The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued his visit to Seoul, today (July 10). He visited NAVER, a leading Korean innovation and technology (I&T) enterprise engaged in diverse fields such as electronic payments, e-commerce, fintech, information technology, cloud services, AI and robotics. Mr Chan was briefed by the company's management and research and development (R&D) heads on its development journey, technological innovations, application scenarios and future business directions. He also had in-depth exchanges with them, and watched a demonstration of NAVER's AI and robotics applications.

     Mr Chan noted that Hong Kong is also making great strides in developing its AI sector and is actively enhancing the related infrastructure. Institutions such as the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks and Cyberport are working to build a more vibrant I&T ecosystem. Under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong, being an international financial centre, offers a comprehensive range of fundraising options and a robust legal system that safeguards data and intellectual property rights. He welcomed NAVER to collaborate with Hong Kong partners of relevant fields in R&D and business development, and to leverage Hong Kong as a fundraising platform to support its international expansion.

     Mr Chan also visited Seoul's Digital Media City today. The Digital Media City is home to numerous companies in areas such as digital media, film and entertainment, gaming and animation, and information technology. It is a project led by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Mr Chan met with the management team to learn more about the project's development history and future plans, and visited an exhibition showcasing how extended reality technology is being used to support urban development.

     In addition, Mr Chan paid a courtesy call on the Chinese Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Mr Dai Bing. He briefed the Ambassador on the latest social and economic developments in Hong Kong, as well as recent trends in Hong Kong-Korea economic and trade relations. The two also exchanged views on the global geopolitical and economic landscape, regional trade co-operation and the development of China-Korea relations.

     Mr Chan completed his visit to Seoul today and will depart for Hong Kong in the evening.

Ends/Thursday, July 10, 2025
Issued at HKT 17:35

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