HK eager to help build 'enterprises of tomorrow'

Hong Kong is eager to assist in establishing the enterprises of the future, as stated by Financial Secretary Paul Chan on Tuesday. This commitment was highlighted during a speech to investors at the Global Financial Leaders Investment Summit in Central. Chan emphasized that Hong Kong's dedication extends beyond financing businesses that already exist, as the city aims to play a key role in the creation of new enterprises.

The Northern Metropolis, according to Chan, is instrumental in this endeavor. He envisioned a future where universities, research facilities, and technology enterprises in Hong Kong are more closely integrated with industry, education, and talent. The ambitious project in the northern New Territories would serve as a hub, connecting Hong Kong with other Greater Bay Area cities to leverage their strengths in commercialization, engineering, and advanced manufacturing.

Chan also outlined Hong Kong's efforts to expand its relationships with various economies and broaden its asset classes in different regions. In Southeast Asia, Hong Kong welcomed more enterprises from Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia to lease in the city, while Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong established ETFs to connect their markets for investors.

In Central Asia, Kazakhstan had already utilized Hong Kong's equity and bond markets, and Chan expressed his willingness to welcome more issuers to raise capital in Hong Kong through listings and bond issuances.

The Financial Secretary reiterated Hong Kong's commitment to expanding the range of assets and financial services to offer investors more diverse options, with a specific focus on developing a commodity and gold trading ecosystem.