Hong Kong sees record surge in global investment, company presence

Hong Kong reinforced its status as a premier global investment hub over the past year, with a record number of companies from overseas and Chinese mainland establishing a presence in the city, according to the latest figures unveiled at the 19th Asian Financial Forum.

Held from Monday to Tuesday under the theme "Co-creating New Horizons amid An Evolving Landscape," the forum brought together over 3,600 participants from more than 60 countries and regions.

In his opening address, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee highlighted the city's unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" framework, which continue to attract enterprises seeking a secure and dynamic business environment.

According to the figures released at the forum, in 2025, the number of foreign- and Chinese mainland-affiliated companies in Hong Kong surpassed 11,000, an 11 percent year-on-year increase and a historic high. The number of mainland-affiliated companies in particular rose by over 17 percent, collectively employing nearly 510,000 people. Additionally, startups in the city exceeded 5,200 for the first time.

"The encouraging results represent more than a vote of confidence in Hong Kong by these businesses and entrepreneurs. They also mean our solid efforts in facilitating business establishment and operation, and in creating an enabling ecosystem for start-ups, are bearing fruits," Lee noted.

The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) has played a pivotal role in this growth. Since its establishment, it has successfully attracted more than 100 key enterprises, many of which have set up regional headquarters or core research and development functions in Hong Kong, injecting new momentum into the city's economic transformation.

"We provide tailored settlement plans for key enterprises covering land, financing, and taxation, empowering them through ecosystem support and establishing benchmark projects. As a strategic partner, OASES serves as a super-connector and value-adder to help these enterprises expand into global markets," said Yan King-shun, Director-General of OASES.

"By establishing our presence in Hong Kong, our new energy solutions have achieved seamless connectivity with global markets. Our 'AI + Energy' strategy, in particular, has received strong technology and capital support," shared Yu Zhuyun, Chairman of Central New Energy Holding Group.

This year's forum also featured the inaugural Global Business Summit, which focused on the impact of high-growth industries including artificial intelligence, robotics and healthcare.

Frederick Ma, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), said the newly-introduced summit is part of an increased focus to strengthen ties between finance and the real economy at the AFF to help support sustained innovation and long-term growth.

"The current geopolitical situation highlights the fact that Hong Kong as a super connector is very powerful, because many countries are now more friendly with China, and they are eying on the vast Chinese market, and Hong Kong is a perfect platform for them to enter this market," Ma said.

Hong Kong sees record surge in global investment, company presence

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged that his official visit to China will benefit the British people and businesses by establishing "a more strategic and consistent relationship" with China, according to a press release issued by the UK government on Tuesday.

The announcement emphasized that "engagement with China is vital for the British people." As one of the world's most influential countries, China's substantial growth has a notable impact on the lives of British citizens. China is the world’s second-largest economy and plays a crucial role in global supply chains. Furthermore, it is the UK's third-largest trading partner, supporting 370,000 jobs in the UK.

"In a time of growing global instability, where events abroad continue to rebound on people at home, the Prime Minister has promised to act in the UK’s national interest,” said the press release.

Additionally, the press release quoted Starmer as saying, "China matters for the UK. As one of the world’s biggest economic players, establishing a strategic and consistent relationship with them is firmly in our national interest."

Starmer arrived in Beijing on Wednesday and his visit will run through Saturday. This marks the first visit to China by a British prime minister in eight years. During the visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet with him. Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee Zhao Leji will hold talks and meetings with him respectively for in-depth exchanges of views on bilateral relations and issues of common concern.

British PM pledges to establish consistent, pragmatic partnership with China: press release