OASES announces new batch of strategic enterprises establishing or expanding businesses in Hong Kong
The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) held the OASES Partnership Signing Ceremony today (November 11) to welcome a new batch of strategic enterprises to set up or expand their operations in Hong Kong.
Today, over 200 guests attended the signing ceremony, including representatives from strategic enterprises, local and international chambers of commerce, research institutions, universities, venture capital firms and financial institutions, relevant government bureaux/departments, and public organisations.
In the presence of the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, 17 strategic enterprises (see Annex) signed agreements to become strategic enterprise partners of the Government. These enterprises come from industries such as life and health technology, artificial intelligence and data science, fintech, and advanced manufacturing and new energy technology. Most of them will establish their global or regional headquarters in Hong Kong.
Together with approximately 50 strategic enterprises previously attracted, they will invest about $42 billion in total over the coming years, creating over 17 000 jobs. They will also actively attract upstream, midstream, and downstream partners from their industry chains to come to Hong Kong.
In his speech, Mr Chan said that the Government has been building a symbiotic relationship with strategic enterprises. On the one hand, Hong Kong's unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" arrangement, combined with its status as an international financial and innovation and technology (I&T) centre, world-class universities and research institutions, top-notch professional services, and a highly skilled talent pool, support enterprises in expanding their regional and global reach. On the other hand, the presence of strategic enterprises in Hong Kong will enrich Hong Kong's I&T ecosystem. Mr Chan said that a series of policies announced in the recent Policy Address, including increased investments in the I&T sector, advancement of the Northern Metropolis development, and enhancement of collaboration with sister cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, will benefit strategic enterprises and bolster Hong Kong's position as an attractive destination for more enterprises.
OASES and other relevant government departments provide comprehensive one-stop services to strategic enterprises to facilitate their business operations in Hong Kong, thereby promoting growth in the I&T sector and contributing to the overall economic development of Hong Kong.
OASES announces new batch of strategic enterprises establishing or expanding businesses in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
OASES announces new batch of strategic enterprises establishing or expanding businesses in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
OASES announces new batch of strategic enterprises establishing or expanding businesses in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
OASES announces new batch of strategic enterprises establishing or expanding businesses in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKSARG responds to reauthorization of the so-called Sanctions Provisions under HKHRDA incorporated in National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (December 26) strongly disapproves of and firmly rejects US' reauthorization of the so-called Sanctions Provisions under the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act (HKHRDA) incorporated in National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025.
A spokesman for the Government said, "In accordance with international law and international practice based on the Charter of the United Nations, it is each and every sovereign state's inherent right to enact laws safeguarding national security, and it is also an international practice. With at least 21 pieces of laws safeguarding national security, the US has exposed its double standards by pointing the finger at the HKSAR's legal system and enforcement mechanism to safeguard national security."
"The Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) also clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR. The offences endangering national security stipulated by the related Ordinance target acts endangering national security with precision, and define the elements and penalties of the offences with clarity, aiming at addressing, combating, deterring and preventing acts and activities of endangering national security. It targets only an extremely small minority of people without affecting the basic rights and freedoms lawfully enjoyed by Hong Kong residents."
He said, "The US openly clamour for so-called 'sanctions' with an aim to intimidate HKSAR officials who resolutely safeguard national security. The HKSAR Government strongly condemns its political grandstanding rife with ill intentions, which have been seen through by all. The HKSAR despises the so-called 'sanctions' and will not be intimidated by such a despicable behaviour. The HKSAR will resolutely continue to discharge the duty of safeguarding national security."
The HKSAR Government has been enforcing the sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) fully and vigorously to fulfil our international obligations. We have long been maintaining an effective mechanism for implementing the resolutions of the UNSC. That includes denying entry of vessels designated by the UNSC as well as suspicious vessels, keeping a close watch on and inspecting suspicious Hong Kong-based companies to prevent them from participating in activities evading UNSC sanctions. At the same time, the HKSAR Government has been implementing a comprehensive and robust control regime over the import and export of strategic commodities and maintaining active participation in the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Arms Trade Treaty through the Central People's Government. The effectiveness of our work has been well respected and recognised by our trading partners and internationally.
The US has substantial economic interest in Hong Kong. Over the past decade, it registered a trade surplus of about US$270 billion with Hong Kong. Currently, some 1 390 US companies operate in Hong Kong. If the US insists on its acts, it will ultimately undermine the mutually beneficial relations between Hong Kong and the US, harming the interests of the US and its companies.
The spokesman reiterated that foreign governments and legislatures should not interfere in any form in the internal affairs of the HKSAR.
