Why Leading Enterprises Choose Hong Kong for Expansion  

PUBLISHED : 24 Nov 2025 at 09:00

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Hong Kong is ranked the world’s freest economy, thanks to its strategic location, low taxes, and strong legal framework.
Hong Kong is ranked the world’s freest economy, thanks to its strategic location, low taxes, and strong legal framework.

For enterprises with global ambition, choosing the right base of operations is strategic decision. Positioned at the heart of Asia’s financial and innovation network, Hong Kong offers a powerful launchpad for enterprises seeking to expand beyond borders. Driving this momentum is the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), a dedicated government office that has already attracted over 100 leading enterprises from all around the world. These span sectors including life and health technology, AI and data science, fintech, advanced manufacturing, new energy, and cultural and creative technology. 

City at the Heart of Asia 

Consistently ranked among the world’s freest economy, Hong Kong presents a compelling proposition for international businesses. Its strategic location, low and simple tax regime, and trusted legal system make it a secure and efficient base for global operations. 

Hong Kong is more than a finance centre – it is fast emerging as a powerhouse for innovation and technology (I&T). Home to world class universities and cutting-edge science parks, the city fosters breakthroughs in fields such as AI, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and more. Its proximity to Chinese Mainland, combined with seamless access to regional and global markets, positions Hong Kong as a natural gateway for enterprises looking to scale across Asia and beyond.  

“Strong policy support and efficient capital markets provide significant backing for (enterprises’) further regional business expansion and global outreach,” said Mr. Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region. (Image Courtesy of ISD of HKSARG)

Hong Kong is home to world-class science parks that foster cutting-edge breakthroughs in fields such as AI. Cyberport 5 is poised to become a prominent landmark within the city’s innovation and technology ecosystem, further strengthening its role as a global hub for tech development. (Image Courtesy of Cyberport)

Hong Kong is home to world-class science parks that foster cutting-edge breakthroughs in fields such as AI. Cyberport 5 is poised to become a prominent landmark within the city’s innovation and technology ecosystem, further strengthening its role as a global hub for tech development. (Image Courtesy of Cyberport)

OASES Powers Business Growth – From Setup to Strategy 

Since its launch in 2022, OASES has played a pivotal role in helping high-potential and representative enterprises establish and grow in Hong Kong. More than an investment office, OASES provides bespoke support across every stage of market entry and expansion. 

Through its one-stop facilitation model, OASES assists enterprise with licensing, visa applications, taxation, and talent admission. It also connects businesses with key stakeholders – from investors and universities to government departments, while offering strategic guidance on regulatory navigation and market positioning. This seamless blend of practical and advisory support enables companies to focus less on operational hurdles and more on accelerating growth. 

OASES' strategic enterprises come from high-tech sectors such as life and health technology, AI, fintech, advanced manufacturing, new energy, and creative sectors. (Image Courtesy of OASES)

OASES’ strategic enterprises come from high-tech sectors such as life and health technology, AI, fintech, advanced manufacturing, new energy, and creative sectors. (Image Courtesy of OASES)

Success Story: CATL Raises HK$41B in Hong Kong 

A standout example of Hong Kong’s strategic advantages is CATL, the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturer. In 2024, CATL established its international headquarters, intellectual property hub, and R&D centre in Hong Kong, investing HK$1.2 billion (US$154.3 million) to anchor its global operations.

Just a year later, CATL’s Hong Kong IPO raised an impressive HK$41 billion (US$5.2 billion), making it the largest global listing of 2025. Over 90% of the capital came from international investors – a testament to Hong Kong’s unparalleled access to global capital markets. The proceeds are fueling CATL’s overseas manufacturing expansion, particularly in Europe, to diversify its production footprint.

CATL launched a landmark IPO in Hong Kong, raising HK$41 billion (US$5.2 billion)—the largest global listing of 2025. (Image Courtesy of CATL)

CATL launched a landmark IPO in Hong Kong, raising HK$41 billion (US$5.2 billion)—the largest global listing of 2025. (Image Courtesy of CATL)

Success Story: Yeahka Expands Fintech Horizons from Hong Kong 

The fintech sector offers another compelling success story. Yeahka, a leading provider of payment and digital commerce solutions, became an OASES enterprise in 2024, marking a key milestone in its international growth journey. 

Leveraging its Hong Kong Money Service Operator license, which provided early credibility with global regulators, Yeahka established its international headquarters in the city to drive overseas business development. With tailored support from OASES, the company strengthened ties with international partners and investors, laying the foundation for regional expansion.

From its Hong Kong base, Yeahka is now extending its footprint into Japan and Southeast Asia, with a particular focus on Singapore and Indonesia – underscoring how Hong Kong empowers fintech innovators to scale across borders with confidence. 

With OASES’ support, Yeahka strengthened international partnerships and is expanding into Japan and Southeast Asia.

With OASES’ support, Yeahka strengthened international partnerships and is expanding into Japan and Southeast Asia.

A Call to Visionary Enterprises 

The journeys of CATL and Yeahka exemplify why forward-looking enterprises are choosing Hong Kong as their base for global expansion. With reliable access to international capital, a robust legal and regulatory framework, and world-class R&D capabilities, the city offers a fertile ground for innovation and growth.  

OASES ensures these advantages translate into tangible outcomes through its one-stop support and strategic guidance. From over 100 leading enterprises already onboard, Hong Kong is rapidly shaping a dynamic I&T ecosystem that powers the industries of tomorrow. 

For visionary enterprises ready to take the next step, Hong Kong is more than a destination – it’s a gateway to global opportunity.  

Learn more about OASES at www.oases.gov.hk

Since its inception, OASES has attracted 102 strategic enterprises, which are projected to invest about HK$60 billion (US$7.7 billion) and create over 22,000 jobs in Hong Kong. (Image Courtesy of OASES)

Since its inception, OASES has attracted 102 strategic enterprises, which are projected to invest about HK$60 billion (US$7.7 billion) and create over 22,000 jobs in Hong Kong. (Image Courtesy of OASES)