More companies open in Hong Kong

Invest Hong Kong helps 209 companies either expand or set-up their businesses in Hong Kong in the first half of the year.

The total is 5.6% more than the same period last year. Director-General of Investment Promotion Simon Galpin said the entrepreneurs behind these companies came from 32 countries, with the Mainland the largest single source of investment into Hong Kong.

The companies plan to employ 1,857 people for their first year of set up or expansion, up 7.3% year-on-year.

Tourism and hospitality, transport and industrial, and financial services, were the top three sectors, Galpin said.

Invest Hong Kong or InvestHK is responsible for foreign direct investment and supporting overseas, Mainland and Taiwanese businesses to set up and expand in Hong Kong. The department provides free advice and customised services to help businesses succeed in the city.

Founded in July 2000, its mission is to confirm and strengthen Hong Kong as Asia's leading international business centre and to attract economically and strategically important investment.