In this undated photo Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po gives an interview. (PHOTO / CHINA DAILY)

Hong Kong has made big strides in competing for enterprises, as the special administrative region government has met with more than 100 companies, and most of them tend to have their offices in the Lok Ma Chau Loop and the San Tin Technopole of the New Territories, according to Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po.

The Lok Ma Chau Loop covers a large area adjacent to Shenzhen, providing facilities for Hong Kong to make joint efforts with sister cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to develop innovation and technology, the financial chief said, adding that I&T is a gateway for the SAR to realize industrial upgrading and transformation.

As the first event of the Happy Hong Kong - A and F Carnival organized by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the festival offers four highlighted varieties of organic watermelons cultivated in the city  

In the 2022 Policy Address, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu proposed the establishment of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation to mobilize resources, strengthen the government’s role in investing in strategic industries, and bring more enterprises to Hong Kong.

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Chan revealed in a recent interview that the investment corporation has announced its board of directors with the recruitment of a CEO underway, and it is under the charge of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority until the CEO’s appointment takes place. The corporation is expected to conclude its first investment by the end of the year. 

On top of attracting enterprises with cutting-edge technologies and increasing investment, the government is striving to boost consumption. 

“Hong Kong’s economy has been mainly driven by consumption so far this year given the continued decline in exports. To propel economic growth and inject more happiness to the society, the government will distribute the second instalment of the 2023 Consumption Voucher Scheme on July 16, with the first batch launched in April,” said Chan while attending the Local Organic Watermelon Festival 2023 on Thursday.

READ MORE: Lee urges Chinese mainland enterprises to invest in HK

As the first event of the Happy Hong Kong - A and F Carnival organized by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the festival offers four highlighted varieties of organic watermelons cultivated in the city. 

Residents can buy local organic agricultural and fisheries products at Maritime Square 1 at Tsing Yi in the New Territories until Sunday, the first organic farmers’ market of the festival, during which visitors can involve themselves in booth games and lectures, and enjoy stage performances. A spokesperson of the AFCD told China Daily that more than 11,000 people visited the Maritime Square market on June 22, the first day of the watermelon festival.

In addition to purchasing local watermelons and other seasonal vegetables and fruits at organic farmers’ markets, the public from late June can also order online via the website and mobile application of the Vegetable Marketing Organization and the website of Hong Kong Organic Resource Centre Certification, according to the AFCD.