Hong Kong: A strategic gateway for innovation and technology enterprises

Hong Kong is positioning itself as a leading hub for innovation and technology (I&T), offering businesses a gateway to unparalleled opportunities in Asia and beyond. The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) was established to spearhead Hong Kong’s ambitious efforts to attract high-potential strategic enterprises in I&T. With its goal of reinforcing the city’s position as a global I&T hub, OASES serves as a crucial catalyst in Hong Kong’s broader strategy to enhance its competitiveness in the innovation economy. This mission aligns seamlessly with the key priorities outlined in the Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address, which lays the foundation for the city’s future growth in the I&T industries.

Hong Kong’s I&T policy aims to nurture an environment where businesses can thrive, and OASES plays a pivotal role in making this vision a reality. By actively targeting and engaging with global enterprises, OASES ensures that Hong Kong remains at the forefront of technological innovation in Asia.

Tailored support for strategic enterprises

OASES provides comprehensive, one-stop services to help strategic enterprises from five key I&T industries establish a presence in Hong Kong and expand across regional and global markets. The industries include:

• Life and health technology
• Artificial intelligence and data science
• Fintech
• Advanced manufacturing and new-energy technology
• Cultural and creative technology

From the outset, OASES offers tailored assistance to companies, ensuring a seamless transition into the Hong Kong business environment. Its services cover regulatory guidance, business registration, access to capital and funding, stakeholder engagement, land acquisition, tax and financing solutions, visa arrangements, and education planning. These services are designed to facilitate smooth entry and long-term growth in the city, making it an attractive proposition for businesses seeking access to the thriving Asia-Pacific market and beyond.

OASES in action

OASES’ contributions are reflected in the success stories of several strategic enterprises that have chosen Hong Kong as their base for innovation and expansion. These companies, drawn by the city’s business-friendly policies and supportive infrastructure, have flourished in their respective industries.

One standout success story is Keeta, an international subsidiary under Meituan, has benefited from OASES’ strategic support. By establishing an operational team in Hong Kong as its first step toward global expansion, Keeta successfully adapted to the local food delivery market, developed a viable business model, and contributed significantly to the growth of the Hong Kong’s food delivery industry. This model was later leveraged to expand into overseas markets, including the Middle East and Brazil.  Keeta’s expansion across regions underscores Hong Kong’s potential as a springboard for companies seeking global success.

Another example is CATL. As one of the world’s largest EV battery manufacturers, CATL has established its international headquarters, intellectual property, and R&D centre in Hong Kong. The company is investing over HK$1.2 billion (US$154 million) in research and development, contributing to Hong Kong’s ambition of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. CATL’s decision to make Hong Kong its base for sustainable technology innovation further reinforces the city’s role in driving the future of green energy.

It is worth mentioning that HollySys, a leading provider of intelligence solutions, also exemplifies the success of OASES’ support. The company implemented a cutting-edge Signalling System and Main Control System for Hong Kong’s MTR (Mass Transit Railway), achieving engineering excellence by aligning its products with high international standards. HollySys’ integration of advanced technology has enabled the company to expand into global markets while ensuring safety and efficiency in Hong Kong’s transit system, key factors that reinforce the city’s reputation as an engineering powerhouse.

Why choose Hong Kong?

Hong Kong’s unique advantages, such as its strategic location, business-friendly environment, access to international markets, and robust I&T infrastructure, make it an ideal choice for companies seeking to establish or expand their presence in Asia and beyond. OASES is a critical part of this ecosystem, providing tailored support to help enterprises navigate the complexities of the business landscape.

With its strong focus on fostering innovation and technology, Hong Kong is not only attracting global strategic enterprises but also supporting them in their pursuit of long-term success.

If your enterprise is considering expanding into Hong Kong, OASES is ready to provide the support you need for a smooth and successful transition. 

Contact OASES today to explore how your business can benefit from Hong Kong’s innovative ecosystem and global connectivity.