Mr. Charles Ng, Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), begins his duty visit to Mumbai and New Delhi today (April 20). This trip aims to underscore Hong Kong's unique role as a gateway for Indian companies seeking to expand into Mainland China and throughout North Asia and Southeast Asia.
Gateway to Growth
A highlight of Mr. Ng's visit is the event titled Gateway to Growth: Exploring Business & Investment Opportunities in and via Hong Kong. This event is jointly organized by InvestHK, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. As the keynote speaker, Mr. Ng will provide updates on the latest developments in Hong Kong's business landscape and discuss the strategic advantages of establishing operations in Hong Kong for Indian firms.
Opportunities for Indian Companies
Mr. Ng remarked, "India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, serving not only as a major start-up hub but also as a home to many high-net-worth individuals and families seeking diverse investment opportunities. Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to meet these needs." He highlighted Hong Kong's vibrant start-up ecosystem, which includes nearly 4,700 ventures in cutting-edge fields like AI, healthtech, fintech, and Web3, providing exceptional opportunities for Indian start-ups and investors.
He also noted the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, which offers an attractive pathway for wealthy Indian families looking to invest while having the option to reside in Hong Kong.
Strategic Business Discussions
Mr. Ng's itinerary includes high-level discussions with prominent Indian firms and investors, focusing on establishing a presence in Hong Kong to leverage its strategic advantages for global growth. He emphasized that Hong Kong's business-friendly environment, characterized by clear regulations, a low tax regime, robust capital markets, and free capital flows, makes it an ideal platform for Indian companies exploring expansion opportunities.
Strengthening Hong Kong-India Ties
He added, "With its unique position at the heart of Asia, world-class financial infrastructure, and deep connectivity with Mainland China and global markets, Hong Kong can empower Indian businesses to scale regionally and compete globally." This visit reflects InvestHK's commitment to strengthening ties between Hong Kong and India by fostering greater investment and innovation.
Economic Synergy
The economic synergy between Hong Kong and India is significant. In 2024, India ranked as Hong Kong's ninth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching approximately US$26 billion. Additionally, Hong Kong is home to a vibrant Indian community of over 42,000 people. The bilateral relationship has been further strengthened by the Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement, signed in March 2018 and enhanced through a protocol in November 2018, providing a robust framework for cross-border trade and investment.
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