Russians are rushing to 'exotic, trendy' Hong Kong

Hong Kong's credentials as a truly international city are set to receive a boost from the growing influx of tourists, business investors and long-stay expatriates from Russia.

A survey by Asia2Go, a Hong Kong-based research and events company, forecasts the number of Russian visitors to the city this year will increase 25 per cent on the 186,461 in 2012. That figure was up 80 per cent from 2008.

Figures from the Russian consulate suggest 800 Russians now live in the city, double the number since then-president Dmitry Medvedev visited the Hong Kong stock exchange in 2011. As registration with the consulate is optional, the Hong Kong Russian Club estimates the true figure could be as high as 2,000.

For 30-year-old Muscovite Julia Getman, who has lived in Hong Kong for two years, the city is more international and has more career opportunities than her homeland.

"I lived in China for six years before I moved here. I think Hong Kong is a good middle point between the East and the West as well as between China and Russia," she said.

Hong Kong's growing business ties with Russia have encouraged migration.