18 strategic enterprises setting up or expanding in HK
發佈日期: 2025-04-08 19:34
TVB News
The government today welcomed 18 strategic enterprises to set up or expand their operations in the city.
Over half of the companies specialise in cutting edge technology including artificial intelligence and big data.
A total of 18 strategic companies signed agreements to become partners of the SAR at the Central Government Offices this afternoon.
Among them, 14 are mainland companies which specialise in AI and big data, including Baidu Apollo International Limited, which launched a driverless taxi service in Wuhan, Hubei Province in 2022.
The company received a pilot licence from Hong Kong authorities last year, allowing them to conduct tests for 10 self-driving vehicles in North Lantau.
Halton Niu, Baidu Intelligent Driving Group's general manager of overseas business, said they hope to expand their autonomous driving trial tests in other parts of the SAR this year.
Meanwhile, a U.S. based Web3 company explained their reason for expanding their business to the city.
Kang Li, chief security officer, Certik: "Hong Kong is the hub for financial supply chains and markets. There are global leaders there. Hong Kong government is also promoting and really encouraging business developments in this area. However, I'm also feel like they are under pressure because there are a lot of risks in this area. We see this both as a challenge and an opportunity."
In the face of U.S. tariffs, Financial secretary Paul Chan reiterated the SAR's status of being a free port.
Paul Chan, Financial Secretary: "This strategic development direction grows more urgent in today's complex geopolitical landscape. Amid ties of unilateralism and protectionism, Hong Kong remains steadfast in our commitment to upholding our free port status and free trade policy."
Paul Chan said Hong Kong had attracted over 80 key enterprises in the past two years and are expected to lure nearly 50 billion dollars worth of investments in the future.
