"Hong Kong is a city that can be the optimal base for corporations seeking to enter the global market."
Wendy Chow, Head of Team of the DT&DI unit overseeing ICT (information and communications technology) at Invest Hong Kong, said this at a press briefing held on the morning of the 24th in Gangnam District, Seoul.
Invest Hong Kong is the Hong Kong government's dedicated investment promotion agency. The briefing was arranged to highlight Hong Kong's startup-friendly investment environment and strengths as a base for global expansion and to attract Korean corporations. In addition to Head of Team Chow, Kinder Chu, Director of the startup team, Seo Young-ho, head of the Korea office, and consultant Cho Eun-a attended.
Invest Hong Kong on the day emphasized Hong Kong's free economic environment and global competitiveness. Head of Team Chow said, "As of 2025, Hong Kong ranks No. 1 globally in the initial public offering (IPO) market and also shows strengths in capital raising." She also explained that as the No. 3 city in the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI) and the No. 1 financial hub in Asia, Hong Kong continues to rank high in foreign direct investment inflows.
Head of Team Chow said Hong Kong is a city with low tax rates, free capital movement and global financial infrastructure, adding, "The government provides all-around support so that corporations can establish corporations or branches in Hong Kong and operate their businesses stably." According to Invest Hong Kong, the top corporate income tax rate is 16.5%, and for eligible research and development (R&D) expense, it offers a tax credit of up to 300%.
Invest Hong Kong on the day especially underscored its intention to attract Korean ICT startups. In step with rising demand for artificial intelligence (AI) services, Hong Kong has focused on fostering advanced technology industries. In this year's policy address and budget, the Hong Kong government presented AI as a core driver of the future economy and allocated at least HK$3 billion (about 566 billion won) to develop a technology hub in the border area to nurture the AI industry. It is also building an innovation cluster that combines technology and finance through linkages with Shenzhen and Guangzhou.
Director Kinder Chu said, "Hong Kong is not merely an investment destination but a platform to move into the global market," adding, "A startup ecosystem in which incubators, accelerators and university networks are organically connected is already in place."
According to Invest Hong Kong, as of 2025 the number of local startups is 5,221, up 39% from 2021 (3,755). It has also produced 19 unicorns (unlisted startups valued at $1 billion or more).
Specific support measures were also introduced. According to Invest Hong Kong, the Hong Kong government provides about 200 million won in funding to startups through incubating programs and offers office space free of charge for a certain period. When hiring research and development (R&D) personnel, payroll support is provided according to degree level. In addition, through programs linked with global cloud corporations, it is helping startups expand overseas.
Head of Team Chow also emphasized Hong Kong's open technology environment on the day. Chow said, "In Hong Kong, you can use a wide range of global technologies without being restricted to a specific country," adding, "You can freely use the cloud services of not only Chinese corporations but also U.S. corporations." Chow added, "Through cooperation with global corporations such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google, we are broadening the foundation for startups to grow."
Invest Hong Kong on the day also made clear its intention to attract Korean corporations. While some Korean corporations are operating their businesses with Hong Kong as a base, their share is still not large. On this, Head of Team Chow said, "We assess that Korean startups' technological capabilities are very high," adding, "We will actively support Korean corporations so they can use Hong Kong as a bridgehead for global expansion going forward."