The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Tokyo) held a networking luncheon in Seoul, Korea, today (August 29) to promote Hong Kong's advantages as a talent hub and the vast opportunities ahead as the gateway to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

Speaking at the luncheon, the Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Miss Winsome Au, pointed out that there is a vibrant and active Korean community in Hong Kong, and Korean students are the largest overseas students group enrolled in the University Grants Committee-funded programmes in Hong Kong.

"It is our pleasure to help build this talent pool from Korea that also adds to the international vibe of our city," she said.

She added that the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is committed to investing in infrastructure and education, fostering innovation and creating a dynamic and highly international environment for ambitious individuals.  

At the luncheon, the Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Ms Maisie Chan, introduced the boundless opportunities and benefits brought about by the development of the GBA for Korean talents and enterprises.  

Ms Chan said, "The GBA presents abundant opportunities and exciting career prospects for talented individuals." She added that foreign nationals working in Hong Kong were able to enjoy convenient access to the fast-growing GBA market and also the opportunities on the Mainland. Some recent measures included the introduction of multiple-entry visa to the Mainland in 2023, which greatly facilitated the travel of foreign staff from Hong Kong-registered companies to the Mainland (including the nine cities of the GBA) for business purposes. Moreover, a new card-type travel document for non-Chinese Hong Kong permanent residents to visit the Mainland was launched in July 2024, which has greatly enhanced the convenience of clearance at the Mainland's control points and facilitated international talent in Hong Kong in travelling to the Mainland for business or leisure.

The Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong, introduced Hong Kong's attractions as a magnet for innovation and technology (I&T) talents at the luncheon. She emphasised that Hong Kong is building its own I&T ecosystem, actively attracting I&T talents from local and abroad, promoting technology with talents, leading industries with technology, and attracting talents with industries.

She said, "The entrepreneurial and employment opportunities provided by a vibrant I&T ecosystem are the most effective way to attract I&T talents to come and stay in Hong Kong for development. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to work with various sectors of the community to enhance Hong Kong's I&T ecosystem. We welcome and encourage Korean talents in I&T, especially those in the relevant strategic technology industries, to come to Hong Kong to realise their potential." 

Also speaking at the event, the Director of Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE), Mr Anthony Lau, highlighted Hong Kong's unique advantages and enormous opportunities as well as various talent admission schemes to attract talents with diverse backgrounds from around the world to pursue development in Hong Kong. 

"Hong Kong Talent Engage aims to develop strategic engagement plans to trawl for talents worldwide, and provide comprehensive one-stop support services to assist talents in their long-term development in Hong Kong," Mr Lau said. He added that HKTE will continue to step up global promotion on Hong Kong's dual role as an international talent hub and the country's gateway for talents to attract more high-calibre talents from all over the world to Hong Kong.

A representative from a Korean company was invited to share their experience in setting up business and the working environment in Hong Kong.

The luncheon was attended by representatives from human resource agencies and top tertiary institutions, as well as professionals and students in Seoul.