Director-General’s Blog — A Fruitful Wrap-Up of 2024 & Celebrating InvestHK’s 25th Anniversary in 2025

Full Speed Ahead

Time flies when you are part of something extraordinary, and my first year as Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK has certainly felt that way.

It’s been energising connecting with businesses, collaborating on business-friendly policies, and showcasing Hong Kong’s unique strengths as a leading international business hub.

Who Says Tough Times Should Slow Us Down?

Despite global headwinds, there’s been a steady stream of foreign investments pouring into Hong Kong. In 2024, we completed 539 projects, achieving an all-time high with a year-on-year increase of 41 percent.

Sectors like FinTech and sustainability are taking centre stage in our buzzing innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem and financial services. Meanwhile, family office initiatives are picking up steam and the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme has hauled in applications that could potentially infuse over HK$24 billion into our economy. Our startup ecosystem is now a thriving web of close to 4,700 companies that employ about 18,000 people.

From Handshakes to Genuine Partnerships

InvestHK pulled together hundreds of events and conferences, highlighting Hong Kong’s unique advantages and prospects, and luring more businesses to our shores. Our signature events, StartmeupHK Festival, FinTech Week and Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit, continue to turn the spotlight on Hong Kong’s innovative and investment landscape.

Making friends is key to doing business — that’s why expanding our local and global network is a top priority in attracting foreign direct investment.

We are actively working with companies directly, facilitating their establishment in Hong Kong and sharing their success stories through media outreach and case studies on our website and social media. 

Through strategic visits and engaging conversations with partners in Mainland China, ASEAN countries, Europe, and the Middle East, we’ve unlocked exciting new opportunities for collaboration.

Our growing circle of friends include (but are definitely not limited to) the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia, the Bay Area Council in San Francisco, the Crypto Valley Association in Switzerland, and the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with whom we’ve signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs). On the corporate level, we’ve also had such agreements signed with corporates running key projects in biomedical, chemical and financial sectors.

Collective Effort to Drive Growth

Internally, it’s all hands on deck as we team up with policy bureaux and departments, making headway in areas like construction bidding, investment migration schemes, and the low-altitude economy, to enhance business facilitation.

Beyond the numbers and connections, every business that chooses Hong Kong creates a ripple effect across our economy. New jobs for our talent pool, innovative startups enriching our ecosystem, and strengthened partnerships solidify our role as Asia’s premier business hub. Each of these small wins adds depth and meaning to our work.

What’s Next?

As we celebrate our 25^th anniversary in 2025, we’re zeroed in on delivering outcomes, broadening our global connections, and driving economic momentum for Hong Kong.

It’s been an exhilarating and fulfilling year, and what’s next is always worth anticipating. We’ll keep pushing the boundaries to ensure Hong Kong remains an irresistible magnet for global business.