Hong Kong draws US$4.9 billion in FDI in 2024 with Chinese, US firms leading: InvestHK

“Hong Kong is an international city that is a springboard for the rest of the world,” Lau said. “We are unlike any other Chinese city, and that is why even Chinese enterprises have to come to Hong Kong … to set up a stepping stone for their goal of establishing international headquarters or to go outside mainland China.”

The number of Chinese companies investing in Hong Kong in the first half represents a significant jump, as mainland companies have historically accounted for 35 per cent of the new companies investing in the city, Lau said.

With AI and technology firms increasingly seeking to expand beyond China, Lau said more Chinese firms would inevitably be drawn to Hong Kong.

“At the same time, the growth for non-mainland Chinese companies remains healthy,” she said. “These companies still use Hong Kong as a springboard into Asia and the rest of China. Hong Kong is a unique hub, and this is why Singapore companies also come to Hong Kong to set up offices.”

The UK, Singapore and France were the third, fourth and fifth sources of new businesses investing in Hong Kong, InvestHK said.

“In one day I have already got a lot of very positive feedback from foreign chambers [of commerce],” she said. “It will be even easier for them now to come to Hong Kong and also be able to access China for investment opportunities.”