InvestHK promotes Hong Kong’s biotech edge at BIO International Convention 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

InvestHK promotes Hong Kong’s biotech edge at BIO International Convention 2025
     A delegation of 16 Hong Kong life science and health technology companies will be joining InvestHK and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) to the BIO International Convention 2025, the world’s premier biotechnology event, running June 16 to 19 (Boston time) at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. This joint effort underscores the strong partnership between InvestHK and the HKSTP to promote Hong Kong’s vibrant biotech ecosystem on a global stage.

     At the Hong Kong pavilion, the delegation will showcase the city’s unrivalled advantages and opportunities for American biotech companies seeking to expand into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and Asia Pacific. InvestHK will connect with global industry pioneers, sharing insights and forging partnerships to spotlight Hong Kong’s strategic strengths as a biotech powerhouse. Through dynamic presentations, one-on-one discussions, and interactive showcases, InvestHK will highlight the city’s cutting-edge ecosystem, which is tailored to empower American biotech firms to thrive in Asia’s fast-growing markets.

     Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK Mr Charles Ng said, “Amid a climate of global economic uncertainty and unprecedented challenges, businesses are increasingly focused on resilience, diversification, and innovation. Hong Kong, as a global biotech hub and one of the world’s leading fundraising hubs for life science and biotech, offers unique advantages for American biotechnology companies. These include a top-tier academic research and talent pool, world-class research and development infrastructure, financial strength, robust intellectual property protection, high-quality clinical trial data and strong government commitment. All these make Hong Kong an ideal location for establishing a regional headquarters to expand into the GBA and Asia-Pacific region.”
 
     The Chief Executive Officer of the HKSTP, Mr Albert Wong, said, “The United States is the world’s largest healthcare market. For technology companies to succeed in the US market, it is essential to understand how the local healthcare system operates and effectively communicates the unique value of their R&D capabilities to investors. The goal of this visit goes beyond seeking immediate investment – it is also about building long-term bridges between innovation ecosystems; offering a globally connected environment to exchange ideas, collaborate and scale. I expect the delegation will begin to see tangible results within the next 12 to 18 months.”

     Hong Kong’s biotech sector is driven by innovations such as smart hospitals and telehealth, addressing rising healthcare demands with sustainable solutions. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is enhancing the city’s capabilities through the establishment of the InnoLife Healthtech Hub in the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park. The 2024 Policy Address also introduced a HK$10 billion I&T Industry-Oriented Fund to channel investment into strategic industries, including life and health technology.

     The GBA presents significant opportunities for American biotech firms. Designated GBA healthcare institutions can utilise Hong Kong-registered drugs and medical devices approved for public hospitals, with 51 drugs and 63 medical devices having been allowed by the Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration as of April 30, 2025. Additionally, the Listing Rules reform by the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited has positioned it as a leading exchange for biotech initial public offerings, enabling pre-revenue biotech companies to list on the main board and access robust capital markets.

     InvestHK has seen strong momentum in attracting innovation and technology (I&T) companies to establish or expand their presence in the city. In 2024, the number of I&T companies assisted by InvestHK rose to 120, up from 82 in 2023, making it the top-performing sector among all sectors supported by the department. This growth reflects both the increasing global confidence in Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem and the city’s strategic role as a springboard for I&T businesses looking to access Mainland China and Asia-Pacific markets.

     The BIO International Convention 2025 unites over 20 000 global industry leaders, representing virtually the entire biotechnology ecosystem. In an era of transformative discovery, biotechnology is revolutionising healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability, offering hope and solutions to global challenges.
Issued at HKT 10:00

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55th round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles to be open June 16 to 19

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

55th round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles to be open June 16 to 19 
Eligible applicants for the scheme can register for computer balloting through the designated website (www.hzmbqfs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 10:00

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InvestHK concludes fruitful Canada visit to deepen economic and business ties (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 3

     Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) Mr Charles Ng today (June 14) concluded his visit to Canada, deepening economic and business ties with Canadian investors and enterprises.

     During his visit June 8 to 14 to Waterloo, Toronto, and Montreal, Mr Ng met with investors, family offices, start-ups, academia, and business leaders, emphasising Hong Kong’s role as a global financial hub and gateway to Mainland China and international markets. He hosted roundtables highlighting Hong Kong’s strengths in wealth management and cross-border investments and discussed how Canadian enterprises can leverage Hong Kong for global expansion. He toured innovation labs and facilities at universities and discussed Asian expansion plans with Canadian founders. The meetings connected researchers and ecosystem builders across life sciences, medtech, cleantech, AI, and more.

     Mr Ng also highlighted the upcoming Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK Festival 2025, inviting Canadian investors and entrepreneurs to visit Hong Kong from November 3 to 7 and explore Asia’s dynamic markets. The event offers unparalleled access to industry leaders, cutting-edge fintech trends, and high-growth opportunities for positioning companies at the forefront of innovation.

     Mr Ng said, “The visit was highly fruitful, underscoring the strong economic relationship and vibrant investment exchanges between Hong Kong and Canada. It highlighted Hong Kong’s distinctive role as a ‘super connector’ linking global markets, offering Canadian businesses valuable pathways for expansion into Asia. This engagement not only reinforced ties between the two markets but also unlocked exciting collaborative opportunities.”

     Participants at the events expressed keen interest in Hong Kong’s business environment and connectivity. Investor Relations Officer, Velocity Incubator, University of Waterloo, Mr Andrew Martinko, said, “We learned from Invest Hong Kong about their strong commitment to driving tech innovation through action. They presented a dynamic and expanding start-up ecosystem, clearly focused on welcoming talented Canadian founders and connecting them with high-potential Asian markets and diverse funding opportunities, all within close geographic reach.”

     Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of XSIM AI Canada Inc, Ms Shan Tao, said “Participating in the StartmeUpHK Festival was a pivotal moment for XSIM AI Canada Inc. The support and insights from InvestHK and the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association helped us uncover the unique opportunities within Hong Kong’s ecosystem. It ultimately led to a conditional offer from the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation’s Soft Landing Programme, and the establishment of our business there. Hong Kong is where our vision for practical, scalable, purpose-driven industrial AI found both strategic alignment and real momentum – advancing economic value and environmental impact.”

     Partner at DS Avocats and Honorary Secretary of the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide, Ms Cindy Ho, facilitated high-level connections during the trip and shared her insights. She said, “Canada and Hong Kong share a robust and time-tested business relationship, driving trade, investment, and innovation. With Hong Kong serving as a vital hub for Canadian businesses expanding into Asia, and Canadian expertise fuelling innovation in Hong Kong, this dynamic exchange is unlocking new opportunities and reinforcing bilateral trade and investment in the global economy. As a legal professional working closely with international businesses, I have seen firsthand how Canada and Hong Kong businesses can benefit namely through the Hong Kong-Canada Income Tax Agreement. Together, we are building a future of shared prosperity and ambition, backed by strong trade and investment agreements and a long-term commitment to sustainable growth.”

                       

Sun Dong begins Dutch visit

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong today met the management of internationally renowned semiconductor company Nexperia as he began his visit to the Netherlands.

Apart from learning about Nexperia’s latest development directions and technology as well as its businesses in Hong Kong and globally, Prof Sun also explored with the company on its plan of further expansion in Hong Kong.

Nexperia has businesses around the globe with research and development (R&D) facilities established in the Hong Kong Science Park.

On Saturday, Prof Sun visited the showroom of Renault Group in Paris, France, and met the group’s management who gave him a briefing on the latest development and planning of the group and its brands as well as its various innovative businesses. Both sides also explored ways to deepen collaboration.

BeyonCa, a premium electric vehicle enterprise backed by France’s Renault Group and China’s Dongfeng Motor Corporation, was established in Hong Kong in 2021 with its international headquarters being set up at the Hong Kong Science Park.

Prof Sun pointed out that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has clearly stated in the Hong Kong Innovation & Technology Development Blueprint that the development of advanced manufacturing and new energy are one of the strategic technology industries.

He highlighted that the Hong Kong Microelectronics Research & Development Institute, established in September last year, is preparing the set-up of two pilot lines at the Microelectronics Centre this year, striving to put them into operation next year to support product development and trial production.          

SITI commences visit to Netherlands (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, began his visit to the Netherlands today (June 15, Amsterdam time).
 
Professor Sun met with the management of an internationally renowned semiconductor company Nexperia to learn about its latest development directions and technology, as well as its businesses in Hong Kong and globally. He also explored with the company on its plan of further expansion in Hong Kong. Nexperia has businesses around the globe with research and development (R&D) facilities established in the Hong Kong Science Park.
 
Professor Sun visited the showroom of Renault Group in Paris, France and met with the group’s management yesterday (June 14, Paris time). BeyonCa, a premium electric vehicle enterprise backed by France’s Renault Group and China’s Dongfeng Motor Corporation, was established in Hong Kong in 2021 with its international headquarters being set up at the Hong Kong Science Park. Professor Sun was briefed on the latest development and planning of the group and its brands as well as its various innovative businesses. Both sides also explored ways to deepen collaboration.

Professor Sun said, “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has clearly stated in the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint that the development of advanced manufacturing and new energy are one of the strategic technology industries, and is actively enhancing support for strategic industries such as new energy vehicles and semiconductor technology, so as to promote new industrialisation in Hong Kong. In promoting microelectronics R&D, the Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute was established in September last year to spearhead collaboration among universities, R&D centres and the industry on the R&D of third generation semiconductor core technology. The institute leverages the Greater Bay Area’s well-developed manufacturing industry chain and enormous market, and promotes the ‘1 to N’ transformation of R&D outcomes and industry development. It is preparing the set-up of two pilot lines at the Microelectronics Centre this year, striving to put them into operation next year to support product development and trial production.”
 
During his stay in Paris, Professor Sun was interviewed by local media to introduce the latest situation and opportunities of Hong Kong’s I&T, telling the good I&T story of Hong Kong.
 
Professor Sun will depart for The Hague this evening to continue his visit to the Netherlands.

        

Mable Chan to visit Shanghai

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan will begin a two-day duty visit to Shanghai tomorrow to promote Hong Kong’s strengths in maritime services to the Mainland shipping sector.

During the visit, Ms Chan will also inspect an automated port terminal to explore collaboration opportunities, and meet local government officials to exchange views on issues of mutual interest.

Ms Chan will return to Hong Kong on Tuesday afternoon. During her absence, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau will be Acting Secretary for Transport & Logistics. 

STL to visit Shanghai

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, will start a two-day duty visit to Shanghai tomorrow (June 16).
 
During the visit, she will promote Hong Kong’s strengths in maritime services to the Mainland shipping sector and inspect an automated port terminal to explore collaboration opportunities. She will also meet with local government officials to exchange views on issues of mutual interest.
 
Ms Chan will return to Hong Kong on Tuesday afternoon (June 17). During her absence, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, will be the Acting Secretary for Transport and Logistics.

Police launch e-traffic tickets

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Police today officially launched the digitalisation of Fixed Penalty Notices, and will issue penalty tickets for illegal parking and moving traffic offences electronically from now on.

Additionally, a thematic portal and mobile application have also been launched to facilitate vehicle owners and drivers to verify and settle their fines using electronic payment methods.

The force will issue electronic penalty tickets (ePTs) according to the verified e-contact means (ECM) submitted by offenders to the Transport Department – SMS tickets for those who have provided a Hong Kong mobile phone number, and email tickets for those who have provided an email address.

It will continue to issue printed paper penalty tickets to those that have not submitted their verified ECMs.

At the initial stage of implementation, Police will adopt a “dual-track” transitional arrangement. Offenders will receive both ePTs and printed paper tickets, and they are only required to settle their fines using either one. Members of the public are encouraged to use ePTs. 

The formats of penalty tickets have also been updated to include new payment information and methods.

The force reminds the public that all SMS tickets are issued under the SMS sender name “#HKPF-eTT”, and a purported SMS ticket that is not sent under this sender name must be fake.

Moreover, all SMS or email tickets do not contain any hyperlinks, and people should avoid clicking on any suspicious hyperlinks or providing any personal information.

Lastly, the platform’s thematic portal has a domain ending with “.gov.hk”. Websites that do not end with “.gov.hk” are not government official websites.