The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, completed his final day of visit in New York, the US, yesterday (October 24, New York time).

     In the morning, Mr Chan held a breakfast meeting with representatives from several family offices, introducing Hong Kong's unique advantages as a global leading hub for asset and wealth management, as well as the latest developments in this field. He welcomed them to leverage Hong Kong's efficient and diverse capital markets, robust family office service network and ecosystem, and global business connections for wealth succession and developing family philanthropies, while exploring more investment opportunities in the Mainland and Asia.

     Following that, Mr Chan visited the technology accelerator and venture capital platform Newlab, where he toured the startups they nurture and support. He also met with their staff in charge. Newlab focuses on incubating and accelerating deep tech and climate tech startups, facilitating their growth through public-private partnerships, investment matching, and promoting the commercialisation of research and development. The platform is considering expanding its business overseas and establishing more locations. Mr Chan mentioned that the Chief Executive recently announced the "Innovation and Technology Accelerator Pilot Scheme" in his Policy Address, aiming at attracting experienced professional startup service organisations, both local and overseas, to establish accelerator bases in Hong Kong to support the growth of startups. Currently, Hong Kong has over 4,200 startups, with a vibrant and active startup ecosystem, a full-chain fundraising market, and a listing system tailored for specialised tech companies. Furthermore, with ongoing deepening cooperation with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area cities in innovation and technology, he welcomed the platform to set up a base in Hong Kong and explore collaboration opportunities.

     Mr Chan departed from New York in the afternoon, heading back to Hong Kong, and is expected to arrive tonight (October 25, Hong Kong time).

Ends/Friday, October 25, 2024
Issued at HKT 9:00

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