Financial Secretary Paul Chan yesterday visited an artificial intelligence company and an insurance technology firm, and met representatives from European family offices, as he began a trip to Berlin.

On the two company visits, Mr Chan learnt about the German firms’ operations and development plans, and exchanged views with their leaders on technology trends.

He also briefed them on Hong Kong’s strategies to develop its innovation and technology (I&T) sectors, including measures to attract talent and to encourage strategic enterprises to establish a presence in Hong Kong.

The finance chief stressed that Hong Kong attracts capital and talent from around the world, and that the Greater Bay Area has excellent advanced manufacturing and product commercialisation capabilities.

Highlighting the implementation of policies that facilitate cross-boundary flows between the Mainland and Hong Kong, Mr Chan said the SAR offers German I&T companies an excellent base for scientific research and for developing their business in the Mainland and the wider Asia region.

Mr Chan also met representatives from companies acting on behalf of European family offices to discuss opportunities for investing in Asia’s financial and I&T sectors. He invited European family funds to utilise Hong Kong to tap into Asian markets.

In addition, Mr Chan had a lunch meeting with representatives from the German Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and later dined with representatives from the German Private Equity & Venture Capital Association.

During these meetings, Mr Chan spoke to attendees about opportunities for further collaboration on trade between the two places, and about Hong Kong’s business environment and economic situation.

Mr Chan met Minister of the Chinese Embassy in Germany Zeng Yingru in the morning.