26th Hong Kong Forum Concludes with Focus on City's Role as Global Business Hub

The 26th Hong Kong Forum concluded successfully after attracting more than 320 representatives from Hong Kong business associations worldwide and business leaders from 33 countries and regions. Jointly organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide, the two-day event focused on leveraging Hong Kong's distinctive advantages as an ideal springboard for global expansion.

Margaret Wong, Chairperson of the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide, noted in her welcome remarks that this year's forum featured new initiatives including local visit tracks and networking sessions specifically designed for young members. The event allowed associations to share experiences and insights across regions while discussing collaborations between different business associations and Hong Kong business leaders.

Sophia Chong, Executive Director of the HKTDC, outlined the organization's strategic direction, stating that the HKTDC will reinforce Hong Kong's role as superconnector and super value-adder between the Chinese Mainland and the world. "We will strengthen our city's foothold in emerging and mature markets," Chong said, adding that the HKTDC will collaborate with partners to do more outreach in various countries and regions. The HKTDC maintains detailed information about its initiatives and events through its media room.

During a "Dialogue with the HKTDC Chairman" session hosted by Margaret Wong, Professor Frederick Ma, HKTDC Chairman, emphasized Hong Kong's unique advantages including a stable financial infrastructure, robust legal system, diverse talent pool, and comprehensive professional services. "Collectively, these make Hong Kong an ideal place for any company that wants to do business in the Chinese Mainland or ASEAN," Ma stated. He also mentioned that the HKTDC will enhance its flagship events, including the Asian Financial Forum (AFF) to be held from 26 to 27 January 2026, with a Global Business Summit to extend AFF beyond the financial sector.

The forum highlighted Hong Kong's role as a two-way business platform, both as a super-connector and super value-adder between the Chinese Mainland and international markets. At the "Hong Kong: The Launchpad for Navigating Global Markets" plenary, Peter Yan, Director-General of the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises of the HKSAR Government, joined business leaders from Merck Healthcare, Venchi Asia Pacific, and Equinix Hong Kong to discuss how international enterprises can leverage Hong Kong as a strategic springboard for global market expansion. They highlighted Hong Kong's unique advantages, including its role as a gateway to the Chinese Mainland and Asia, access to a diverse consumer base, and a highly internationalized business environment.

Innovation and creativity received significant attention during the thematic session "Creative Minds and Strategic Innovation in Fuelling Hong Kong's Economic Future." Business leaders from Nan Fung Group, WeLab, InnoBlock Technology, and Christie's Asia Pacific explored how creativity and innovation can inject new momentum into Hong Kong's economic and cultural development, and how imaginative thinking can help address contemporary challenges and seize emerging opportunities.

Young entrepreneurs featured prominently in the forum's programming. The "From Idea to Impact: Building a Thriving Business in Technology" plenary spotlighted business leaders from innovative tech companies who shared insights on identifying market needs, developing sustainable business models, and tackling challenges faced during growth stages. A new "Meet the Mentor" session invited Andy Ann, Chairman and CEO of NDN Group, to engage with young entrepreneurs and share valuable advice and practical experience on entrepreneurship. The event was co-organized with the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce's Young Executives Club, providing opportunities for young members to connect with local young talent and explore new business opportunities.

Forum participants had the opportunity to visit Hong Kong's innovation and technology infrastructure and cultural and design projects, including the Data Technology Hub and Advanced Manufacturing Centre at Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks, the Hong Kong Productivity Council, and the M+ Museum. These visits provided deeper insights into Hong Kong's capabilities across multiple sectors. Additional information about the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide is available on their official website.

The Hong Kong Forum serves as the annual flagship event of the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide, which today has a network of 49 business associations with membership of approximately 11,000 business executives and professionals from 38 countries and regions. The event demonstrates Hong Kong's continued relevance as a global business hub capable of connecting mainland enterprises with international markets while attracting global companies to the region through its unique combination of financial stability, legal protections, and professional services.