Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) today (September 9) hosted a seminar entitled "Hong Kong - The Ideal Platform for Mainland Enterprises' Global Expansion". The event brought together over 120 representatives from Mainland enterprises to explore leveraging Hong Kong's unique advantages as a multinational supply chain management and international financial centre to support Mainland enterprises in expanding globally.

     The seminar, supported by the Belt and Road Office of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, was attended by guests including the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; Vice Chairman of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC) Mr Li Zhen; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; and the Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Ms Maggie Wong.

     Mr Chan delivered his opening remarks, "Hong Kong is the country's southern gateway. Under the "one country, two systems" framework, we possess the unique advantages of connectivity with the Mainland and the world, international and multicultural inclusiveness. Our institutional strengths also include the practice of common law; free port status and free trade; zero tariffs and efficient customs clearance procedures, an extensive logistics network and world-class port infrastructure; as well as robust financial markets and professional services and many more. Hong Kong not only serves as a platform supporting Mainland enterprises to go global; our dynamic financial markets also facilitate capital raising to support their overseas business development."

     Mr Chan added, "It has become an established trend for Mainland enterprises to go global into the Global South and Belt and Road countries, deploying their supply chains and industrial chains while exploring more diversified markets. In response to this trend, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been promoting the city's development as a multinational supply chain management hub in recent years. InvestHK, the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council of the HKSAR have established mechanisms and dedicated teams to jointly assist Mainland enterprises in setting up international and regional headquarters in Hong Kong for offshore trade and supply chain management. We provide one-stop advisory services to support your global supply chain deployment and overseas market expansion."

     Mr Li said, "Amid profound changes in the global landscape, Hong Kong, leveraging its unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle, has increasingly demonstrated its role in connecting global resources and linking international markets. It has become a crucial strategic pivot for Mainland enterprises' global expansion. Mainland enterprises have achieved substantial results in Hong Kong. As of the end of June 2025, there were 121 central State-owned enterprises listed companies in Hong Kong, with a total market capitalisation of approximately RMB5.1 trillion. In 2024, the import and export volume of non-mineral goods trade between the Mainland and Hong Kong reached US$33.2 billion, fully demonstrating Hong Kong's value as a global hub for industrial and supply chain collaboration, a platform for capital financing, and a highland for innovation co-operation."

     Mr Li continued, "In the future, SASAC will support central enterprises in leveraging Hong Kong as a gateway to strengthen global industrial and supply chain collaboration, broaden funding channels, participate in international standard governance, attract global talent, and deepen co-operation with various sectors in Hong Kong. It is believed that under the impetus of the 'dual circulation' paradigm and the Belt and Road initiative, Hong Kong is bound to provide even stronger support for Mainland enterprises' globalisation, enabling them to achieve new breakthroughs in serving the broader national development strategy."

     The Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK, Ms Alpha Lau, said, "As a leading international financial and trading hub in Asia, Hong Kong has become the preferred gateway for Mainland enterprises to expand globally. The city possesses unparalleled connectivity, serving as an international logistics hub and global trading centre with a free, open, and well-regulated business environment. Furthermore, Hong Kong possesses robust financial and capital markets, efficient financing channels, a highly transparent legal environment, and talent pool - making it the ideal base for international operations and capital management. At the same time, the Northern Metropolis, as a new engine for Hong Kong's future development, will inject new economic momentum by providing additional land for innovation and technology purposes."

     The seminar featured two thematic panel discussions, where representatives from Mainland enterprises and Hong Kong industry leaders shared their strategies and experiences in global markets.

     The first discussion, themed "Strategic Development of Multinational Supply Chain in the Midst of Global Changes", was moderated by the Head of Transport, Logistics and Industrials at InvestHK, Mr Benjamin Wong. The panel guests discussed how Mainland enterprises are responding to geopolitical situation, multinational supply chain restructuring, and technological transformation. They explored strategies on leveraging Hong Kong's advantages in offshore trading, supply chain digitalisation transformation, strengthening trade settlement and financing, and positioning Hong Kong as a platform for international logistics and commodities trading.

     The second discussion, themed "Leveraging Hong Kong's Financial Strengths to Empower Mainland Enterprises' Global Operations", was moderated by the Global Head of Financial Services, Fintech & Sustainability at InvestHK, Mr King Leung. The panel guests explored how Mainland enterprises leverage Hong Kong to establish corporate treasury centres, optimise cross-border fund pool management structures, and reduce foreign exchange and financing risks. It also delved into the adoption opportunities of fintech and Renminbi internationalisation in supporting Mainland enterprises to expand globally.

     The seminar successfully facilitated in-depth dialogue between Mainland enterprises and Hong Kong industry leaders, reinforcing Hong Kong as a premier platform for Mainland enterprises' global expansion.

Ends/Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Issued at HKT 20:00

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