Mainland Chinese enterprises are adopting increasingly comprehensive global business strategies, targeting trade with advanced economies, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) territories, and key emerging markets, according to new research from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). The survey highlights the pivotal role Hong Kong plays in helping these businesses navigate challenges such as shifting global trade policies, rising protectionism, and supply chain reconfigurations.
The HKTDC survey showed that 82% of mainland 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, noted that as mainland enterprises' expansion strategies extend to supply chain integration, cross-border investment, and higher value-added activities, the need for professional support services has grown. "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, adding that the upcoming Belt and Road Summit will bolster cross-regional cooperation and help mainland businesses find ideal Hong Kong partners.
The survey underscores the significance of BRI markets, with 94% of companies expressing interest in developing business in these territories, up from 73% in 2023. Among ASEAN markets, 91% are prioritising expansion, particularly in Singapore (49%), Vietnam (46%), Thailand (44%), and Malaysia (41%). Beyond ASEAN, 48% of enterprises target Europe's advanced markets, 47% plan to expand in the US and Canada, interest in the Middle East rose from 33% to 46%, and interest in Latin America doubled from 17% to 34%.
Mainland enterprises face several concerns, including intensified competition (61%), geopolitical tensions (55%), rising domestic costs (51%), and tariff and non-tariff barriers (50%). In response, they are focusing on improving production efficiency (60%), managing overseas risks (57%), and controlling costs (57%). Wing Chu, Deputy Director of HKTDC Research, explained that most enterprises plan to develop two to three overseas business functions, indicating an intention to extend along the global value chain. However, they face challenges such as coping with market uncertainties, intense competition, and insufficient capital, which underline the growing need for professional services support.
Hong Kong is the first-choice services platform for 83% of surveyed enterprises, followed by the Chinese Mainland (78%) and Singapore (31%). Services sought include marketing, legal and accounting advisory, financing and risk management, supply chain management, R&D, product standards, and ESG support. Hong Kong's advantages include its internationalised business environment, robust legal system, free flow of capital and information, extensive business networks, and professional talent. The National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports Hong Kong's integration into national development and highlights leveraging its professional services to support mainland enterprises going global. In October 2025, the HKSAR Government launched the GoGlobal Task Force to integrate financial, business, and government resources for comprehensive support.
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," the Summit will bring together global leaders to explore collaboration opportunities. A dedicated "Go Global Chapter" will feature breakout sessions on overseas expansion and Hong Kong's professional services, and a new "GoGlobal Connect" zone will showcase services and provide consultation. 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, facilitating cross-regional collaboration and helping enterprises capture opportunities in BRI and emerging markets.
