The Investment Promotion Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government stated on the 9th that the "New Capital Investor Entry Scheme" (New Scheme) has received enthusiastic responses since its launch on March 1st. So far, it has received double digit applications and over 1600 inquiries, reflecting the confidence of high net worth individuals in Hong Kong. According to the Investment Promotion Department, the applications received come from high net worth individuals from different regions. About 70% of the inquiries were from professional service providers, and the main contents of the inquiries include application procedures, application qualifications, and permitted investment assets. The Director of the Investment Promotion Department, Liu Kaixuan, said, "I am pleased to see that the new plan has received a good response since its launch a month ago, reflecting the confidence of high net worth individuals in Hong Kong's stable business environment and their interest in diversified investment opportunities." Liu Kaixuan also said that the SAR government will continue to introduce measures to further strengthen Hong Kong's competitiveness as an asset and wealth management hub, making the attractiveness of the new plan continue to increase. The Investment Promotion Agency will be committed to promoting the new plan to different chambers of commerce, international stakeholders, family offices, and professional service providers to respond to inquiries and ensure clear information. According to the new plan, eligible applicants are required to invest at least HKD 30 million in permitted investment assets, and approved applicants and their dependents can obtain residency status in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong SAR government launched the "Capital Investor Entry Program" in October 2003, which was later suspended in January 2015. The first budget of the new SAR government, released in February last year, introduced a new plan to further enrich the talent pool and attract more new funds to settle in Hong Kong. (Lai Xin She)