In a significant affirmation of its status as a global technology and financial hub, Hong Kong hosted the inaugural LEAP East summit this July, attracting over 35,000 innovators from around the world. The event, held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, marked a historic first as the prestigious LEAP summit was conducted outside of Saudi Arabia, highlighting the strengthening ties between Hong Kong and the Middle East. With more than 340 speakers and 450 exhibitors, the summit underscored Hong Kong's pivotal role in sectors such as artificial intelligence, deep tech, and smart cities, while also facilitating crucial dialogues among policymakers, investors, and tech professionals from 30 countries and regions.
Paul Chan, Hong Kong's Financial Secretary, emphasized the city’s unique position as a 'super connector' between the Chinese Mainland and international markets. He pointed out Hong Kong's robust legal framework, capital flow, and favorable tax regime as key advantages that make it an attractive destination for Gulf enterprises seeking to tap into global funding and innovation. Chan's remarks were underscored by a commitment to host LEAP East for the next three years, signaling a long-term strategic partnership with the Gulf region.
The summit also celebrated Hong Kong's burgeoning innovation ecosystem, which has seen a 40% increase in startups since 2021, now totaling 5,200. This growth is complemented by Hong Kong's impressive rankings in global innovation and digital competitiveness indices, reaffirming its status as a leading destination for Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). With 119 listings raising approximately US$35 billion in 2025, the city continues to attract significant capital, further enhancing its allure as a global tech hub.
Looking ahead, Chan announced plans for a high-level delegation to Saudi Arabia later this year, aimed at fostering partnerships in infrastructure, green technology, and advanced manufacturing. As LEAP East establishes a firm presence in Hong Kong, the message to global investors and innovators is clear: the corridor between Asia and the Gulf is expanding, with Hong Kong positioned as a key facilitator of this growth.
Paul Chan, Hong Kong's Financial Secretary, emphasized the city’s unique position as a 'super connector' between the Chinese Mainland and international markets. He pointed out Hong Kong's robust legal framework, capital flow, and favorable tax regime as key advantages that make it an attractive destination for Gulf enterprises seeking to tap into global funding and innovation. Chan's remarks were underscored by a commitment to host LEAP East for the next three years, signaling a long-term strategic partnership with the Gulf region.
The summit also celebrated Hong Kong's burgeoning innovation ecosystem, which has seen a 40% increase in startups since 2021, now totaling 5,200. This growth is complemented by Hong Kong's impressive rankings in global innovation and digital competitiveness indices, reaffirming its status as a leading destination for Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). With 119 listings raising approximately US$35 billion in 2025, the city continues to attract significant capital, further enhancing its allure as a global tech hub.
Looking ahead, Chan announced plans for a high-level delegation to Saudi Arabia later this year, aimed at fostering partnerships in infrastructure, green technology, and advanced manufacturing. As LEAP East establishes a firm presence in Hong Kong, the message to global investors and innovators is clear: the corridor between Asia and the Gulf is expanding, with Hong Kong positioned as a key facilitator of this growth.
Source: The Fintech Times
