{
  "id": 6559835,
  "title": "Hong Kong ready to be biotech bridge, says Paul Chan",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/hong-kong-ready-to-be-biotech-bridge-says-paul-chan",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-10T08:06:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTHK English",
    "slug": "rthk-english",
    "url": "https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1869541-20260910.htm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Financial Secretary Paul Chan announced that Hong Kong is prepared to serve as the ideal partner connecting global capital with Chinese biotech innovation at the Biotechnology Investment Forum of BIOHK2026. Global biotech fundraising rose by nearly 10 percent last year, reaching approximately US$70 billion, with deal values hitting an all-time high of US$300 billion. Chan credited the sector's growth to an aging population, increasing healthcare demands, and technological advancements, particularly the use of artificial intelligence in drug discovery. Hong Kong currently ranks as the world's second-largest biotech fundraising hub, with nearly 300 healthcare firms listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and a combined market capitalization surpassing US$480 billion. Chan emphasized that a Hong Kong listing links emerging pharmaceutical companies with global capital while enabling international investors to tap into Chinese innovation. He also noted that Hong Kong Investment Corporation has earmarked 22 percent of its funds for the biotech sector, and the Greater Bay Area is emerging as a key center for biomedical innovation. Chan pointed out that five of the world's top 10 pharmaceutical companies have already established their regional research and development bases in Hong Kong. The convergence of capital, talent, enterprises, and industry, he said, offers significant opportunities for the biotech sector. Chan concluded by stating that scientific progress, social benefit, and sustainable returns can and should advance together.",
  "summary": "Financial Secretary Paul Chan said Hong Kong stands ready to be the \"partner of choice\" that connects global capital with Chinese biotech innovation in an address to the Biotechnology Investment Forum of BIOHK2026 on Thursday. He pointed out that global biotech fundraising reached approximately US$70 billion last year, an increase of more than 10 percent, and the value of deals hit US$300 billion…",
  "key_points": [
    "Hong Kong aims to be biotech bridge connecting global capital with Chinese innovation.",
    "Biotech fundraising rose 10% last year to US$70 billion, with deal values at US$300 billion.",
    "Hong Kong ranks second globally in biotech fundraising, with 300+ firms listed on the exchange."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "RTHK News",
        "title": "Hong Kong ready to be biotech bridge, says Paul Chan",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/hong-kong-ready-to-be-biotech-bridge-says-paul-chan-6560075",
        "published": "2026-09-10T08:06:41.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Hong Kong court finds WSJ sought to deter journalist from union role",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/hong-kong-court-finds-wsj-sought-to-deter-journalist-from-union-role",
        "published": "2026-09-10T08:38:03.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Hong Kong’s Buildings Department files 259 charges over repair works at fire-hit Wang Fuk Court",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/hong-kongs-buildings-department-files-259-charges-over-repair-works",
        "published": "2026-09-10T08:40:17.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}