Mainland Chinese enterprises are increasingly adopting comprehensive global business strategies, targeting advanced economies, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) territories, and emerging markets. This dynamic evolution is highlighted by new research from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), which also 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 showed that 82% of globally-minded enterprises have plans to expand existing overseas operations, while 63% are focused on developing new overseas business activities. Additionally, 54% plan to enhance overseas sourcing, 47% aim to expand overseas sales networks, and 36% intend to boost overseas technology cooperation. These figures indicate a broad-based push towards internationalization.
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 research highlights the significance of BRI markets, with 94% of surveyed companies confirming interest in developing business in these territories, up from 73% in 2023. ASEAN remains a priority, with 91% focusing on expanding existing activities, particularly in Singapore (49%), Vietnam (46%), Thailand (44%), and Malaysia (41%). Interest in Europe's advanced markets stands at 48%, while 47% plan to deepen engagement with the US and Canada. The Middle East saw interest rise from 33% to 46%, and Latin America from 17% to 34%, showing a broadened geographic focus.
Mainland enterprises face several challenges, including intensified competition (61%), geopolitical tensions (55%), rising Mainland costs (51%), and tariff and non-tariff barriers (50%). In response, they are looking to improve production and service efficiency (60%), manage overseas 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 leading services platform, chosen by 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, R&D, product standards, and ESG-related support. The city's internationalized business environment, robust legal system, free flow of capital and information, and professional talent pool underpin its appeal.
The National 15th Five-Year Plan supports Hong Kong's role in facilitating Mainland enterprises' global expansion. In October 2025, the HKSAR Government launched the GoGlobal Task Force to integrate resources and provide comprehensive support. 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. This 11th edition, themed "Advancing High-Quality Development - Embarking on a New Journey," will feature a dedicated "Go Global Chapter" with breakout sessions on overseas expansion and Hong Kong's professional services. A new "GoGlobal Connect" zone will offer consultation and practical support, and a GoGlobal Business Mission to Nansha, Guangzhou, will provide insights into the Greater Bay Area.
The research report, "Mainland Enterprises' Global Expansion: Hong Kong - The Premier Service Platform," is available at https://research.hktdc.com/en/article/MjQwNjQ5OTA3MAPh. This news matters as it demonstrates Hong Kong's continued relevance as a gateway for Mainland enterprises, with the Belt and Road Summit poised to further strengthen cross-regional cooperation and help businesses find ideal partners.
