Chief Executive John Lee stated that Hong Kong's first five-year plan presented long-term opportunities for UK companies, investors, and institutions, emphasizing Hong Kong's role as a bridge between China and the world. He highlighted the existing strong ties with the UK, noting a seven percent increase in the number of British companies in Hong Kong to 770, and a 26 percent increase in merchandise trade to nearly US$20 billion in the previous year. Lee also pointed out that the UK was fourth in terms of inward direct investment and sixth in outward direct investment into Hong Kong. Under the new plan, Hong Kong will focus on becoming an international financial, shipping, and trade centre, an international innovation and technology centre, and a hub for high-calibre talent. Lee mentioned the Northern Metropolis, a key growth engine for the city, positioned as a significant component of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The Northern Metropolis project, bordering Shenzhen, includes three university towns spanning over 1,000 hectares, with a focus on education, technology, industry, residential, and recreational development.
Lee invited UK companies to explore opportunities in areas such as life and health technology, AI, robotics, and microelectronics, pointing to Hong Kong's five universities' world rankings and suggesting a new era of post-secondary collaboration between the two regions. He concluded by underscoring the complementary nature of the UK-Hong Kong relationship, emphasizing that they cover different shifts due to their time zone differences, fostering a flourishing future together.