Beijing to help Hong Kong rake in talent from mainland China and overseas, nation’s labour chief says

Wang Xiaoping, country’s labour minister, says Beijing will also support drive for Hong Kong to become a more entrepreneur-friendly environment

Hong Kong labour chief also vows to expand talent trawl to Europe and Southeast Asia, after noting most incoming professionals are from mainland

3-MIN READ3-MIN

Hong Kong has unveiled a raft of policies in recent years to recruit talent from around the world. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 12:51pm, 7 May 2024Updated: 11:11pm, 7 May 2024

Beijing will work in tandem with Hong Kong authorities to make the city more attractive to talent from mainland China and the rest of the world, the country’s top official overseeing labour policies has said.

Wang Xiaoping, the country’s human resources and social security minister, made the pledge at Hong Kong’s two-day Global Talent Summit on Tuesday as the city’s labour chief said local authorities would focus on attracting more professionals from Southeast Asia and Europe.

Wang reiterated the country’s support for Hong Kong’s efforts to become an international talent hub, as well as its drive to become a more entrepreneur-friendly environment.

“China today has become fertile ground for talent from all walks of life, while Hong Kong has ushered in the best period for fostering the economy and development,” she said. “We are willing to work with the Hong Kong government … to build a stronger talent foundation.

“We look forward to talent from all walks of life at home and abroad … exploring opportunities in China, especially in Hong Kong. They can make full use of opportunities produced by the country’s high-quality development and Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability to realise their dreams.”

Wang’s ministry falls under the purview of the State Council. It oversees national labour policy standards and manages the country’s social security system.