As Mainland enterprises adopt increasingly sophisticated global business strategies, Hong Kong has cemented its position as the premier professional services platform for their international expansion. According to new research from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), 83% of surveyed enterprises view Hong Kong as their first choice for services support, followed by the Chinese Mainland (78%) and Singapore (31%). This comes as companies navigate a complex landscape of shifting global trade policies, rising protectionism, and ongoing supply chain reconfigurations.
The survey, titled "Mainland Enterprises’ Global Expansion: Hong Kong - The Premier Service Platform," reveals that 82% of respondents 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 sales networks, and 36% intend to boost technology cooperation. These priorities underscore a shift towards higher value-added activities, driving demand for professional services in areas such as marketing, legal and accounting advisory, financing, risk management, and supply chain management.
Bruce Pang, Director of HKTDC Research, noted: "With the overseas expansion strategies of Mainland enterprises now extending to supply chain integration, cross-border investment and higher value-added business activities, the need for highly professional support services has continued to grow. Hong Kong’s unique connectivity and unrivalled expertise have ensured it is playing an ever more significant role in helping Mainland business seize global opportunities."
Interest in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) markets has surged, with 94% of companies expressing interest in developing business in these territories, up from 73% in 2023. ASEAN remains a priority, with 91% planning to expand existing activities, particularly in Singapore (49%), Vietnam (46%), Thailand (44%), and Malaysia (41%). Beyond Asia, 48% target Europe’s advanced markets, 47% plan further engagement with the US and Canada, and interest in the Middle East has risen to 46% (from 33%). Latin America also saw a doubling of interest to 34%.
However, enterprises face significant challenges, including intensified competition (61%), geopolitical tensions (55%), rising Mainland costs (51%), and tariff barriers (50%). To address these, companies are focusing on improving production efficiency (60%), better risk management (57%), and controlling costs (57%). Wing Chu, Deputy Director of HKTDC Research, emphasized that most enterprises plan to develop two to three overseas business functions (61%), indicating a move along the global value chain, but they struggle with market uncertainties, competition, and capital constraints.
Hong Kong’s appeal lies in its highly internationalised business environment, robust legal system, free flow of capital and information, extensive networks, and professional talent. The National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports Hong Kong’s role in aiding Mainland enterprises’ global expansion, and the HKSAR Government’s GoGlobal Task Force, launched in October 2025, further integrates resources to support this mission.
The upcoming Belt and Road Summit, scheduled for 9-10 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, will highlight these opportunities. Under the theme "Advancing High-Quality Development - Embarking on a New Journey," the Summit will feature a dedicated "Go Global Chapter" with breakout sessions on overseas expansion and Hong Kong’s professional services. A new "GoGlobal Connect" zone will showcase service offerings, and a business mission to Nansha, Guangzhou, will provide insights into Greater Bay Area developments.
The full research report is available at HKTDC Research, offering detailed insights for enterprises seeking to leverage Hong Kong’s advantages in their global strategies.
