Statistics

Entrants through investment scheme to HK up 14%

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-02-24 11:13

HONG KONG - The average monthly number of entrants through the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme to Hong Kong was 248 last year, representing a 14 percent year-on-year increase, said the city's Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee on Wednesday.

Responding to questions raised by a legislator, Lee said the average monthly investment amount in year 2010 was HK$1.771 billion ($227 million), up 17 percent, compared with year 2009.

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Lee mentioned that the suspension of real estate as a class of permissible investment asset (PIA) since last year will not undermine the attractiveness of the scheme.

At present, there are five types of specified financial assets under the PIA class, including Hong Kong dollar-denominated equities, debt securities, certificates of deposits, subordinated debt and Eligible Collective Investment Schemes.

Lee said the government will undertake a comprehensive review of the scheme in 2013.

Since 2003, the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme has been implemented to facilitate the entry for residence by capital investment entrants who make capital investment but will not be engaged in the running of any business in Hong Kong.

The threshold of investment for admission to Hong Kong under the scheme is HK$10 million.