Hong Kong is looking to deepen its technology ties with Shenzhen and accelerate the commercialisation of research and development as it seeks to strengthen its position in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, Chief Executive John Lee said on Monday.
Speaking at the opening of Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK 2026, Lee said rapid advances in AI were transforming industries and supply chains, creating new patterns of investment, innovation, and global trade.
“Technology is advancing at remarkable speeds and AI transforming industries. And soon, the world, supply chains too,” Lee said.
He said Hong Kong would use its financial sector, international connections, and proximity to mainland China’s technology industry to help businesses develop and bring new technologies to market.
A key part of the plan is the Northern Metropolis, a development covering about one-third of Hong Kong’s land area and adjoining Shenzhen. It is expected to accommodate around 2.5 million people and provide more than 500,000 jobs.
Three university towns spanning more than 1,000 hectares are planned for the area, bringing education, research, technology and industry together.
The government is also deepening cooperation with Shenzhen through the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone.
Lee said the Hong Kong Park in the zone would facilitate the cross-border movement of personnel, materials, capital, and data.
An extension of the park will provide industrial space for prototyping, pilot production and mass manufacturing, helping companies move research results into commercial applications.
“We are creating an innovation through train, connecting talent and research with commercialisation and industry, and ultimately with capital and global markets,” Lee said.
Hong Kong is also seeking to build an innovation and technology industry chain across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, linking research institutions and businesses with international markets.
The city is home to more than 1,400 fintech companies, while its financial sector provides access to capital for businesses looking to expand, Lee said.
Net fund inflows into Hong Kong’s asset and wealth management sector surged about 200% last year, marking a third consecutive year of growth.
Invest Hong Kong helped more than 550 overseas and mainland companies establish or expand their businesses in the city between January and September, up 14% year on year.
The investments brought in about $9 billion in foreign direct investment and are expected to create around 11,000 jobs in the companies’ first year of operation or expansion.
Lee said Hong Kong’s legal framework, intellectual property protection and international business connections would help companies expand into mainland China and global markets.
The event brings together around 1,000 government leaders and professionals from the fintech, finance and technology industries across more than 100 countries and economies, alongside about 800 exhibitors and startups.
