Business operations hit all-time high

7,250 companies are alive and kicking.

According to a government release, the number of business operations in Hong Kong with parent companies overseas and in Mainland China reached an all-time high of 7,250, up 4.3% from a year ago, according to an annual survey released by Invest Hong Kong and the Census & Statistics Department today.

Director-General of Investment Promotion Simon Galpin said the number of people these companies employ had increased by about 20,000 compared to a year ago, up 5.7%.

While Mr Galpin welcomed the findings, he was cautious regarding global economic trends and their likely impact on Hong Kong.

"We have to recognise that a difficult global environment and the slowdown in Mainland China's economy may have a negative impact on the number of foreign companies setting up in Hong Kong in the short term," he said.

"We are confident, though, that in the long run, Hong Kong will continue to attract investors who plan to start or strengthen their operations in the region."