Speaking at a signing ceremony as the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises announced a seventh batch of incoming firms, he said half of these companies came from the mainland.
“That diversity speaks volumes about Hong Kong’s role – a place where businesses, talent, ideas from around the world come together to prosper,” he said.
“Together with enterprises in earlier batches, the 142 strategic enterprises are expected to bring in some HK$84 billion in investments and create about 27,000 jobs.”
Chan said the enterprises could help drive innovation, boost economic development and employment, and make lives better for the people.
He said one of the new strategic firms developed an AI-empowered tool that enables timely medical intervention at hospitals, while another powered ahead with vehicle technologies aimed at advancing green and smart mobility in the region.
“This is the kind of impact we would like to see,” Chan said.
“We are determined to create conditions for more impact by connecting finance, research, talent and industry more effectively, and by making it easier for enterprises to scale up their operations, as well as products and services.”
Chan said Hong Kong would leverage its financial strengths to help the enterprises secure capital as they develop, commercialise and expand.
The office’s director-general, Peter Yan, said the new strategic enterprises would help the city retain talent specialising in research and development.
Global enterprises, he added, had become more willing to learn about Hong Kong’s strengths over the past year.
One of the firms that chose Hong Kong to establish its Asia-Pacific headquarters said it planned to invest HK$200 million to HK$300 million over the next few years.
Another company, a precious metal refiner, said it planned to establish a refinery in the SAR with a focus on gold.