Think Business, Think Hong Kong Event Strengthens Italy-Asia Economic Partnerships

The Think Business, Think Hong Kong signature promotion organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council brought together over 1,000 participants in Milan to strengthen bilateral trade and investment relationships between Italy and Hong Kong. Held at Palazzo Mezzanotte, the Italian Stock Exchange venue, the symposium attracted 760 attendees and featured more than 260 on-site business matching meetings, highlighting the growing economic partnership between the two regions.

Hong Kong SAR Government Financial Secretary Paul Chan emphasized the shared values between Hong Kong and Italy, noting both regions' passion for creativity, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial spirit. The economic partnership has shown significant growth, with bilateral merchandise trade reaching EUR 7.2 billion in 2024. Approximately 200 Italian companies currently maintain regional headquarters, offices, or operations in Hong Kong, spanning sectors from luxury brands to banking, insurance, logistics, and food industries.

HKTDC Chairman Professor Frederick Ma highlighted Hong Kong's role in facilitating international partnerships that drive innovation and expansion. He noted that Hong Kong offers Italian businesses opportunities in both traditional sectors and emerging fields such as fintech, greentech, artificial intelligence, and smart city development. The event positioned Hong Kong as both a superconnector and super value-adder for companies seeking to access Asian markets.

Valentino Valentini, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy, reinforced Hong Kong's strategic position as an ideal platform for Italian companies aiming to expand into the Chinese Mainland and broader Asian region. He emphasized that established Italian companies in Hong Kong are now leading in innovative fields beyond their traditional strengths in fashion, luxury, design, and manufacturing.

The symposium featured five thematic sessions exploring key areas of collaboration. The Digital Trade and Finance session, co-organized with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, examined how technology is transforming cross-border trade through distributed ledger solutions and commercial data exchange systems. These technological advancements are enhancing efficiency, transparency, and financing access for Italy-Hong Kong trade partnerships.

Innovation and technology took center stage in a session supported by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, focusing on smart city innovation and AI-powered technologies. This discussion illustrated how Italian companies can engage with Hong Kong's rapidly developing innovation ecosystem, particularly in areas where both regions show strong complementary capabilities.

The Global Supply Chain session, co-organized with Invest Hong Kong, examined how Hong Kong's capital markets and corporate treasury frameworks are driving transformation in global supply chains. Participants discussed Hong Kong's emerging role as a hub for supply chain digitalization, green logistics, and advanced manufacturing partnerships that could benefit Italian companies seeking Asian market access.

Creative industries received significant attention through two dedicated sessions featuring celebrated architects and designers from both regions. The discussions explored how the fusion of Italian craftsmanship and Hong Kong's cultural vibrancy can create new opportunities in architecture, lifestyle, luxury, and cultural innovation across Asian markets. Participants included prominent figures such as Steve Leung of Steve Leung Design Group, Andrea Ponti of Ponti Design Studio, and Dr. Rocco Yim of Rocco Design Architects.

Beyond the formal sessions, the event featured practical networking components including an InnoVenture Salon and Business Support Zone with over 20 exhibitors from Hong Kong. These included startups, government agencies, professional service providers, and logistics specialists, providing Italian companies with direct access to Hong Kong-based expertise and innovative solutions. The subsequent Hong Kong Dinner at Palazzo Parigi gathered 240 business leaders and officials, further reinforcing the long-term economic and cultural exchanges between the two regions.

The comprehensive event demonstrated Hong Kong's strategic position as a gateway to Asian markets while highlighting specific collaboration opportunities in technology, finance, supply chain management, and creative industries. For Italian businesses, the symposium provided concrete pathways to leverage Hong Kong's financial infrastructure, innovation ecosystem, and cultural connectivity to expand their presence across Asia.