Hong Kong scholar Henry Ho Kin-chung told a United Nations meeting on Wednesday that the special administrative region is opening its arms to global professionals, and invited more people to experience the charm of Hong Kong.

Ho, founder and chairman of the Hong Kong-based think tank One Country Two Systems Youth Forum, gave a speech during a panel discussion focusing on economic, social and cultural rights in the context of addressing inequalities, which is part of the 57th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, in Geneva, Switzerland.

Ho said that Hong Kong is opening its arms to talent from all over the world and aims to become an international talent hub and innovative technology center.

Citing the SAR’s Top Talent Pass Scheme, Ho said the program offers graduates from the world’s top 100 universities and professionals with high incomes a two-year visa permit, helping them to work, reside and explore opportunities in Hong Kong.

“So far, over 140,000 professionals have chosen Hong Kong as their home,” said Ho.

Ho also mentioned the special administrative region’s low tax rates — a major attraction for people, pointing out that the city’s maximum income tax rate is 15 percent, with no dividend tax or capital gains tax.

For overseas professionals, another advantage of Hong Kong is its intensive connectivity with the rest of China, Ho said.

Ho noted that China’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy, which allows foreign travelers from eligible countries to enjoy a six-day stay in certain Chinese mainland areas including Guangdong provinces without a visa, as long as they enter the mainland through specific checkpoints and provide confirmed flight tickets for a third country or region.

If people choose to stay and work in the HKSAR, a five-year travel permit to the Chinese mainland will be granted once they become permanent residents, Ho added.

“You may hear different views and opinions about Hong Kong but numbers speak for itself,” Ho addressed the SAR’s competitiveness before concluding his speech.

The UN Human Rights Council holds a minimum three regular sessions a year, for at least 10 weeks. The sessions take place from February to March, June to July, and September to October.

Contact the writer at atlasshao@chinadailyhk.com