Mainland Chinese enterprises are adopting increasingly sophisticated global business strategies, targeting both advanced economies and emerging markets, according to new research from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). The survey, which highlights the pivotal role Hong Kong plays in supporting these expansions, comes as the city prepares to host the 11th Belt and Road Summit in September.
The research reveals that 82% of surveyed companies have plans to expand their existing overseas operations, while 63% are focused on developing new overseas business activities. Additionally, 54% plan to enhance overseas sourcing, 47% aim to expand sales networks, and 36% intend to boost technology cooperation. These figures underscore a shift towards higher value-added activities and supply chain integration, driving demand for professional services.
“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,” said Bruce Pang, Director of HKTDC Research. “Hong Kong’s unique connectivity and unrivalled expertise have ensured it is playing an ever more significant role in helping Mainland business seize global opportunities.”
The survey also shows a marked increase in interest in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) markets, with 94% of respondents confirming their interest, up from 73% in 2023. ASEAN remains a priority, with 91% planning to expand there, particularly in Singapore (49%), Vietnam (46%), Thailand (44%), and Malaysia (41%). Interest in the Middle East has grown from 33% to 46%, and Latin America from 17% to 34%.
However, enterprises face significant challenges, including shifting US trade policies, intensified competition (61%), geopolitical tensions (55%), rising Mainland costs (51%), and tariff barriers (50%). To mitigate these, companies are focusing on improving efficiency (60%), better risk management (57%), and cost control (57%).
Wing Chu, Deputy Director of HKTDC Research, noted that most enterprises plan to develop two to three overseas business functions, indicating a move along the global value chain. “They face major challenges, including difficulty coping with rapidly changing market uncertainties, intense competition, and insufficient capital. These challenges underline the growing need for professional services support,” she said.
Hong Kong is the preferred services platform for 83% of surveyed enterprises, followed by the Chinese Mainland (78%) and Singapore (31%). Services sought include marketing, legal and accounting advisory, financing, risk management, supply chain management, R&D, product standards, and ESG support. This preference is driven by Hong Kong’s internationalized business environment, robust legal system, free flow of capital and information, and strong professional talent pool.
The National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports Hong Kong’s integration into national development, and the HKSAR Government launched the GoGlobal Task Force in October 2025 to further support enterprises going global. The upcoming Belt and Road Summit, scheduled for 9-10 September, will feature a “Go Global Chapter” with thematic sessions and a “GoGlobal Connect” zone, providing consultation and support for Mainland enterprises.
For more insights, refer to the HKTDC research report: Mainland Enterprises’ Global Expansion: Hong Kong - The Premier Service Platform.
