Mainland enterprises are adopting increasingly comprehensive global business strategies, targeting trade with advanced economies, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) aligned territories, and key emerging markets. New research from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) details the pivotal role Hong Kong plays in helping these businesses overcome challenges such as shifting global trade policies, rising protectionism, and supply chain reconfigurations.
The HKTDC survey revealed that 82% of surveyed enterprises have plans to expand existing overseas operations, while 63% are focused on developing new overseas business activities. Additionally, 54% plan to enhance overseas sourcing, 47% aim to expand overseas sales networks, and 36% intend to boost overseas technology cooperation.
Bruce Pang, Director of HKTDC Research, highlighted the growing need for professional support services as mainland enterprises extend their overseas strategies to supply chain integration, cross-border investment, and higher value-added activities. “Hong Kong’s unique connectivity and unrivalled expertise have ensured it is playing an ever more significant role in helping mainland businesses seize global opportunities,” he said. With many opportunities stemming from BRI economies, next month’s Belt and Road Summit is expected to bolster cross-regional cooperation and help mainland businesses find ideal Hong Kong partners.
The significance of BRI markets is underscored by the finding that 94% of surveyed companies confirmed interest in developing business in these territories, up from 73% in a comparable 2023 survey. Additionally, 91% are prioritising expansion in ASEAN, particularly Singapore (49%), Vietnam (46%), Thailand (44%), and Malaysia (41%). Interest in Europe’s advanced markets is strong at 48%, while 47% plan to further engage with the US and Canada. Interest in the Middle East rose from 33% to 46%, and Latin America interest doubled from 17% to 34%.
Mainland enterprises face primary concerns including intensified competition (61%), geopolitical tensions (55%), rising mainland costs (51%), and tariff and non-tariff barriers (50%). To address these, companies are looking to improve production and service efficiency (60%), better manage risks in overseas markets (57%), and control overall costs (57%). Wing Chu, Deputy Director of HKTDC Research, noted that most enterprises plan to develop two to three overseas business functions (61%), indicating an intention to extend along the global value chain. However, they face challenges such as rapidly changing market uncertainties, intense competition, and insufficient capital to adjust operations.
Hong Kong remains the leading services platform for mainland enterprises, with 83% choosing it as their first choice, followed by the Chinese Mainland (78%) and Singapore (31%). The services sought are broad, including marketing, legal and accounting advisory, financing, risk management, supply chain management, R&D, product standards, and ESG support. Hong Kong’s internationalised business environment, robust legal system, free flow of capital and information, and professional talent pool underpin its leadership.
The National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports Hong Kong’s integration into national development and highlights leveraging its professional services strengths. In October 2025, the HKSAR Government launched the GoGlobal Task Force to integrate financial, business network, and government resources, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a go-global services platform.
The upcoming Belt and Road Summit, jointly organised by the HKSAR Government and HKTDC, will take place on 9-10 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Under the theme “Advancing High-Quality Development - Embarking on a New Journey,” it will bring together senior officials, business leaders, and investors to explore collaboration opportunities. This year’s Summit will feature a dedicated “Go Global Chapter” with breakout sessions and a “GoGlobal Connect” zone offering consultation and practical support. A GoGlobal Business Mission to Nansha, Guangzhou, will provide insights into Greater Bay Area developments.
For more details, the full report can be accessed at HKTDC Research.
