An article published by the Hong Kong newspaper Wen Wei Po on 31 July 2025 features insights from Egis Group, highlighting Hong Kong's dynamic business landscape as detailed in the report on “Hong Kong’s Business Environment: Unique Strengths under ‘One Country, Two Systems,’” issued by the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR Government.
Hong Kong stands as a premier destination for multinational corporations (MNCs) seeking stable and innovative opportunities in Asia. In 2024, the city secured its position as the world’s third-largest recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI), with inflows reaching EUR 115.92 billion, up from EUR 103.96 billion in 2023, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s World Investment Report 2025.
Last year, Hong Kong’s Investment Promotion Agency supported 539 mainland Chinese and international firms in establishing or expanding operations, marking a 40% year-on-year increase. By June 2025, registered local companies totalled approximately 1.5 million, whilst non-Hong Kong companies reached 15,509—both record highs. Since late 2022, talent attraction programmes, including the Top Talent Pass Scheme, received nearly 500,000 applications, with 330,000 approved and 220,000 individuals arrived by June 2025. Amid global trade shifts, including tariff wars, the HKSAR Government leverages Hong Kong’s unique strengths to attract MNCs. “Hong Kong combines all the conditions for success, making it an unrivalled destination for businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive,” the report states.
Corporate growth and investment
In 2024, Hong Kong hosted 9,960 companies with overseas parent entities, up 10% from 2023, comprising 1,410 regional headquarters, 2,410 regional offices, and 6,140 local offices, underscoring its appeal to MNCs. The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, launched in December 2022, drew 84 high-value firms, many valued over EUR 1.2 billion, projected to generate EUR 6 billion in investments and 20,000 jobs. These firms cite Hong Kong’s robust financial system, diverse talent pool, strong research foundation, and strategic access to mainland China and global markets as key drivers for investment.
Thriving startup ecosystem
Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem flourishes, hosting 4,700 startups in 2024, up 10% from 2023. Over 25% of these, spanning fintech, e-commerce, and IT, were founded by non-local entrepreneurs, employing over 17,000 people—a 7% rise year-on-year. This dynamic landscape offers MNCs opportunities for partnerships and innovation-driven investments.
Talent attraction and development
Since late 2022, talent initiatives have approved over 108,000 of 135,000 applications, strengthening Hong Kong’s talent pool in finance, trade, and technology, easing MNC recruitment challenges. The city’s commitment to local talent saw it rise to ninth globally in the World Talent Ranking 2024 (September 2024), up from 16th in 2023.
Robust asset management growth
The Securities and Futures Commission’s 2024 Asset and Wealth Management Activities Survey reports assets under management exceeding EUR 4.2 trillion in 2024, up 13% from 2023, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a global financial centre for MNC investment strategies.
Business community champions resilience
Industry leaders commend the report for boosting investor confidence, highlighting Hong Kong’s role as an MNC hub, supported by its robust legal framework, free-market policies, and efficient government services. The HKSAR Government’s reforms and global talent pool create vast opportunities for businesses.”
Egis Group: Hong Kong’s strategic importance
Dr. James Xiong, Managing Director of Hong Kong and Macau at Egis Group, reaffirmed Hong Kong’s pivotal role for MNCs. “Hong Kong remains a strategic hub for multinational companies to expand their Asia business. As an international financial, trade, and logistics centre, Hong Kong has always maintained unique competitiveness and attractiveness. Its sound legal system, free market economic policies, and efficient government services provide multinational companies with a stable and superior business environment. Moreover, Hong Kong’s geographical location, world-class infrastructure, and highly internationalised professional talent pool make it an ideal hub for businesses expanding across Asia and beyond,” he stated, expressing confidence in its sustainable future.
Hong Kong’s unique position as a bridge between mainland China and the world positions it as a vital partner for MNCs like Egis Group, offering exceptional opportunities for investment and innovation in a dynamic market.
Source:
1) Wen Wei Po: Hong Kong Shines as Asia’s “Opportunity Basin”
2) Report on Hong Kong's Business Environment: Unique Strengths under 'One Country, Two Systems
