Hong Kong and Shanghai signs talent exchange deal

This aims to promote two-way flow of talent.

The Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) and Shanghai Municipal Talent Work Bureau have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that aims to boost their skills sharing.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun witnessed the signing of the pact by Shanghai Municipal Talent Work Bureau Deputy Director Tan Puzhen and HKTE Director Anthony Lau.

“The MOU aims to deepen talent exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and Shanghai by strengthening cooperation between the two places in global talent attraction, services, employment and development, with a view to jointly developing the two places into talent hubs,” authorities said.

The labour chief also said the agreement will promote the “southbound and northbound” two-way flow of talent, which will facilitate talent in both places to pursue career, business and investment opportunities.” 

Sun said Hong Kong and Shanghai reached a consensus in April on the matter. They agreed to establish a comprehensive partnership as well as a regular dialogue mechanism to promote collaboration on nurturing talent and talent services, he added.

He noted that Mainland authorities earlier extended the stay period for holders of an exit endorsement for business visits to Hong Kong from seven days to 14 days. China also expanded the application of the exit endorsement for talent to Beijing and Shanghai.

Both parties also cited policy initiatives to attract and support talent, as well as areas for cooperation and collaboration with enterprises to promote the skills sharing.

The Hong Kong government has been implementing efforts to boost its talent pool. This includes the conduct of Career Let’s Go from May to August that aims to enhance employability of secondary school leavers.