Remarks by CE at media session before ExCo (with video)
Following are the remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting today (December 3):
Reporter: I would like to ask about the enterprise agreement for the Northern Metropolis last Friday. What level of commitments does the Government seek from these businesses, and how can the Government ensure that the partnership is profitable for the property developers?
Chief Executive: One question about the Northern Metropolis - We are very confident in the development of the Northern Metropolis. We have organised visits and also discussions over the development plan of the Northern Metropolis. Particularly, we have been introducing and explaining to enterprises and investors the concept of three big pockets of land for development, in which case the investors will be given more flexibility and freedom to develop it according to their own timetable and overall plan. A bigger piece of land allows more flexibility and also allows development to be taken as a whole, so that the overall value of development can be enhanced.
This month, we will be rolling out measures to invite intention from interested investors and enterprises. In fact, I think the media knows that there was a signing ceremony last week involving over 80 enterprises and investors, who indicated their confidence in the development of the Northern Metropolis. What it means is that the Northern Metropolis is a development plan, which takes long periods of time; some straddle over 10, 15, or even up to 20 years. There are big opportunities there, because Hong Kong is being developed into different centres of excellence, and all these centres of excellence would mean industrialisation, new value creation, and also composite consideration for the overall development of Hong Kong, and these are all opportunities for investors and enterprises. Looking at the level of support that was shown last week, we are very confident that the Northern Metropolis development plan will invite and attract a lot of interest. In fact, if you look at the Northern Metropolis, we will be developing, first of all, the Loop (the Lok Ma Chau Loop) as an I&T (innovation and technology) model of success. We will be also developing the San Tin Technopole. There will also be a university town at different pockets of land. All these will add together to create extra value for Hong Kong, and all these projects will bring good return on investment. Thank you.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)
Hong Kong and Macao cohost investment promotion seminar to encourage Macao enterprises to expand overseas via Hong Kong
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with the Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Sam Hou-fai, at Government House last month to exchange views on further promoting Hong Kong's co-operation with Macao and the high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). To implement and enhance co-operation between the two places, Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) cohosted an investment promotion seminar with the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute of the Macao Special Administrative Region in Macao yesterday (March 6), receiving about 90 local representatives from various sectors, including manufacturing, branding, retail, food and beverage (F&B), import and export trading, as well as chambers and associations. The seminar aimed to update Macao enterprises on Hong Kong's latest business environment and new opportunities, especially in retail, F&B and trade sectors, encouraging them to leverage Hong Kong's unique advantages to expand overseas.
Entitled Macao Enterprises Expansion Series - Hong Kong's New Business Opportunities Seminar (Retail, F&B and Trade), the seminar marked the first collaboration between the two promotion agencies in 2025, aiming to enhance learning from each other and strengthen co-operation between the two cities, as well as to explore new business opportunities in the GBA.
"Hong Kong and Macao share a strong bond as dynamic and complementary economies within the GBA," said Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK Mr Arnold Lau. "Macao goods have long been a favourite among Hong Kong consumers, showcasing the strong cultural and economic ties between the two vibrant cities. By expanding into Hong Kong, Macao enterprises can extend their reach not only to the local market, but also promote their products to the international and Mainland visitors passing through Hong Kong. Moreover, Hong Kong has many trade shows that attract international buyers. The city is an ideal platform for Macao enterprises to connect to the world and expand globally," he explained.
At the seminar, the President of the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Vincent U, said, "Hong Kong and Macao have maintained close business co-operation and commercial ties for many years, including holding joint investment promotion activities to promote opportunities in the GBA. Building on this long-standing collaboration, we aim to further strengthen two-way investment co-operation and explore more opportunities for Hong Kong-Macao collaborations and the development of the GBA market."
The Head of Consumer Products of InvestHK, Ms Angelica Leung, and the Head of Tourism and Hospitality of InvestHK, Ms Sindy Wong, highlighted the latest industry trends and shared case studies respectively with Macao enterprises during the seminar, helping them to gain a better understanding of Hong Kong's market and advantages. They also provided information on the latest government policies, including details on industry events and available funding support to help businesses expand, enhance competitiveness through digital transformation and explore international markets. Macao enterprises that have a presence in Hong Kong also shared their practical insights at the event, encouraging local enterprises to raise brand awareness and "go global" via Hong Kong.
InvestHK will continue to collaborate with related Macao organisations to jointly promote business opportunities in Hong Kong, assisting local enterprises to expand overseas via the city.
Hong Kong and Macao cohost investment promotion seminar to encourage Macao enterprises to expand overseas via Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong and Macao cohost investment promotion seminar to encourage Macao enterprises to expand overseas via Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong and Macao cohost investment promotion seminar to encourage Macao enterprises to expand overseas via Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong and Macao cohost investment promotion seminar to encourage Macao enterprises to expand overseas via Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong and Macao cohost investment promotion seminar to encourage Macao enterprises to expand overseas via Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong and Macao cohost investment promotion seminar to encourage Macao enterprises to expand overseas via Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
