Financial Secretary Paul Chan today concluded his visit to Seoul by touring leading Korean innovation and technology (I&T) enterprise NAVER and Seoul’s Digital Media City.

NAVER engages 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.

The Financial Secretary 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 & Technology Parks and Cyberport are working to build a more vibrant I&T ecosystem.

He highlighted that 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.

Mr Chan welcomed NAVER to collaborate with Hong Kong partners in R&D and business development, and to leverage Hong Kong as a fundraising platform to support its international expansion.

The finance chief also visited Seoul’s Digital Media City where he met the management team to learn more about the project’s development history and future plans, and toured an exhibition showcasing how extended reality technology is being used to support urban development.

A project led by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Digital Media City is home to numerous companies in digital media, film and entertainment, gaming and animation, information technology and more.

In addition, Mr Chan paid a courtesy call on Chinese Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Dai Bing, to brief him on Hong Kong’s latest social and economic developments as well as the recent trends in its economic and trade relations with Korea.

They also exchanged views on the global geopolitical and economic landscape, regional trade co-operation and the development of China-Korea relations.

Mr Chan will depart for Hong Kong in the evening.