Month: September 2025

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today convened the first working meeting of the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis, focusing on discussing and guiding the future directions and strategies of the three working groups to accelerate the development of the Northern Metropolis.

The three working groups will commence work as soon as possible and fully advance the accelerated development of the Northern Metropolis according to the instructions given.

Mr Lee stated at the meeting that the Northern Metropolis possesses unique geographical advantages, with its land area and planned population intake accounting for about one-third of Hong Kong’s total.

He added that the project serves as a new engine for Hong Kong’s economic development, possessing enormous development potential and economic value.

Furthermore, the Chief Executive said the project will create many jobs, increase income and enhance the city’s overall competitiveness.

Mr Lee emphasised that expediting the high-efficiency development of the Northern Metropolis is an urgent and strategic priority for Hong Kong’s future development.

He stressed that the Government must spare no effort to seize development opportunities and advance Hong Kong’s economy towards a new phase of high value-added growth and strong competitiveness.

Mr Lee pointed out that over the past three years, the Government has formulated development plans as well as accelerated construction for the Northern Metropolis.

He outlined that the main purpose of establishing the committee, personally led by him, is to elevate the decision-making level of Northern Metropolis development, streamline administrative procedures, remove barriers, break through bottlenecks, and adopt new thinking to achieve construction goals that are safe, cost-effective, and time-saving.

The committee also aims to enact dedicated legislation to accelerate the development of the Northern Metropolis.

The 2025 Policy Address announced the establishment of the committee, under which three working groups would be set up.

The three working groups are the Working Group on Devising Development & Operation Models led by the Financial Secretary, the Working Group on Planning & Construction of the University Town led by the Chief Secretary, and the Working Group on Planning & Development led by the Deputy Financial Secretary.

Mr Lee directed the three working groups to convene meetings and commence work as soon as possible, report detailed work plans to the committee, and formulate plans for matters that can be advanced in the short term.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and senior government officials will attend a flag-raising ceremony and a National Day reception on October 1 (Wednesday) to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

The flag-raising ceremony will be held at Golden Bauhinia Square outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in Wan Chai at 8am. Community leaders and members of uniformed groups will attend the ceremony. No public viewing area will be set up. The Police Band will perform at the ceremony and a choir from Hotung Secondary School and King’s College will sing the national anthem under the lead of two singers, Lam Kwok-ho and Li Yang, followed by a fly-past and a sea parade by the disciplined services.

The National Day reception, led by the Chief Executive, will be held at the Grand Hall on Level 3 of the HKCEC after the flag-raising ceremony.

Motorists are reminded that the Police will implement special traffic arrangements at Golden Bauhinia Square and the nearby area during the celebration events.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, at the Youth Development Summit today (September 27):

President Xu (President of All-China Youth Federation, Mr Xu Xiao), Minister Yeoh (the Minister of Youth and Sports, Malaysia, Ms Hannah Yeoh), Deputy Minister AlMajed (the Deputy Minister of Society Development at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mr Ahmed Saleh AlMajed), Deputy Minister Keophilavong (the Deputy Secretary General of the Central Committee, Lao People’s Revolutionary Youth Union, Mr Souliya Keophilavong), Vice Minister Kochetov (the Vice Minister of Culture and Information, the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr Yevgeniy Kochetov), Deputy Director-General Qu (the Deputy Director-General, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Dr Qu Xing), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the second edition of the Youth Development Summit, a vibrant gathering that celebrates the boundless potential of our youth under the inspiring theme of “Connecting the World into the Future”. This theme captures our collective vision of empowering young people to forge connections across cultures and pave the way for a brighter, more interconnected tomorrow together. Last year, we launched this Summit with tremendous energy, with a view to sparking meaningful dialogues and a shared commitment to youth development as the cornerstone of the future of our city, our country and the world. This year, we take the next step together, building on that momentum to foster even deeper connections and opportunities for the next generation.

In this year’s Government Work Report at the 14th National People’s Congress, Premier Li Qiang called on Hong Kong to deepen international exchanges and co-operation. We embrace that call with concrete actions and plans. For our young people, it means opening doors to new horizons, where they can learn from the world and share Hong Kong’s unique story with pride. For our city, it is a chance to cement our role as “super connector”, bridging talent, ideas and aspirations across cultures and continents.

This very Summit is the embodiment of that spirit of connection and collaboration. We are joined today by distinguished officials, visionary leaders and innovators of different fields from around the globe, alongside youth delegates from diverse backgrounds. Together, you are the proof that when young minds come together, they ignite creativity, foster understanding, and drive innovation that transcends boundaries.

Central to our mission is the Youth Development Blueprint, which was released by my bureau in December 2022. Since its release, we have been taking forward youth development work alongside other policy bureaux, implementing at full steam some 160 measures set out in the Blueprint. Additionally, policy bureaux have introduced around 90 new measures to ensure that the Blueprint progresses with the times and is dynamic and responsive to the changing needs of our youth.

Across the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, bureaux and departments have various measures and initiatives in place to echo Premier Li’s call, and I am proud to highlight some of our key initiatives today.

One of our core focuses is opening up the world to our youth through exchange and internship opportunities. In addition to establishing a foothold in Hong Kong, we encourage young people to explore the rich history, culture and opportunities of our country and beyond. Our multi-pronged approach ensures that young people from all walks of life can access these experiences at different stages of their development.

We offer diverse internship opportunities in the Chinese Mainland and overseas, helping young people gain hands-on insights into workplace cultures, set career goals and build networks. Last year, around 5 000 young people took part in these programmes, ranging from working as interns inside world-class UNESCO heritage sites of the Palace Museum and Dunhuang Academy, to making meaningful contributions to international affairs through volunteer internships in the overseas field units of various United Nations agencies.

Beyond internships, we also have in place a wide spectrum of exchange programmes, deepening young people’s understanding of our country and the world, as well as fostering meaningful exchanges between them and young people around the world. Last year, more than 30 000 youth explored various provinces and cities in the Chinese Mainland, as well as 42 countries and regions across five continents. To ensure that grassroots youth would not be denied the opportunity to discover new horizons, we have especially launched a pilot scheme last year to provide additional subsidies for the underprivileged to participate in these exchange activities.

Looking ahead, as newly announced by our Chief Executive Mr John Lee in the 2025 Policy Address last week, we will launch a Young Talent Training Programme to expand opportunities for internships with international organisations and participation in global conferences. We will also introduce a new media thematic internship programme in the Chinese Mainland, which will further equip our youth to tell compelling stories on the global stage.

In addition to going global, we welcome with open arms young people from the Chinese Mainland and all over the world to visit Hong Kong. Last year, some 2 800 youth participated in our inbound exchange projects. This year, we have rolled out a number of enhancement measures to further encourage two-way exchange projects, fostering dialogues and friendships between Hong Kong youth and their peers across the Chinese Mainland and globally.

The Youth Development Summit itself is a flagship event for promoting international youth exchange. For today’s Summit, I am excited to share that we have gathered about 600 youth delegates from the Chinese Mainland and 33 countries. Aside from the Summit, we are also organising thematic visit programmes for them to explore Hong Kong together with local youth, which will enable them to learn more about Hong Kong’s latest development in technological innovation, culture and arts, etc and promote cross-territory youth exchange.

Closer to home, we are creating vibrant spaces to spark creativity and connection. Last year, we unveiled plans to transform the Kai Tak Community Isolation Facility into the “Youth Post” hostel, a dynamic place in a beautiful setting near the Victoria Harbour, fostering cultural, arts and sports exchanges. Since its trial launch in July this year, the Youth Post has hosted exciting activities such as skateboarding performances, busking sessions, and concert after-parties tied to Kai Tak Sports Park. Some of the youth delegates joining us at this Summit are actually staying on-site, experiencing its vibrant atmosphere firsthand. With feedback from our youth, we are gearing up for its official opening this year. Over the next five years, the Youth Post plans to host around 100 diverse activities, offering affordable accommodation for youth visitors from the Chinese Mainland and abroad while fostering exchanges that inspire creativity.

Alongside promoting international youth exchange, youth engagement is also at the heart of our youth development efforts. Youth Link, a youth network we launched in September 2023, now connects over 18 000 members. It bridges participants from various government youth programmes, offering them the opportunities to develop talents and build trust with the Government. Members have participated in Youth Dialogue sessions with senior government officials and outbound exchange tours, volunteered at major government events, and even attended international events. For example, several Youth Link members represented Hong Kong, China, at the official youth development programme under the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) framework held in Peru in November last year, engaging in meaningful exchanges with peers across the region.

We are also expanding physical spaces for youth engagement. Youth Square, located in Chai Wan as a dedicated hub for youth development, provides a vibrant venue for young people to connect and learn through events and activities. By year-end, its first phase of renovations will unveil a new interactive space and video studio. Coupled with the “Good Stories of Hong Kong Youth” Programme, young people will create videos to share inspiring stories about Hong Kong, supported by training in production and filming. Similarly, in the dynamic district of Sham Shui Po, known for its rich cultural heritage and bustling creative energy, the renovations at the Nam Cheong District Community Centre and the adjacent Tung Chau Street Temporary Market will provide a lively hub for Youth Link members to connect and grow their networks. The first phase of the renovation works will be completed by the end of this year.

While our bureau spearheads many youth development initiatives, we work hand in hand with all bureaux to advance this shared mission. For example, the Education Bureau plays a vital role in broadening global horizons for students. Since the 2016/17 academic year, the Belt and Road Scholarship has encouraged outstanding students from 49 Belt and Road countries to pursue publicly-funded undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Hong Kong. Over 680 students have been awarded the scholarship to date. We are thrilled to have over 70 of these awardees with us at the Summit this morning, bringing diverse insights to our discussions. The Scheme for Subsidy on Exchange for Post-secondary Students, introduced in 2015 and later expanded to Belt and Road regions in 2016 and 2019, aids students in participating in international exchanges, internships, service programmes, and competitions, with 35 institutions participated in 2024/25. Furthermore, life-wide learning strategies, supported by a flexible curriculum and grants such as the Life-wide Learning and Sister School Grant and the Student Activities Support Grant, enable students from all backgrounds to engage in STEAM competitions and study tours outside ordinary classroom settings, cultivating informed and responsible global citizens.

Ladies and gentlemen, our young people are stepping into a world that is more interconnected yet more challenging than ever. Through these initiatives, we are equipping them not just to navigate this changing landscape but to shape it with confidence and purpose.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to the Youth Development Blueprint, scaling up partnerships and opportunities to make international exchange a transformative experience for the next generation. With the unique positioning of Hong Kong, anchored in our country and open to the world, we are determined to be the “super connector” our youth need. I invite you all to join us in this mission. Together, we can unlock endless possibilities for our young people and, in doing so, for our shared global future. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Immigration Department will launch the “Face Easy e-Channel” service at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) tomorrow, enabling eligible Hong Kong residents to complete arrival clearance by facing the e-Channel cameras for identity verification.

Starting September 30, Hong Kong residents aged 11 or above, who choose to use HKIA’s Flight Token upon departure with a required document, and subsequently arrive at HKIA with the same document, are eligible to use the new service.

They should use a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport; Hong Kong SAR Document of Identity for Visa Purposes; Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong & Macao Residents, commonly known as the Home Visit Permit; or Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Non-Chinese Citizens).

When using the “Face Easy e-Channel” service, eligible Hong Kong residents only need to face the cameras, and arrival immigration clearance will be completed upon successful verification of identity via facial recognition technology.

Throughout the entire process, they do not need to present any documents or the Contactless e-Channel encrypted QR code.

The new service will provide a faster and more convenient automated arrival clearance for Hong Kong residents. They can still choose to use fingerprint verification technology for automated immigration clearance, or traditional counters for immigration clearance.

For enquiries, call 2824 6111, send a fax to 2877 7711, or send an email.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     As more visitors visiting the area around the High Island Reservoir East Dam (the East Dam) are anticipated during the National Day Golden Week of the Mainland (October 1 to 8), the Government will adopt the following series of enhancement measures:
 

• The Transport Department (TD) has co-ordinated with the minibus operator to extend weekday services during the Golden Week. Route 9A (Pak Tam Chung – High Island Reservoir East Dam) will operate throughout the entire Golden Week, from October 1 to October 8, and increase the service frequency subject to passenger demand. The number of minibuses operating on normal weekends and public holidays will be substantially increased from four to no less than 30 with reserved standby vehicles and drivers to accommodate visitors visiting the area around the East Dam. The operator will strengthen the service frequencies flexibly in co-ordination with the traffic control measures implemented by the Police to ease passenger waiting times;
   
• The TD will set up a message sign in front of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD)’s Pak Tam Chung Barrier to disseminate information of traffic conditions on the roads leading to the area around the East Dam;
   
• The Hong Kong Police Force will implement targeted measures, including deploying uniformed officers to patrol strategic areas at the Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung Man Yee Road and the East Dam, as well as conducting temporary traffic control and assisting the pedestrian flow, to ease traffic and ensure visitor safety. In addition, corresponding publicity and enforcement actions will be taken based on operational priorities to combat any illegal acts by taxi drivers;
   
• The Water Supplies Department has completed temporary improvement works at some locations on Sai Kung Man Yee Road to facilitate the maneuvering of two-way traffic on a single-lane road;
   
• The AFCD will strengthen the management of the country park area surrounding the East Dam. This includes deploying additional personnel to patrol the region, maintain order, and enhance cleaning services; remind visitors to observe hiking safety protocols and use the designated hiking trails; and promote messages that emphasise the importance of environmental protection and proper disposal of refuse; and
   
• The AFCD, in collaboration with the Tourism Commission and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), will disseminate visitor flow information in the East Dam area via the AFCD website (www.hiking.gov.hk/crowd) and HKTB (www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/plan/traveller-info/national-day-golden-week-special-information.html) during the National Day Golden Week of the Mainland to enable visitors’ planning of their trips, strengthen the promotion of other hiking routes in Hong Kong and publicise relevant hiking guidelines to tourists, encouraging them to be well-prepared for their trips.

     Regarding the management enhancement of the Sai Kung East Country Park and traffic arrangements at the East Dam, relevant government departments have consulted the Sai Kung District Council, the transport sector and relevant local stakeholders in mid-August. They will continue to communicate with stakeholders, with a view to exploring feasible long-term enhancement measures.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The spokesperson for the Hospital Authority (HA) today (September 29) announced that starting from October, the Nam Cheong Family Medicine Clinic of the Kowloon West Cluster will strengthen its services by providing general out-patient clinic (GOPC) services on Sundays and public holidays to facilitate the public in seeking medical care during the holidays.
 
Including the Nam Cheong Family Medicine Clinic, a total of 15 GOPCs will provide public holiday GOPC services on National Day (October 1) holiday (see table below). Members of the public can make appointments through the telephone appointment system or the “Book GOPC” function on the “HA Go” mobile application.
 
As influenza activity remains at a high level, the HA spokesperson appeals to members of the public to receive vaccinations early. Public hospitals and out-patient clinics of the HA have started providing seasonal influenza vaccinations to eligible persons to dovetail with the Government Vaccination Programme 2025/26. Eligible patients may receive vaccinations at their scheduled follow-up appointments at clinics. Patients with distant follow-up appointment dates may visit or contact the respective clinics for necessary arrangements.
 
Meanwhile, the HA spokesperson reminds the public to stay vigilant about personal and environmental hygiene during the holidays to avoid spreading diseases. Members of the public who develop respiratory symptoms should wear masks and seek medical advice promptly. Non-emergency patients should avoid using A&E services and instead seek treatment at GOPCs, private doctors or 24-hour out-patient services at private hospitals to reduce pressure on public hospital A&Es. Members of the public can visit the Health Bureau’s Primary Care Directory www.pcdirectory.gov.hk to choose a family doctor and view related clinic service information.
 
GOPC service arrangements on National Day holiday (October 1)
 

Region	List of GOPCs	Address	General Enquiry	Telephone Booking
Hong Kong Island	Aberdeen Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic	10 Aberdeen Reservoir Road, Aberdeen	2555 0381	3543 5011
	Shau Kei Wan Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic	1/F, 8 Chai Wan Road, Shau Kei Wan	2560 0211	3157 0077
	Violet Peel General Out-patient Clinic	LG, Tang Shiu Kin Hospital Community Ambulatory Care Centre, 282 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai	3553 3116	3157 0000
Kowloon	Kwun Tong Community Health Centre	UG/F, 60 Hip Wo Street, Kwun Tong	2389 0331	3157 0687
	Nam Cheong Family Medicine Clinic	G/F, Treasury Building, 3 Tonkin Street West, Cheung Sha Wan	3742 3876	3543 5795
	Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital Family Medicine Clinic	G/F, Out-patient Block, Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital, 118 Shatin Pass Road, Wong Tai Sin	2354 2267	3157 0118
	Robert Black General Out-patient Clinic	600 Prince Edward Road East, San Po Kong	2383 3311	3157 0113
	Yau Ma Tei Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic	1/F, 145 Battery Street, Yau Ma Tei	2272 2400	3157 0880
New  Territories	Lady Trench General Out-patient Clinic	213 Sha Tsui Road, Tsuen Wan	2614 4789	3157 0107
	Lek Yuen General Out-patient Clinic	G/F, 9 Lek Yuen Street, Shatin	2692 8730	3157 0972
	North District Community Health Centre	North District Family Medicine Clinic, 3/F, North District Community Health Centre Building, No.3 Wai Wo Street, Sheung Shui	2957 5186	3157 0965
	Tai Po Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic	G/F, 37 Ting Kok Road, Tai Po	2664 2039	3157 0906
	Tseung Kwan O (Po Ning Road) General Out-patient Clinic	G/F, 28 Po Ning Road, Tseung Kwan O	2191 1083	3157 0660
	Tuen Mun Clinic	11 Tsing Yin Street, San Hui, Tuen Mun	2452 9111	3543 0886
	Yuen Long Jockey Club Health Centre	269 Castle Peak Road, Yuen Long	2443 8511	3543 5007

Service hours: 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the International Bio-Computing Innovation Summit 2025 today (September 29):

Liu Wei (Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of BioMap), Clara (Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC), Ms Clara Chan), distinguished speakers and guests, ladies and gentlemen, 

     It is a pleasure to join you all today for the Second International Bio-Computing Innovation Summit. I’m delighted to see such a strong turnout of global scientists, industry leaders, investors and young innovators in Hong Kong. Your presence reflects the growing momentum and shared vision in shaping the future of bio-computing.

     Just over a year ago, we gathered here with a sense of anticipation and purpose. We discussed the transformative potential of AI in accelerating the development of life sciences and pharmaceuticals. We also witnessed the strategic collaboration between the Hong Kong Investment Corporation and BioMap, marked by the establishment of BioMap’s InnoHub right here in Hong Kong.

     Fast forward one year, we find ourselves in a world evolving at an extraordinary pace – especially in the realm of AI innovation. Large language models such as DeepSeek are shocking the world. Embodied AI is breaking new ground, with dramatic breakthroughs in vision-language-action models and robot dynamics. 

     In healthcare, the applications of AI are expanding at a remarkable scale. AI is now helping us predict molecular structures and accelerate drug discovery. It is enhancing diagnostic accuracy, enabling personalised medicine, and supporting the creation of human digital twins that revolutionise clinical trials. It is also empowering synthetic biology, opening up many new application frontiers, from biomaterials to agriculture. 

     These exciting developments all point to the fact that AI can be a powerful force for good, helping people live longer, stay healthier and lead happier lives.  

Hong Kong’s vision 

     Hong Kong is actively positioning itself at the forefront of AI and biotech development. We are making strategic and substantial investments in these fields, and forging closer partnerships among the Government, the industry, academia as well as the research and investment sectors.  

     The HKIC plays a vital role in driving these investments. By investing and co-investing in projects, it is channelling capital into sectors that we aim to develop. Currently, among its portfolio of over 130 projects, a significant number are focused on AI and biotech. Notably, around 20 per cent of its invested capital are deployed in biotech initiatives.

     I’m pleased to see that the HKIC’s collaboration with BioMap is already bearing fruit. Since its establishment last year, the InnoHub has commissioned a number of high-impact initiatives. Today, we will witness the launch of three new projects, developed in partnership with leading local universities and regional collaborators. These projects are pushing the boundaries of research excellence, empowering education and accelerating the commercialisation of research outcomes. 

     Hong Kong is indeed brimming with collaboration opportunities in this space. Both of our medical schools rank among the world’s top 25. Five of our universities rank in the global top 50 in AI and data science. Twenty-eight laboratories and centres in the InnoHK research cluster are in partnership with leading institutions worldwide. All these are home to world-class research teams and pioneering projects.  

     Taking a broader perspective, Hong Kong has what it takes to shine in bio-computing. That includes a thriving innovation and technology ecosystem; access to capital, data and markets; supportive government policies, and world-class talent. In the interest of time, I’d like to highlight just two of these strengths: capital and government policies. 

A vibrant capital market

     First, access to capital. Hong Kong offers a full range of financing options for companies at different stages of development to grow and scale.   

     Our stock market is an important pillar. Since listing reforms were implemented in 2018, over 75 biotech firms have listed in Hong Kong, raising over US$30 billion, making us the world’s second-largest biotech fundraising hub. This year, our stock market has been performing very well, with IPOs (initial public offerings) raising over US$17 billion in the first eight months, nearly seven times the amount raised during the same period last year. Notably, biotech companies accounted for around 20 per cent of these funds.  

     Beyond public markets, Hong Kong boasts a vibrant private capital ecosystem. We are home to over 650 private equity and venture capital firms, managing US$230 billion in assets, second only to the Chinese Mainland in Asia. 

Supportive government policies

     Second, supportive government policies. AI and biotech are among the strategic sectors prioritised by the Government.  In the Policy Address as well as the Budget this year, we outlined a series of forward-looking initiatives to accelerate AI development – focusing on algorithms, computing power, data, capital and talent.

     To drive the biotech sector forward, we are working to establish a primary evaluation mechanism for drug approvals, aiming to position Hong Kong as an internationally recognised regulatory authority. We are also strengthening cross-boundary collaboration on drug development. For example, in the Hetao Innovation and Technology Park, Hong Kong and Shenzhen have established cross-boundary clinical trial institutions, enabling studies that meet the regulatory standards of both jurisdictions. These efforts will help Hong Kong emerge as a regional drug development hub because the time-to-market for innovative drugs to be developed here can be greatly shortened.

Enterprises and talent

     But for our vision to materialise, it ultimately comes down to people and the enterprises they build. That’s why we are relentlessly attracting high-impact enterprises engaged in cutting-edge technologies to Hong Kong. In fact, many of the companies attracted through our Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises are leading players in AI and biotech. A new batch of strategic enterprises to be announced in a couple of weeks will include several world-class pharmaceutical leaders. I’m proud to say that our AI and biotech ecosystem is becoming more dynamic and globally connected.

     In a world that is increasingly complex, fast-changing and technologically fragmented, Hong Kong remains open: open to talent, and open to innovation and collaboration. We welcome scientists, innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers and students to join our growing ecosystem and co-create a future where technology advances the progress of humanity. 

     Ladies and gentlemen, the convergence of AI and biotech will be one of the most powerful forces shaping the future of science, healthcare and innovation. Hong Kong is committed to being a leader in this journey, where we connect the brightest minds, the best resources and boundless opportunities across borders. 

     On this note, I wish this Summit every success, and to all of you, good health and business in the time ahead.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A spokesman for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government said today (September 28) that the United States (US) Department of State’s 2025 Investment Climate Statements (the Report) contains various biased assertions regarding Hong Kong’s business environment. In particular, the Report continues to maliciously smear and make unfounded and false accusations against the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO). For this, the HKSAR Government expresses strong discontent and firm opposition. The spokesman reiterated, “The implementation of national security laws has restored a safe and stable environment in Hong Kong, not only safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the general public but also making Hong Kong a more attractive and secure destination for international capital and investment. Various data clearly demonstrate that Hong Kong’s outstanding business environment remains highly appealing to enterprises and investors and capital from around the world. Our core advantages, along with the HKSAR Government’s efforts in promoting economic and social development, are widely recognised by the international community. The biased and inaccurate claims made in the Report are groundless and pale in comparison to the facts.”

The spokesman continued, “In fact, since the beginning of this year, the Hong Kong stock market has performed strongly, with the Hang Seng Index rising by around 30 per cent. Initial public offering fundraising has surged, placing Hong Kong first globally. Bank deposits have increased by around 8 per cent, reaching close to HK$19 trillion. The asset and wealth management industry saw assets under management grow by 13 per cent year-on-year to over HK$35 trillion in 2024. Hong Kong is on track to become the world’s largest cross-boundary wealth management centre within the next few years. These figures demonstrate that international investors are casting their vote of confidence in Hong Kong with concrete actions.”

     “Hong Kong continues to shine and rise in various international competitiveness rankings on economic freedom, finance, innovation and technology, education and talent. For instance, Hong Kong is recognised as the world’s freest economy, one of the top three global financial centres, ranked third in global competitiveness, and, together with Shenzhen and Guangzhou, forms the world’s leading innovation cluster.”

     “According to the World Investment Report 2025 published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, Hong Kong attracted US$126 billion in foreign direct investment in 2024, ranking third globally. As of last year, nearly 10 000 companies with overseas and Chinese Mainland parent companies had chosen Hong Kong as their base, marking a historic high. Among them, nearly 1 400 were from the US, registering a 9 per cent increase year-on-year. Since the end of 2022, the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises has successfully brought in over 80 strategic enterprises to set up or expand their operations in Hong Kong, many of which are global leaders in cutting-edge technologies. In the first eight months of this year, Invest Hong Kong supported more than 440 enterprises in establishing or expanding their businesses in Hong Kong, representing a 14 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Overseas and Chinese Mainland enterprises each accounted for about half of these projects. These all demonstrate that Hong Kong continues to be an ideal location for enterprises from around the world to set up and grow their businesses.”

The spokesman said, “Under the ‘one country, two systems’ arrangement, the HKSAR continues to practise the common law and uphold the rule of law, and maintain a judiciary that exercises powers independently. Various surveys indicate that foreign businesses operating in Hong Kong generally express strong confidence in the city’s rule of law. For example, the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong’s annual member survey published earlier this year showed that 83 per cent of US businesses based in Hong Kong were confident in Hong Kong’s rule of law—an increase of 4 and 10 percentage points compared to 2024 and 2023, respectively. Meanwhile, 70 per cent of companies stated that their operations had not been negatively impacted by the national security laws. In fact, the legal provisions of the HKNSL and the SNSO, including their definitions, scope of application and target activities, are clearly defined. They also explicitly stipulate that property and investments within the HKSAR are protected by law. These laws in no way hinder the normal commercial activities or international exchanges of various organisations operating in Hong Kong. Judges, in handling all cases – including those involving national security – discharge their judicial duties independently and impartially, free from any interference. In the World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index 2024, Hong Kong maintained a high overall ranking, ahead of the United States and certain countries that frequently make unfounded criticisms of Hong Kong’s rule of law and human rights.”

The spokesman said, “Amid the intensifying geopolitical tensions, and rising unilateralism and protectionism that disrupt the international trade system and global economic order, Hong Kong will, as always, continue to steadfastly uphold its status as a free port under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle. We will maintain free trade policies and a simple, low tax regime, while ensuring the free flow of capital, information, goods and talent – fully leveraging our role as a ‘super connector’ and ‘super value-adder’. We will proactively integrate into the overall national development plan and align with national development strategies. In addition to consolidating our strengths in the traditional sectors, we are committed to nurturing emerging industries and expanding into new sectors. While deepening ties with established markets, we are also making great strides in enhancing our engagement with the Global South. We cordially invite enterprises and talent from around the world to invest, establish businesses, and develop their careers in the city, and to jointly seize the promising opportunities presented by Hong Kong’s bright future.”