Lee expressed confidence in Hong Kong's future for all stakeholders in business, finance, technology, and beyond, asserting that the city remains a vital link between global capital and one of the world's most dynamic innovation and growth engines.

He emphasized that Hong Kong is a place where ideas can progress from research to commercialization and then into global markets, embodying the spirit of multilateralism, free trade, and mutual opportunity in an East-meets-West city.