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. This dynamic evolution is detailed in new research from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), which underscores Hong Kong's pivotal role in helping these businesses overcome challenges such as shifting global trade policies, rising protectionism, and supply chain reconfigurations.
The HKTDC survey reveals that 82% of globally-minded enterprises plan to expand existing overseas operations, 63% are focusing on developing new overseas business activities, 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, “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. As the first-choice professional services hub for the majority of the surveyed enterprises, 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.”
The significance of Belt and Road markets is highlighted by 94% of surveyed companies confirming interest in developing business in these territories, a substantial increase from 73% in 2023. Additionally, 91% prioritize expanding 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 from 33% to 46%, and Latin America interest doubled from 17% to 34%.
Mainland enterprises face primary concerns including intensified competition (61%), geopolitical tensions (55%), rising Mainland costs (51%), and tariff and non-tariff barriers (50%). In response, they aim to improve production and service efficiency (60%), better manage overseas market risks (57%), and control production and sales costs (57%). Wing Chu, Deputy Director of HKTDC Research, explained, “Most enterprises pursuing international expansion plan to develop two to three overseas business functions (61%), indicating their intention to extend along different stages of the global industrial and business value chain. During this process they face major challenges, including difficulty coping with rapidly changing market uncertainties, intense competition in overseas markets, and insufficient capital to adjust business operations and supply chains. These challenges underline the growing need for professional services support.”
Hong Kong is the top choice for 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, research and development, product standards, and ESG-related support. Hong Kong's appeal stems from its internationalized business environment, robust legal system, free flow of capital and information, extensive business networks, and strong talent pool. 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 provide comprehensive support for overseas expansion.
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. It will feature a dedicated “Go Global Chapter” with breakout sessions on overseas expansion and Hong Kong's professional services, a “GoGlobal Connect” zone for consultations, and a GoGlobal Business Mission to Nansha, Guangzhou. This year's Summit is expected to bolster cross-regional cooperation and help Mainland businesses find ideal Hong Kong partners for global expansion.
