Industry leaders highlight city’s international reach and expertise as state-owned drug maker considers Northern Metropolis project investment
2-MIN READ2-MIN ListenVivian Auin GuangzhouPublished: 10:39pm, 24 Aug 2026Mainland Chinese technology and pharmaceutical companies are using Hong Kong as a launching pad for global expansion, industry leaders have said, as a major state-owned drugmaker weighs whether to invest in the city’s Northern Metropolis megaproject.The comments highlighting the city’s international background and professional expertise were made during a six-day trip to the rest of the Greater Bay Area, which was arranged by the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office and started on Sunday.“Hong Kong is stepping up efforts to develop its innovation and technology sector. Its unique blend of Chinese and Western cultures, along with its high degree of internationalisation, gives the city a clear advantage in developing the traditional Chinese medicine industry,” Chen Jiehui, vice-chairman of Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Holdings, said on Monday.
“Through Hong Kong’s international platform, global languages and standards can be leveraged to help traditional Chinese medicine go global … such as Southeast Asian countries which could serve as a prime example of markets expanding internationally via Hong Kong.”
Chen added that his company, a major state-owned pharmaceutical enterprise, was considering investing in the Northern Metropolis and had previously held alignment discussions with relevant parties. He did not reveal details of the possible investment.
The Northern Metropolis megaproject aims to turn 30,000 hectares (74,132 acres) of land near the border with the mainland into a technological and economic hub.
