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) highlights 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 survey reveals that 82% of globally-minded enterprises plan to expand existing overseas operations, 63% are focused on developing new overseas business activities, 54% plan to enhance overseas sourcing, 47% aim to expand overseas sales networks, and 36% intend to enhance overseas technology cooperation. Bruce Pang, Director of HKTDC Research, noted that as Mainland enterprises' overseas expansion strategies extend to supply chain integration, cross-border investment, and higher value-added activities, the need for professional support services continues to grow. Hong Kong, with its unique connectivity and expertise, is playing an increasingly significant role in helping Mainland businesses seize global opportunities.
The significance of Belt and Road markets is underscored by 94% of surveyed companies confirming interest in developing business in these territories, a substantial increase from 73% in 2023. Additionally, 91% prioritize expanding existing ASEAN 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, interest in the Middle East rose to 46%, and Latin America interest doubled to 34%. Compared to 2023, companies evidenced a far greater inclination to target all major overseas markets.
Mainland enterprises' primary concerns include intensified competition (61%), geopolitical tensions (55%), rising Mainland costs (51%), and tariff and non-tariff trade barriers (50%). In response, they 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, explained that most enterprises plan to develop two to three overseas business functions (61%), indicating their intention to extend along different stages of the global value chain. They face challenges such as rapidly changing market uncertainties, intense competition, and insufficient capital, which underline the growing need for professional services support.
To address these challenges, 83% of surveyed enterprises see Hong Kong as their first choice of services platform, followed by the Chinese Mainland (78%) and Singapore (31%). Services sought include marketing, legal and accounting advisory, financing and risk management, supply chain management, research and development, product standards, and ESG-related support. Hong Kong's highly internationalised business environment, robust legal system, free flow of capital and information, extensive international business networks, and strong talent pool continue to make it the lead global expansion service platform.
The National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports Hong Kong's integration into national development and highlights leveraging the city's professional services strengths to support Mainland enterprises in going global. In October 2025, the HKSAR Government launched the GoGlobal Task Force to integrate financial, business network, and government resources, further reinforcing Hong Kong's role as a go global services platform.
Next month's 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,” the Summit will bring together senior government officials, business leaders, investors, and professional services providers to explore collaboration opportunities. This year's Summit will feature a dedicated “Go Global Chapter” with breakout sessions on overseas expansion opportunities and Hong Kong's professional services strengths, as well as a newly introduced “GoGlobal Connect” zone showcasing service offerings. Additionally, a GoGlobal Business Mission to Nansha, Guangzhou, will offer insights into Greater Bay Area developments. The Summit has long served as a premier platform for policy dialogue, business networking, and deal-making, helping enterprises capture opportunities in Belt and Road and other emerging markets through Hong Kong.
