Page 186 - 2025 Special Report

Fig 11. Hong Kong is a hub for both inbound and outbound direct investment.

Source: 2024 UNCTAD World Investment Report, EY analysis

December 2023, Hong Kong’s stock market ranked mainland and overseas AI experts, enterprises and
the 5 largest in Asia and the 8 largest in the R&D projects to come to Hong Kong.
th
th
world, with the total market capitalization reaching
US$3.97 trillion . In 1H 2024, Hong Kong IPO
95
market has shown signs of rebound, filings seeing Recent policies and reforms
significant increase. Technology companies led in
deals and proceeds , including the first specialist The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address 98
96
technology companies under Chapter 18C.
Recently, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong has
Last year, the Third Plenum Session reiterated released the 2024 Policy Address, which addressed
Hong Kong’s important role in the country’s the government’s continued commitment to
opening up and regional integration. Based on consolidate and enhance the Hong Kong’s status
the supportive policies, Hong Kong has clear as “three centers” – an international financial,
advantages in the next five years in areas such shipping and trade center, support the building
as finance, trade and high value-added services. of an international high-end talent gathering
Increased usage of RMB as a trade and financing place and focus on economic development and
currency provides Hong Kong with the opportunity improving the overall quality of life. A series
to enhance the status as a regional treasury as well. of initiatives have been announced to deepen
reforms and explore new growth areas, including
Last but not least, Hong Kong now has a clear measures to build an international gold trading
vision for establishing the city as an international market, promote high value-added maritime
innovation and technology (I&T) center . According services and improve the admission scheme to
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to the 2024-25 Budget Plan, the government will attract more quality talent.
invest HK$3 billion to Cyberport for the launch of
a three-year AI Subsidy Scheme, strengthening Main tasks:
the center’s cyber security and data protection
capabilities and to launch promotional and • Fully uphold the principle of “One
educational activities, such as encouraging Chinese Country, Two Systems” and safeguard
national security: Continue the full and faithful
95 HKTDC, https://research.hktdc.com/en/article/MzI-
wNjkzNTY5 implementation of “One Country, Two Systems” and
96 EY, https://www.ey.com/en_cn/news/2024/06/a- 98 The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address, https://
share-ipos-remain-curbed-in-the-short-term
97 https://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2024/02/20240228/2 www.policyaddress.gov.hk/2024/public/pdf/policy/
0240228_093135_968.html policy-full_en.pdf

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