Mainland Chinese enterprises are increasingly adopting comprehensive global business strategies, targeting both advanced economies and emerging markets, according to new research from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). The survey reveals that 82% of these companies plan to expand existing overseas operations, while 63% are focusing on developing new overseas business activities. Additionally, 54% intend to enhance overseas sourcing, 47% aim to expand sales networks, and 36% plan to boost technology cooperation abroad.
Bruce Pang, Director of HKTDC Research, emphasized the growing need for professional support services as mainland enterprises extend their overseas strategies to include 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 Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) economies, Pang highlighted that next month’s Belt and Road Summit will bolster cross-regional cooperation and help mainland businesses find ideal Hong Kong partners for their expansion plans.
The research underscores the importance of BRI markets, with 94% of surveyed companies expressing interest in developing business in these territories, a significant jump from 73% in a comparable 2023 survey. Among ASEAN countries, 91% prioritize expanding existing activities, particularly in Singapore (49%), Vietnam (46%), Thailand (44%), and Malaysia (41%). Additionally, 48% of enterprises target Europe’s advanced markets, 47% plan to further engage with the US and Canada, interest in the Middle East rose from 33% to 46%, and Latin America saw a doubling from 17% to 34%.
The evolving business environment, including uncertainties from US trade policy changes, has led to primary concerns such as intensified competition from other regions (61%), geopolitical tensions (55%), rising mainland costs (51%), and tariff and non-tariff barriers (50%). In response, companies are focusing on improving production and service efficiency (60%), better managing overseas risks (57%), and controlling production and sales 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. They face challenges like rapidly changing market uncertainties, intense competition, and insufficient capital, underscoring the need for professional services.
Hong Kong emerges as the first-choice services platform for 83% of surveyed enterprises, followed by the Chinese mainland (78%) and Singapore (31%). The services sought are broad, including marketing, legal and accounting advisory, financing and risk management, supply chain management, R&D, product standards, and ESG-related support. Hong Kong’s highly internationalized business environment, robust legal system, free flow of capital and information, extensive networks, and professional talent pool make it the lead global expansion service platform. The National 15th Five-Year Plan supports Hong Kong’s integration into national development, and the HKSAR Government’s GoGlobal Task Force, launched in October 2025, integrates financial, business network, and government resources to support mainland enterprises going global.
The upcoming Belt and Road Summit, jointly organized 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 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 and Hong Kong’s professional services strengths, plus a newly introduced “GoGlobal Connect” zone offering consultations and practical support. Additionally, a GoGlobal Business Mission to Nansha, Guangzhou, will provide 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.
