Investments by the first six batches of strategic enterprises brought to Hong Kong through the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises totalled HK$28.3 billion as of the end of September, according to Financial Secretary Paul Chan. He noted that the seventh batch of 18 firms, recently welcomed, brings the total count to 142 strategic enterprises that have now established or expanded their operations in Hong Kong. With these enterprises, Chan estimates that around HK$84 billion in investment and roughly 27,000 jobs will be generated over the coming years. Writing in his weekly blog, Chan highlighted that actual investments by the first six batches had surpassed their initial targets by 30 percent, reaching HK$28.3 billion, and had employed over 10,300 people, which was 34 percent above the expectations. He emphasized the gradual reflection of corporate confidence in real economic outcomes. Among the first six batches, nearly 70 percent have established global or regional headquarters in Hong Kong, while almost 90 percent have set up research and development centres. This ensures not only the influx of capital and jobs but also critical research and decision-making functions, which are vital for maintaining Hong Kong's long-term competitiveness.