Hong Kong Trade Promotion Returns to Milan to Strengthen Italy-Asia Business Connections

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will host the Think Business, Think Hong Kong flagship promotion campaign at Palazzo Mezzanotte in Milan on November 27, marking the event's first return to Italy since 2014. The event is expected to gather over 700 business leaders, officials and investors to explore business and partnership opportunities in Asia via Hong Kong.

This initiative takes place against the backdrop of rapidly evolving global business landscapes and growth in markets such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Association of Southeast Asian Nations, as well as opportunities arising from Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis initiative. The event will offer Italian businesses opportunities to explore new markets, build partnerships and foster collaboration across Asia.

Following successful recent editions in Paris and Jakarta, TBTHK Milan will gather approximately 80 delegates from Hong Kong, including government officials, business and creative industry leaders, financial and professional services providers, investors and start-up entrepreneurs, along with executives from Chinese Mainland companies based in Hong Kong. The event highlights Hong Kong's role as a superconnector and super value-adder, enabling both Hong Kong and mainland enterprises to go global and seize opportunities in Italy and across Europe.

The opening session will feature remarks from Paul Chan, Hong Kong SAR Government Financial Secretary, and Professor Frederick Ma, HKTDC Chairman, along with an Italian government representative. High-profile speakers from various industries will share insights during the plenary session, including representatives from West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, and international financial institutions.

Five thematic sessions will focus on strategic areas reflecting shared priorities between Hong Kong and Italy, offering in-depth insights into practical collaboration opportunities. These sessions will cover digital trade and finance, innovation and technology, global supply chain, and creative and design industries. Prominent business leaders from organizations including Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Invest Hong Kong, and major financial institutions will share successes and insights.

Beyond the symposium, the TBTHK programme features an exhibition comprising the Business Support Zone and InnoVenture Salon, where over 20 Hong Kong service providers and start-ups will showcase innovative services, solutions and technologies. One-on-one business consultations and on-site business matching will facilitate deals and collaborations between Italian and Hong Kong companies, concluding with the Hong Kong Dinner for additional networking opportunities.

A joint survey conducted by HKTDC and the Italy China Council Foundation reveals that 77% of surveyed Italian businesses are strongly committed to expanding in Asia, citing the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong as priority markets. The research, covering 172 Italian C-suite and senior business leaders in Q3 2025, found that 93% of respondents believe Hong Kong can effectively support their Asian expansion plans over the next three years.

Italy represents an important trading and investment partner for Hong Kong, with bilateral trade amounting to US$8.3 billion in 2024. This positions Italy as Hong Kong's fourth-largest EU trading partner and export market, and its third-largest EU import market. As of the end of 2023, Hong Kong was the third most popular destination for Italian investment in Asia, while Hong Kong investors recorded substantial investments in Italy, making the city the third-largest Asian investor in the country.

The sectors recording the most trading activity include fashion and luxury goods, electronics, food and beverages, and high-value professional services industries. Hong Kong offers a unique regional business ecosystem combining competitive taxation, a robust legal framework based on common law, strong intellectual property protection and privileged access to the Chinese Mainland and emerging Asia-Pacific markets. For additional event information, visit https://thinkbusinessthinkhk.com/2025-milan/symposium/en/index.html.