Hong Kong's safe, stable environment appeals to global investors: official

Hong Kong is increasingly recognized as an ideal destination for global investors thanks to its safe and stable investment environment, supported by common law under the policy of "one country, two systems," said an official from Invest Hong Kong, the government agency tasked with promoting inward direct investment.

At a time of global uncertainty, Hong Kong continues to attract wealth through private firms that manage fortunes for ultra-high-net-worth families.

"Investors are always chasing after asset safety. Hong Kong practices common law under the 'one country, two systems'. In Hong Kong, our tax regime is simple, transparent, and with certainty. For any investors, this is the ideal place to place their investment," said Jason Fong, global head of the Family Office at Invest Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, China's growing competitiveness in fields like artificial intelligence (AI) have helped enhance Hong Kong's appeal to global investors.

"We understand that the AI development, whether it's investors, whether it's users, whether it's practitioners within the industry, we're all looking at that. Our nation, China, has been doing so well in many areas, we are actually leading in the global turf - whether new money, old money, any type of money, they can't neglect that huge part of their portfolio," the official said.

China's 14th Five-Year Plan, spanning from 2021 through 2025, aims to position Hong Kong as a financial hub.

Fong shared his insight on how Hong Kong's integration and close economic ties with the Chinese mainland influences global investment decisions.

"China being the second largest economy in the world, for any portfolio, they can't ignore that. 'One country, two systems,' the common law, and independent judiciary system that provide the biggest assurance and faith for international investors coming to Hong Kong, knowing their personal safety as well as the asset safety remain intact. In 2024, we have an influx increment of over 81 percent of capital rushing to Hong Kong. And I have to reiterate, investors outside mainland accounted for over 55 percent, proving that Hong Kong is a true international financial hub," he said.

Hong Kong's safe, stable environment appeals to global investors: official

More than 20 films will hit Chinese screens during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday from Saturday to Monday, spanning genres from revolutionary historical dramas, realism movies to suspense thrillers, according to the China Film Administration on Thursday.

Revolutionary historical films such as Blood-Spattered Cliff, Eight Sons, Eight Soldiers, and Half Of The Quilt, will pay tribute to martyrs through the lens.

Three films -- It's OK, Now I Met Her, and Sunshine Women's Choir -- tell moving stories of love, growth, and reconciliation.

It's OK is a contemporary family comedy that follows a mother and daughter navigating their joyful yet turbulent relationship. Now I Met Her tells a rebellious teenager who gets to know his late mother through her old diary. Sunshine Women's Choir, a film from the Taiwan region of China, portrays the "perfect" maternal love of "imperfect mothers."

The suspense film Game of Identity tells the story of two people from different backgrounds who accidentally swap lives, setting off an unexpected adventure. The documentary films Seeking Nature: The Code of Life, and Missions to the Moon (Part One) explore the connection between humanity and science.

Imported films from different countries, including The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2, Project Hail Mary, and Hoppers, will deliver spectacular cinematic experiences to audiences.

The Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, falls on April 5 this year. It is a traditional Chinese festival for honoring the deceased and paying tribute to ancestors. The holiday also provides a short break for Chinese citizens as they engage in outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Over 20 films expected to hit Chinese screens during Qingming Festival Holiday