HK welcomes global innovative talent: CE

Chief Executive John Lee on Sunday said Hong Kong was a welcoming environment for global companies and talent with its favourable business climate. The SAR has long served as the world’s super connector and super value-adder, Lee said at the opening of the Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference and Xiangjiang Nobel Forum. He added that the nation's 15th Five-Year Plan further supports the SAR’s development in becoming an international innovation and technology centre. “We are the only city in the world that counts as many as five universities in the global top 100. Our business environment is open and transparent. We enjoy a long tradition of the rule of law, and our common law legal system is similar to most global financial hubs,” Lee said. “We make it easy for companies and investors from China, our country, and from around the world, to do business together here.” Lee also said the SAR’s research and development initiative, InnoHK, had showcased global research collaboration in the city. The two existing InnoHK research clusters focus on healthcare technology and AI, while a third one will address sustainable development, energy and advanced manufacturing and materials, he said. Innovation minister Sun Dong, who attended the same event, said Hong Kong was able to gather global scholars for tech exchanges, benefiting youngsters in the city. “We hope that through exchanges with leading scientists, Hong Kong youths can truly understand international scientific development at this moment. Direct participation can inspire many youngsters to dedicate themselves to innovation and technology development,” he said. “Hong Kong is now accelerating its development into an international innovation and technology hub. Our hope lies in our youth, so we hope more young people in Hong Kong can be dedicated to scientific development.” Sun also said Hong Kong would continue to leverage its strength in building a high-end international academic and talent exchange platform. Edited by Tony Sabine