Speaking on an RTHK programme, Yau said the total number of parent companies based outside Hong Kong that have established operations here has been on the rise and has exceeded 10,000.
The figures show foreign investors have strong faith in the city’s trade prospects, he said.
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development stressed that regardless of geopolitical challenges, Hong Kong remains an attractive destination for foreign investment.
Following the SAR’s efforts to explore connections with the Middle East and Central Asia, Yau said he hoped to connect trade ties with African countries.
“Next, we shall open up Türkiye and Egypt,” he said.
“In January next year, I should be leading a delegation to Türkiye and Egypt in the hope of establishing economic and trade routes to African countries.”
Yau added that authorities would assess business opportunities and risks in the new markets so that enterprises could expand their operations overseas smoothly.
He also said helping mainland firms go global would create more job opportunities in Hong Kong, as well as push the city’s trade, finance and legal services.
Yau also said Hongkong Post was expected to continue recording losses in the future due to the rapid growth of e-commerce and changes in consumer habits.
Authorities would review the operation of Hongkong Post to explore measures to restore it to a normal financial state.
