Start-ups can flourish in HK

They also bring inspiration, they bring innovation, ideas, talented people and technology to our economy. And the most amazing thing is when a start-up is transformed into a global brand. That's the kind of success story we want for Hong Kong.

 

Last month, I visited Level 39 of TechCity in London. It is a new space for financial technology start-ups and accelerator programmes. I learnt about how the UK Government has implemented specific policies to encourage local people and overseas investors to found or to invest in new ventures.

 

Countries, like the UK, are keen to cultivate an ecosystem that nurtures ideas and innovation, and transform them into flourishing and sustainable enterprises. Some of them are well on their way to achieving that. And here in Hong Kong, we are redoubling our efforts to raise our city's emerging status as one of the world's increasingly important hubs for global entrepreneurs and start-ups.

 

Hong Kong actually has all the conditions favourable for quality start-ups, both local and overseas, to flourish, and it is well placed to leverage its enduring advantages in support of such ventures. Our city is most definitely the right place to turn brilliant ideas into a scalable enterprise and to expand business globally.

 

Start-ups have access to a wide range of events in Hong Kong, including InnoAsia, Business of Design Week, the Innovation Design Technology Expo, the World SME Expo, and many more.

 

At each of these events, thought leaders, service providers and successful start-up entrepreneurs are volunteering their time as well as sharing their successes and lessons learned.

  

Financial Secretary John Tsang gave this speech at the StartmeupHK Venture Forum 2013 held by Invest Hong Kong at the Central Government Offices on December 5.