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SCED's speech at launch reception of Invest Hong Kong 2014 StartmeupHK Venture Programme (English only)
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     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, at the launch reception of the Invest Hong Kong 2014 StartmeupHK Venture Programme today (June 13):

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good evening. I am delighted to join our friends from the start-up community at the launching of the 2014 StartmeupHK Venture Programme.

     This is my second time attending this event. I am very happy to see the programme enter into its second year and attract even more attention.

     The programme includes a global competition, a week-long StartmeupHK Festival and a StartmeupHK Venture Forum in November. Together they aim to highlight Hong Kong as the region's leading hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. The global competition is now open for applications, and I encourage founders here tonight to join.

     Last year, Invest Hong Kong saw 384 entries from 39 economies. The number was bigger than anticipated, and I know that the department is hoping to see even more entries this year.

     This hope is not without basis given the growing awareness overseas of Hong Kong's efforts to build a thriving start-up ecosystem.

     Hong Kong is a renowned international business and financial centre, with a range of enduring advantages that have long made it a magnet for businesses of all shapes and sizes. In particular, the ease of setting up and doing business in Hong Kong, our proximity to regional and Mainland markets, strong rule of law, protection of intellectual property and vibrant cosmopolitan lifestyle are key factors that attract a great number of overseas start-ups to our city.

     I appreciate Invest Hong Kong's timely recognition of this new driver of our economy. And I would also like to thank the programme's co-organisers, Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks and Cyberport, and the many sponsors and supporting organisations, for their support of the programme.

     Looking forward, there will be a lot of hard work for Invest Hong Kong to bring the StartmeupHK Venture Programme to its climax in November. I wish Simon (Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Simon Galpin) and his team every success, and I look forward to meeting you all at the Forum in November.

     Thank you.

Ends/Friday, June 13, 2014
Issued at HKT 20:27

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