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 international expansion.
Margaret Wong, Chairperson of the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide, noted that this year's forum featured new initiatives including local visit tracks and networking sessions specifically designed for young members. The event provided opportunities for 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, emphasized the organization's role in helping mainland enterprises connect with service providers in Hong Kong, including financial, legal, intellectual property and accounting professionals. "With the support of our 13 mainland offices, we will help mainland enterprises connect with service providers in Hong Kong and match them with partners and buyers in target overseas markets," Chong stated during her opening remarks. She outlined the HKTDC's strategic direction to reinforce Hong Kong's role as superconnector and super value-adder, linking the Chinese Mainland and the world through a new three-year plan.
During a "Dialogue with the HKTDC Chairman" session hosted by Margaret Wong, Professor Frederick Ma, HKTDC Chairman, highlighted 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 explained. He mentioned that the HKTDC will enhance its flagship events, including the Asian Financial Forum (AFF) to be held from 26 to 27 January 2026, by introducing a Global Business Summit to extend AFF beyond the financial sector.
The forum featured a plenary session titled "Hong Kong: The Launchpad for Navigating Global Markets" where Peter Yan, Director-General of the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises of the HKSAR Government, joined business leaders from international companies including Merck Healthcare, Venchi Asia Pacific, and Equinix Hong Kong. The discussion analyzed global business environments and trends while exploring how international enterprises can leverage Hong Kong as a strategic springboard for global market expansion.
Another thematic session, "Creative Minds and Strategic Innovation in Fuelling Hong Kong's Economic Future," explored how creativity and innovation can inject new momentum into Hong Kong's economic and cultural development. The discussion featured leaders from Nan Fung Group, WeLab, InnoBlock Technology, and Christie's Asia Pacific examining how imaginative thinking can help address contemporary challenges and seize emerging opportunities.
The forum placed significant emphasis on youth entrepreneurship through sessions like "From Idea to Impact: Building a Thriving Business in Technology" and a new "Meet the Mentor" session inviting Andy Ann, Chairman and CEO of NDN Group, to engage with young entrepreneurs. 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.
Participants also visited Hong Kong's innovation and technology infrastructure and cultural 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. The Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide, founded in 2000, now comprises 49 business associations with approximately 11,000 business executives and professionals from 38 countries and regions. More information about the forum is available at https://hkforum.hktdc.com/conference/hkforum/en.
