A Surge in I&T Investment: Hong Kong’s New Era

From January to April 2025, Hong Kong emerged as a hotspot for innovation and technology (I&T), attracting a remarkable influx of enterprise interest and investment. The government, through Invest Hong Kong, aided 223 domestic and foreign enterprises during this period, marking a 13% increase compared to the same time last year, emphasizing the city’s growing allure as a strategic business hub in the Asia-Pacific region.

Record Investments and Job Creation

These new and expanding enterprises are anticipated to generate direct investments exceeding HK$22.3 billion, creating over 4,900 jobs in their first operational year. This momentum reinforces Hong Kong’s status as a prime destination for high-potential ventures, particularly those associated with technological innovations and digital evolution.

I&T Takes Center Stage

Among the diverse sectors represented, I&T stands out alongside financial services, fintech, family offices, tourism and hospitality, and consumer products. This consistent presence of I&T illustrates the city’s strategic shift towards building a technology-driven economy. Enterprises hail primarily from tech-savvy regions such as Mainland China, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Singapore.

Global Headquarters on the Horizon

Impressively, over a quarter of the new enterprises plan to establish their regional or international headquarters in Hong Kong, showcasing confidence in the city's robust infrastructure and legal framework, vital for cross-border innovation and technology collaboration.

OASES: A New Force for Strategic Enterprises

The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) complements Invest Hong Kong’s initiatives. Launched by the Financial Secretary in 2022, OASES has successfully attracted 84 strategic enterprises, many focusing on cutting-edge fields such as biotech, AI, data science, advanced manufacturing, and green technology.

A Unified Approach to Innovation

This coordinated effort through Invest Hong Kong and OASES underscores a robust policy direction aimed at solidifying Hong Kong’s stance as a premier international I&T hub. The initiatives align with the broader goal of enhancing the city’s integration within the Greater Bay Area and cultivating synergies between local innovation and global markets.

Talent: The Lifeblood of Innovation

On the talent acquisition front, the government recognizes that a vibrant I&T ecosystem requires a skilled workforce. In the first four months of 2025, Hong Kong received over 45,000 applications under various talent admission schemes, with more than 35,000 approvals, indicating strong international interest in Hong Kong’s dynamic innovation landscape.

Building a Competitive Edge

The dual inflow of capital and talent is set to enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness in emerging technologies and support its economic diversification. With continued focus on next-generation infrastructure and an expanding network of incubators, the city is positioning itself as a gateway for enterprises seeking to scale across Asia.

A Commitment to Strengthen I&T Initiatives

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is unwavering in its commitment to bolster these initiatives. Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Bernard Chan has reiterated that attracting enterprises and talent remains a core policy priority, aiming to create a business climate ripe for technological advancement.

A Strategic Shift Towards Knowledge-Based Industries

As the global economy pivots more towards knowledge-based industries, Hong Kong's strategic measures in attracting both enterprises and talent highlight a significant reorientation towards innovation. With its current trajectory, the city is poised to become a vital node in the global I&T landscape.