Mainland Chinese enterprises are broadening their global expansion strategies, targeting both advanced economies and emerging markets, and increasingly relying on Hong Kong as their primary professional services platform. This is according to new research from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), which underscores the city's critical role in helping these businesses navigate challenges such as shifting trade policies and supply chain reconfigurations.
The survey reveals that 82% of Mainland enterprises have plans to expand existing overseas operations, while 63% aim to develop new overseas business activities. Additionally, 54% plan to enhance overseas sourcing, 47% to expand sales networks, and 36% to boost technology cooperation. These figures indicate a shift towards more integrated and higher value-added global operations.
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." He emphasized that Hong Kong's unique connectivity and expertise make it the first-choice hub for these enterprises, and he pointed to the upcoming Belt and Road Summit as a catalyst for further cooperation.
The research also highlights the growing importance of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) markets. 94% of surveyed companies expressed interest in developing business in these territories, a significant jump from 73% in 2023. ASEAN remains a priority, with 91% planning to expand there, 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 has risen to 46%, and Latin America has seen interest double to 34%.
Mainland enterprises face several challenges, including competition from other regions (61%), geopolitical tensions (55%), rising costs (51%), and trade barriers (50%). To address these, they are focusing on improving efficiency (60%), managing risks (57%), and controlling costs (57%). Wing Chu, Deputy Director of HKTDC Research, explained that most enterprises intend to develop two to three overseas business functions (61%), but they struggle with market uncertainties, intense competition, and capital constraints, underscoring the need for professional support.
Hong Kong is the leading choice for such support, with 83% of surveyed enterprises selecting it as their preferred services platform, followed by the Chinese Mainland (78%) and Singapore (31%). The services sought range from marketing and legal advice to financing, supply chain management, and ESG support. Hong Kong's strengths include its international business environment, robust legal system, free capital flow, and professional talent pool.
The National 15th Five-Year Plan supports Hong Kong's role in helping Mainland enterprises go global, and the HKSAR Government's GoGlobal Task Force, launched in October 2025, further integrates financial and business resources to support this. The upcoming Belt and Road Summit, scheduled for 9-10 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, will feature a dedicated "Go Global Chapter" and a "GoGlobal Connect" zone, providing consultation and practical support. Additionally, a GoGlobal Business Mission to Nansha, Guangzhou, will offer insights into Greater Bay Area developments.
For more details, the full report is available at HKTDC Research.
