Mainland Chinese enterprises are increasingly adopting comprehensive global business strategies, targeting advanced economies, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) territories, and emerging markets. According to new research from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), 82% of surveyed companies plan to expand existing overseas operations, while 63% aim to develop new overseas business activities. This dynamic shift underscores the growing importance of professional support services, with Hong Kong emerging as the leading platform to facilitate these ambitions.
The survey, titled "Mainland Enterprises’ Global Expansion: Hong Kong - The Premier Service Platform," highlights that 83% of respondents consider Hong Kong their first choice for services, followed by the Chinese Mainland (78%) and Singapore (31%). 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." He added that Hong Kong’s unique connectivity and expertise are crucial in helping Mainland businesses seize global opportunities.
The research also reveals a significant uptick in interest in BRI markets. 94% of surveyed companies expressed interest in developing business in these territories, up from 73% in a comparable 2023 survey. Additionally, 91% prioritize expanding existing ASEAN activities, with Singapore (49%), Vietnam (46%), Thailand (44%), and Malaysia (41%) leading the list. Beyond Asia, 48% target Europe’s advanced markets, 47% plan further engagement with the US and Canada, and interest in the Middle East rose from 33% to 46%. Latin America saw a doubling from 17% to 34%.
The evolving global trade environment poses challenges, including shifting US trade policies, intensified competition (61%), geopolitical tensions (55%), rising Mainland costs (51%), and tariff barriers (50%). To counter these, companies focus on improving efficiency (60%), managing overseas risks (57%), and controlling costs (57%). Wing Chu, Deputy Director of HKTDC Research, emphasized that most enterprises plan to develop two to three overseas business functions, reflecting a move along the global value chain. "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," he said, underscoring the need for professional services.
Hong Kong’s appeal stems from its internationalized business environment, robust legal system, free flow of capital and information, extensive networks, and talent pool. The National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports Hong Kong’s integration into national development and its role in assisting Mainland enterprises going global. In October 2025, the HKSAR Government launched the GoGlobal Task Force to integrate resources and reinforce Hong Kong’s role as a services platform.
These findings come ahead of the 11th Belt and Road Summit, scheduled for 9-10 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Under the theme "Advancing High-Quality Development - Embarking on a New Journey," the Summit will feature a dedicated "Go Global Chapter" with breakout sessions on overseas expansion and Hong Kong’s professional services strengths. A new "GoGlobal Connect" zone will showcase services from various sectors, and a GoGlobal Business Mission to Nansha, Guangzhou, will offer insights into Greater Bay Area developments.
The HKTDC research underscores Hong Kong’s pivotal role in helping Mainland enterprises navigate global complexities. As Bruce Pang noted, "With many of these opportunities now stemming from the BRI economies, next month’s Belt and Road Summit is certain to bolster cross-regional cooperation and help Mainland businesses find the ideal Hong Kong partner for their global expansion plans." The Summit serves as a premier platform for policy dialogue, business networking, and deal-making, facilitating collaboration across regions and sectors. For more details, the full report is available at HKTDC Research.
