Hong Kong leader invites British firms to explore Northern Territory opportunities
Hong Kong Chief Executive Lee Ka-chiu told the British Chamber of Commerce that the UK is a highly valued business partner, with bilateral goods trade nearing US$20 billion last year, up 26 per cent from 2024. He invited British enterprises, investors and universities to explore opportunities in the
Chief Executive of Hong Kong Lee Ka-chiu told the British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong that the UK is a highly valued business partner. He noted that Hong Kong ranked as the world's fifth largest goods trading economy last year and that bilateral goods trade reached nearly US$20 billion in 2025, a 26 per cent increase from 2024.
Lee said long-term mutual investment between Hong Kong and the UK remains strong. By the end of 2024, the UK was the fourth largest source of foreign investment in Hong Kong and the sixth largest destination for Hong Kong's outward direct investment. The number of British companies operating in Hong Kong reached 770 last year, up 7 per cent year on year, reflecting confidence in the city.
He added that Hong Kong and the UK share similar financial standards but sit in different time zones, allowing them to complement each other. Lee expressed confidence in building a prosperous future together.
The Chief Executive pointed to the Northern Territory as a key growth engine under Hong Kong's first five-year plan. The area will deepen Hong Kong's participation in the Greater Bay Area development, integrating technology, industry, education, talent and urban planning. Three university towns will blend these five elements.
Lee invited British enterprises, investors, universities and research institutions to explore opportunities in the Northern Territory and collaborate with Hong Kong and Greater Bay Area cities. He noted that the Hong Kong Talent Services Office held its first recruitment and career fair in London last month, along with campus sessions at Oxford and Cambridge. The three events attracted more than 4,500 visitors, showing strong British interest in opportunities in Hong Kong.