Lianlian DigiTech, a Hangzhou-based digital payment solutions provider, announced the establishment of its overseas business headquarters in Hong Kong earlier this week, during which officials and senior executives emphasized the city's strategic role as a global gateway and its forward-looking vision for shaping a digital future.

Zhang Zhengyu, chairman of the board and executive director of the company, said the decision to establish its overseas business headquarters in Hong Kong reflects the city's unique role as a natural bridge between China and the world, as well as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government's commitment to advancing a digital future.

The establishment comes against the backdrop of the Hong Kong SAR government's roll out of a series of new policies to strengthen the city's dual role as a "super-connector" and "super value-adder", enabling more Chinese mainland enterprises to leverage Hong Kong as a platform for overseas expansion.

"Hong Kong is a place where the government and regulators work closely with enterprises to help them succeed locally and internationally. We provide world-class infrastructure and an enabling environment that allows fintech companies to leverage our strengths and excel in whatever products or services they choose to offer," said Michael Wong Wai-lun, deputy financial secretary of the Hong Kong SAR government.

Alpha Lau, director-general of investment promotion at Invest Hong Kong, said the city has long served as the homeport for enterprises from Chinese mainland expanding overseas, adding that the city will continue to guide these enterprises onto the international stage by providing one-stop support.

Zhang further noted that the Hong Kong overseas business headquarters will serve as Lianlian's global strategic hub and innovation test bed, focusing on applying blockchain and artificial intelligence to enhance cross-border payment efficiency, strengthening technology and compliance capabilities, and working with global partners to build an innovation ecosystem.

"Looking ahead, with Hong Kong as our strategic anchor, we will empower Chinese businesses to expand overseas and explore international markets while building a vital hub that bridges traditional finance with the digital future," Zhang said.

Zhang Chenxu contributed to the story.