Financial Secretary John Tsang, speaking at the "Suzhou-Hong Kong Hand in Hand, Sailing Forward" event in Nanjing promoting mainland enterprises going global, pointed out that last year Hong Kong had a total of 119 new listings, raising over HK$280 billion, ranking first globally in new fundraising amounts. Since the beginning of this year, about 100 companies have listed in Hong Kong, raising approximately HK$380 billion, an increase of over 100% compared to the same period last year. These figures confirm that Hong Kong can provide enterprises with a crucial platform connecting to international capital. Currently, more than 70 out of the world's largest 100 banks have operations in Hong Kong.

　　John Tsang believes that enterprises coming to Hong Kong for financing are not only raising funds but also stepping onto the international stage. At present, Hong Kong is both Jiangsu's largest source of foreign investment and its largest overseas investment destination. As of the end of September this year, 129 Jiangsu enterprises have listed in Hong Kong, with a market value of about HK$1.44 trillion. He hopes Jiangsu enterprises can make good use of Hong Kong's financial and professional service advantages to expand their global business.

　　John Tsang stated that Hong Kong has always adhered to a simple and low tax regime. The standard profits tax rates for corporations and unincorporated businesses are 16.5% and 15% respectively. On this basis, the government has proposed a package of preferential policies to provide eligible enterprises with a half-tax rate or a preferential rate of 5%, supporting the development of key industries. To further connect talent, research, and industries, the SAR government is advancing the development of the Northern Metropolis, including building a university town to promote the convergence of high-quality education and research resources from Hong Kong, the mainland, and overseas, driving coordinated development of education, technology, talent, and industries, aiming to foster closer collaboration among universities, research institutions, enterprises, and investors, enabling research outcomes to be transformed into products and services more quickly.

　　In its first "Five-Year Plan", Hong Kong proposed advancing the construction of the "Four Centers and One High Ground", including consolidating and enhancing its status as an international financial, shipping, and trade center, accelerating the development of an international innovation and technology center, and building an international high-end talent hub. John Tsang believes these development directions align well with Jiangsu enterprises' needs for innovation and internationalization. Looking ahead, John Tsang believes more Chinese enterprises, with independent innovation, high-quality products, and excellent services, will grow into multinational corporations with global influence. (tc)