Hosting the world

A Hong Kong ferry is one of the world’s most magical forms of public transport. Whether crossing between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central or North Point and Kowloon City, these trips encapsulate all that is great about the city.

Look out one side to see the skyscrapers of Central, framed by a stunning backdrop of Hong Kong Island’s peaks. In the other direction lie the twinkling lights of Kowloon Peninsula, the waterfront museums and night markets that attract visitors and locals alike.

From this floating perspective, you are reminded of the vastness of Hong Kong’s surrounding topography and the narrow distances between so many world-class businesses and institutions. The ferry is only about a 10-minute journey yet it acts as a bridge between worlds: work and pleasure, beauty and function, natural and manmade – dichotomies that might cause friction elsewhere, simply spark inspiration here. And the work-life balance is good. Hong Kong might have the most skyscrapers of any city in the world, but it also has the highest life expectancy. No wonder there is such a clamour to be here. Just as the ferries are a dazzling link between shores, Hong Kong is also a link between East and West, a strategic hub for global business and cultural events supported by best-in-class venues, hotels and infrastructure.

In 2025, the opening of the Kai Tak Sports Park will spark a new wave of sporting tournaments, culminating in November with the co-hosting of the 15th National Games of the People’s Republic of China. Such events will only serve to further improve the quality of life for the countless entrepreneurs and opportunity seekers drawn here by a growing GDP, low crime rate and vibrant culture.

A record number of startups are supported by a thriving network of incubators, accelerators and co-working spaces, while established international businesses increasingly shift operations to take advantage of a deep global talent pool and a simple tax system with low rates. Hong Kong is among the top 10 of the IMD’s World Talent Ranking 2024, thanks to a new admission regime that embraces global talents of different profiles, including the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme for highly-skilled individuals and the Technology Talent Admission Scheme for R&D in that sector. Operated efficiently under the Chinese government’s “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong has retained its unique personality while remaining a welcoming hub for Asia and beyond.