China welcomes global talents to live and work in Hong Kong, to realize their full potential and join hands in building a brighter, more vibrant future for the city, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a press briefing in Beijing on Thursday. Lin made the statement while commenting on the World Talent Ranking 2025 published by the International Institute for Management Development in Lausanne, Switzerland. In the report, Hong Kong's ranking leaped markedly to fourth globally and to first in Asia, marking the highest-ever ranking. A spokesperson of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government said, Hong Kong's rise in the ranking is clear evidence that the policies and measures of the government in education, innovation, science and technology, and talent admission are getting results. "Hong Kong is now at a new stage where it is set to thrive. Its status as a hub in international finance, trade, and shipping has been consolidated. With a better business environment and more outstanding strength in tech innovation, it has become a strong magnet to multinationals and global talents. Statistics show that as of this August, over 230,000 people arrived in Hong Kong through various talent admission schemes to contribute themselves to a better HKSAR. The registration of local companies and non-Hong Kong companies there sees all-time high figures," said Lin. "The arrival of talents will create a bright future for Hong Kong. We welcome foreign talents to live and work in Hong Kong, fulfill their potential, and jointly create a better Hong Kong," he added. SHOTLIST: Beijing, China - Sept 11, 2025 1. Various of press briefing in progress, reporters; 2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Lin Jian, spokesman, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "Hong Kong is now at a new stage where it is set to thrive. Its status as a hub in international finance, trade, and shipping has been consolidated. With a better business environment and more outstanding strength in tech innovation, it has become a strong magnet to multinationals and global talents. Statistics show that as of this August, over 230,000 people arrived in Hong Kong through various talent admission schemes to contribute themselves to a better HKSAR. The registration of local companies and non-Hong Kong companies there sees all-time high figures."; 3. Reporters; 4. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Lin Jian, spokesman, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "The arrival of talents will create a bright future for Hong Kong. We welcome foreign talents to live and work in Hong Kong, fulfill their potential, and jointly create a better Hong Kong."; 5. Various of reporters. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]