HONG KONG – A senior official of Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) has emphasized Hong Kong's role as a global financial hub and gateway to Chinese mainland and international markets during a weeklong visit to Canada.
Charles Ng Siong-kwong, associate director-general of investment promotion at InvestHK – the government agency tasked with promoting inward direct investment – concluded his Canada visit on Saturday, deepening economic and business ties with Canadian investors and enterprises.
Ng met with investors, family offices, startups, academia, and business leaders during the visit from June 8 to 14 to Waterloo, Toronto, and Montreal, according to a government release.
He hosted roundtables highlighting the special administrative region’s strengths in wealth management and cross-border investments and discussed how Canadian enterprises can leverage Hong Kong for global expansion.
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He toured innovation labs and facilities at universities and discussed Asian expansion plans with Canadian founders. The meetings connected researchers and ecosystem builders across life sciences, medtech, cleantech, and artificial intelligence.
At various events, Ng highlighted the upcoming Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK Festival 2025, inviting Canadian investors and entrepreneurs to visit Hong Kong from November 3 to 7 and explore Asia's dynamic markets.
The event offers unparalleled access to industry leaders, cutting-edge fintech trends, and high-growth opportunities for positioning companies at the forefront of innovation, according to the government.
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“The visit was highly fruitful, underscoring the strong economic relationship and vibrant investment exchanges between Hong Kong and Canada. It highlighted Hong Kong's distinctive role as a 'super-connector' linking global markets, offering Canadian businesses valuable pathways for expansion into Asia,” said Ng.
The engagement not only reinforced ties between the two markets but also unlocked exciting collaborative opportunities, he added.
Participants at the events expressed keen interest in Hong Kong's business environment and connectivity, said the release.
“They (InvestHK) presented a dynamic and expanding start-up ecosystem, clearly focused on welcoming talented Canadian founders and connecting them with high-potential Asian markets and diverse funding opportunities, all within close geographic reach,” said Andrew Martinko, investor relations officer, Velocity Incubator, University of Waterloo.
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Meanwhile, Shan Tao, co-founder and chief executive officer of XSIM AI Canada Inc, said participating in the StartmeUpHK Festival was a pivotal moment for XSIM AI Canada Inc.
“Hong Kong is where our vision for practical, scalable, purpose-driven industrial AI found both strategic alignment and real momentum – advancing economic value and environmental impact,” she said.
Cindy Ho, partner at DS Avocats and honorary secretary of the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide, facilitated high-level connections during the trip and shared her insights.
Canada and Hong Kong share a robust and time-tested business relationship, driving trade, investment, and innovation, she said.
“With Hong Kong serving as a vital hub for Canadian businesses expanding into Asia, and Canadian expertise fueling innovation in Hong Kong, this dynamic exchange is unlocking new opportunities and reinforcing bilateral trade and investment in the global economy,” she added.
