(To watch the full press conference with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Chief Executive John Lee today said the Government has received over 100,000 applications in six months for admission into Hong Kong through its talent schemes.

Citing previous records, Mr Lee said about 60% of the applications will be approved.

Speaking ahead of this morning’s Executive Council meeting, he explained the importance of inviting talent to Hong Kong.

“First of all, to fulfil the shortage (of manpower). The second thing is to make us stronger. It is not just making up the numbers, it is also making a strong team in Hong Kong for us to be very competitive because every city, every country is fighting for talent, and some of the cities and countries are launching some very attractive talent admission schemes.

“So I am very glad that we have received very good support for our talent admission schemes. We will continue so as to see how we can maintain that momentum and also how we will attract talent to particularly fit Hong Kong’s requirements because we are very determined to develop Hong Kong in eight areas which are the traditional strengths and emerging strengths of Hong Kong.”