Mainland Chinese enterprises are increasingly pursuing comprehensive global expansion strategies, targeting advanced economies, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) territories, and emerging markets. This shift is highlighted in new research from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), which underscores Hong Kong's pivotal role in helping these businesses navigate challenges such as shifting global trade policies, rising protectionism, and supply chain reconfigurations.
The survey reveals that 82% of mainland enterprises plan to expand existing overseas operations, while 63% aim to develop new overseas business activities. Additionally, 54% intend to enhance overseas sourcing, 47% plan to expand sales networks, and 36% will boost technology cooperation. Bruce Pang, Director of HKTDC Research, noted that as mainland enterprises' strategies extend to supply chain integration and cross-border investment, the demand for professional services has grown. He emphasized that Hong Kong, as the first-choice services hub for most surveyed firms, is playing an increasingly significant role in helping them seize global opportunities. Pang also pointed to the upcoming Belt and Road Summit as a platform to bolster cross-regional cooperation.
Interest in BRI markets has surged, with 94% of respondents confirming plans to develop business there, up from 73% in 2023. ASEAN remains a priority, with 91% focusing on expansion, particularly in Singapore (49%), Vietnam (46%), Thailand (44%), and Malaysia (41%). Beyond Asia, 48% target advanced European markets, 47% plan to expand in the US and Canada, interest in the Middle East rose from 33% to 46%, and Latin America saw a doubling from 17% to 34%. This indicates a broadened global outlook among mainland enterprises.
Mainland enterprises face several challenges, including competition from other regions (61%), geopolitical tensions (55%), rising mainland costs (51%), and tariff and non-tariff barriers (50%). To address these, they are focusing on improving production efficiency (60%), better risk management (57%), and controlling costs (57%). Wing Chu, Deputy Director of HKTDC Research, explained that most enterprises plan to develop two to three overseas business functions, extending along the global value chain. However, they struggle with market uncertainties, intense competition, and insufficient capital for adjustments, increasing the need for professional services.
Hong Kong is the leading platform for these services, chosen by 83% of surveyed enterprises, followed by the Chinese mainland (78%) and Singapore (31%). The services sought include marketing, legal and accounting advisory, financing, risk management, supply chain management, R&D, product standards, and ESG-related support. Hong Kong's international business environment, robust legal system, free flow of capital and information, and professional talent pool make it an ideal partner. The National 15th Five-Year Plan supports Hong Kong's integration into national development, and the HKSAR Government launched the GoGlobal Task Force in October 2025 to provide comprehensive support for overseas expansion.
The upcoming Belt and Road Summit, scheduled for 9-10 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, will feature a dedicated “Go Global Chapter” with breakout sessions on overseas expansion and Hong Kong's professional services. A new “GoGlobal Connect” zone will showcase services and offer consultations. The Summit will also organize a business mission to Nansha, Guangzhou, to highlight Greater Bay Area developments. As a premier platform for policy dialogue and deal-making, the Summit will facilitate collaboration among businesses, investors, and governments, helping enterprises capture opportunities in BRI and other emerging markets.
