The IP Go-Global Business Matching Session, jointly organized by the Intellectual Property Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Guangdong Administration for Market Regulation, was held today at Science City in Guangzhou. The event arranged approximately 50 one-to-one business matching meetings between Guangdong enterprises and Hong Kong intellectual property (IP) service providers, alongside a networking luncheon and a thematic seminar that attracted over 150 industry participants. This initiative aims to assist Chinese Mainland enterprises in expanding into international markets by utilizing Hong Kong as a strategic launchpad, enhancing Guangdong-Hong Kong collaboration in IP, and strengthening global competitiveness.
Building on the success of the 15th Business of IP Asia Forum held in December 2025, where a dedicated IP Go-Global Business Matching Session was first hosted, this event serves as a key initiative under the Guangdong-Hong Kong cooperation framework. It reinforces Hong Kong's unique role as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" in national development. Peter Wong, HKTDC's Regional Director of Southern China, highlighted that against the backdrop of the country's proactive promotion of expansion and high-quality development under the 15th Five-Year Plan, Guangdong enterprises are actively seeking overseas markets, driving demand for internationally oriented IP services, particularly in overseas IP protection and dispute resolution. He noted that Hong Kong's legal and IP system aligns with international standards, positioning it to provide comprehensive support to Mainland enterprises.
David Wong, Director of Intellectual Property of the HKSAR Government, emphasized that in the latest World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026, Hong Kong's global competitiveness has risen to second globally. He stated that Hong Kong's advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle, a sound common law system, an international business environment, and world-class professional services make it an ideal platform for Mainland enterprises expanding overseas. The event brought together government representatives, enterprises, and IP professionals from both regions, including a delegation of around 20 representatives from associations such as the Asian Patent Attorneys Association Hong Kong Group (APAA) and the Hong Kong Chinese Patent Attorneys Association (HKCPAA). Their participation underscores Hong Kong's strengths in international legal and professional services.
The business matching sessions focused on aligning with practical needs, facilitating direct exchanges between Guangdong's innovation, technology, and cultural enterprises and Hong Kong's IP service providers. This initiative aims to better understand the key needs of Guangdong enterprises in global expansion while showcasing Hong Kong's diverse IP professional services. The thematic seminar covered IP risk management, cross-border dispute resolution, global patent portfolio strategies, and international development approaches, providing forward-looking insights to help enterprises navigate a complex global landscape.
The HKTDC will continue to work closely with stakeholders to promote cross-border exchange and cooperation platforms, facilitate complementary advantages between Hong Kong and the Mainland in professional services, strengthen Hong Kong's position as a regional IP trading centre, and support enterprises in seizing opportunities for international expansion. For more information, visit the HKTDC's about page.
