Survey Shows 94% of Mainland Firms Plan Belt and Road Expansion, 83% Choose Hong Kong
Bastillepost · 3 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago3 MIN
Summary
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council's latest survey on mainland Chinese enterprises' global expansion reveals a dramatic surge in Belt and Road interest, with 94% of surveyed companies planning market entry—up sharply from 73% in 2023 . The poll of 2,015 mainland enterprises found that 82% aim to increase existing overseas operations while 63% seek new international business ventures . Notably, 83% of respondents identified Hong Kong as their preferred professional services platform, surpassing both mainland China at 78% and Singapore at 31% . The survey highlights a strategic evolution, with enterprises moving beyond simple market expansion toward comprehensive supply chain integration, cross-border investment, and high-value-added business development . Regional preferences vary by industry, with manufacturers favoring ASEAN production bases while service companies prioritize European and American markets .
Key Points
- The Belt and Road Initiative has emerged as the dominant focus for mainland enterprises, with 94% of surveyed firms planning expansion into related markets
- ASEAN markets remain the top regional priority at 91%, with Singapore (49%), Vietnam (46%), Thailand (44%), and Malaysia (41%) as leading destination choices
- European advanced markets attracted 48% interest, up from 30% in 2023, while US-Canada drew 47% and the Middle East reached 46%, more than doubling from 33%
- Manufacturing companies favor ASEAN locations for production bases while service enterprises prefer European and American advanced economies
- Hong Kong leads as the preferred service platform at 83%, ahead of mainland China (78%) and Singapore (31%), driven by its international business environment and professional services
Why It Matters
The Belt and Road Summit, entering its 11th edition on September 9-10 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wanchai, will feature a new "Go Global" section specifically designed to support mainland enterprises' international expansion through Hong Kong . Market uncertainty represents the largest obstacle to overseas business adjustment, followed by intense overseas competition and capital constraints for supply chain restructuring . Hong Kong's role as the preferred service platform for mainland companies seeking global expansion underscores the city's critical position in connecting Chinese enterprises with international markets amid rising geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties worldwide .
The Belt and Road Summit, entering its 11th edition on September 9-10 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wanchai, will feature a new "Go Global" section specifically designed to support mainland enterprises' international expansion through Hong Kong . Market uncertainty represents the largest obstacle to overseas business adjustment, followed by intense overseas competition and capital constraints for supply chain restructuring . Hong Kong's role as the preferred service platform for mainland companies seeking global expansion underscores the city's critical position in connecting Chinese enterprises with international markets amid rising geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties worldwide .