John Lee invites UK firms to Northern Metropolis
SCMP · 4 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu told the annual summit of the British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong on Tuesday that the United Kingdom remains a “much valued business partner” for Hong Kong. He said bilateral merchandise trade was close to US$20 billion and had risen 26 per cent from 2024, while the number of British companies in Hong Kong grew 7 per cent to 770. Lee used the speech to invite British companies, investors, universities and research institutions to explore opportunities in the Northern Metropolis, which the government sees as a major growth engine tied to the Greater Bay Area. He also highlighted university-town development and recent talent-promotion events in London, Oxford and Cambridge as signs of scope for deeper cooperation.
Key Points
- Lee spoke at the British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong summit on Tuesday and described the UK as a highly valued commercial partner.
- He said Hong Kong ranked as the world’s fifth-largest merchandise trading economy last year, with UK-Hong Kong trade nearing US$20 billion.
- Bilateral merchandise trade rose 26 per cent from 2024, and British companies in Hong Kong increased 7 per cent to 770.
- Lee said the Northern Metropolis would integrate technology, industry, education, talent and urban development, with three university towns supporting that model.
- He said talent events held last month in London, Oxford and Cambridge drew more than 4,500 visits, showing strong UK interest.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong, the message is aimed at turning existing UK trade and investment links into participation in one of the city’s biggest long-term development projects. If British businesses and universities respond, the Northern Metropolis could gain added support in research, talent attraction and cross-border innovation links with Greater Bay Area partners.