Survey Puts Hong Kong First for Mainland Expansion
Hkgov · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN

Summary
A new Hong Kong Trade Development Council survey found Hong Kong remains the leading service platform for Mainland enterprises pursuing overseas expansion, with 83% of respondents naming the city as their preferred base . The study also showed that most surveyed firms plan either to expand existing overseas operations or launch new ventures abroad, with Belt & Road and ASEAN markets drawing the strongest interest .
Key Points
- The Hong Kong Trade Development Council surveyed more than 2,000 internationalised enterprises and found 83% viewed Hong Kong as their preferred service platform for going global .
- Among surveyed firms, 82% said they plan to expand existing overseas operations, while 63% intend to start new business ventures abroad .
- Belt & Road markets were favoured by 94% of respondents, and 91% showed interest in ASEAN markets, especially Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand .
- Respondents identified market uncertainty, intensifying overseas competition and funding shortages for operational or supply-chain adjustments as major obstacles to global expansion .
- HKTDC Research Director Bruce Pang said firms chose Hong Kong for its broad professional and financial services, including legal, accounting, risk management and ESG support .
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong, the findings support its pitch as a "super-connector" and "super value-adder" for Mainland companies seeking overseas growth, especially as regional expansion plans remain active . The survey also sets the stage for the 11th Belt & Road Summit, scheduled for September 9 and 10 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre .