John Lee Ka-chiu, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, called on scientists, enterprises and investment institutions worldwide to seize opportunities in the city at the opening of the first Global Unicorn Summit on Monday. He described Hong Kong as a “golden gateway” that connects overseas companies to the mainland Chinese market and vice versa.
Lee spoke at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, stressing the city’s role as a “superconnector” and “super value-adder” between the mainland and the world. He said Hong Kong is not only a testing ground for technological breakthroughs but also an accelerator for transforming research outcomes into global expansion.
The Chief Executive highlighted Hong Kong’s strengths: a world-leading capital market, common-law system, low-tax business environment, global trade network and a pool of top-tier international professional talent. He noted that these advantages make Hong Kong the premier springboard for mainland start-ups and unicorns-companies valued at more than US$1 billion-to enter international markets and build global supply chains.
Lee added that the city is also the primary hub for overseas innovation and technology companies to tap into the mainland market. He cited statistics showing that, as of last year, more than 11,000 mainland and overseas companies and over 5,200 start-ups were operating in Hong Kong, and that the city has incubated 20 unicorns over the past decade.
He concluded by linking the development of the Greater Bay Area with Hong Kong’s high-calibre talent and research strengths, together with the robust advanced manufacturing base in mainland cities, which he said would provide a solid foundation for innovation and technology growth.
