The Think Business, Think Hong Kong (TBTHK) signature promotion, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), was held on 27 November in Milan to promote bilateral trade and investment with Italy. Returning to Italy for the first time since 2014, the event attracted over 1,000 participants, reaffirming the strong and growing relationship between Hong Kong and Italy.
The TBTHK symposium, held at Palazzo Mezzanotte – home of the Italian Stock Exchange – was attended by some 760 participants. Over 240 leaders of the Italian, European and Hong Kong business communities joined the Hong Kong Dinner. The event gathered over 90 delegates from Hong Kong, including government officials, business and creative industry leaders, financial and professional services providers, investors and start-up entrepreneurs, as well as executives from Chinese Mainland companies based in Hong Kong, for a day of dialogue, networking and partnership building with Italian companies keen to expand into Asia. The event highlighted Hong Kong’s role as a superconnector and super value-adder, enabling both Hong Kong and mainland enterprises to go global and seize opportunities in Italy and across Europe.
At the symposium’s Opening Session, Paul Chan, Hong Kong SAR Government Financial Secretary, and Prof Frederick Ma, HKTDC Chairman, delivered remarks. Valentino Valentini, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy, delivered a video speech. In his opening remarks, Mr Chan said: “For long, Hong Kong and Italy have much in common. We share a passion for creativity, craftsmanship, and elegance. Italian style has captured our hearts. Our two cities (Hong Kong and Milan) are gateways connecting continents, blending Eastern and Western ingenuity. And we both thrive on openness, creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.” Mr Chan mentioned that the economic partnership between Hong Kong and Italy is flourishing and remarkably diverse: “In 2024, bilateral merchandise trade reached EUR 7.2 billion. Some 200 Italian companies, from world-beating brands to leading players in banking, insurance, logistics and chocolate, have their regional headquarters, offices or operations in Hong Kong.”
In his welcome remarks, Prof Ma said: “At the HKTDC, facilitating partnerships is at the core of what we do. Partnerships lead to innovation. And innovation drives growth and expansion. We help businesses, large and small, realise their growth and expansion plans, wherever they may be - China, Asia and beyond.” Prof Ma added: “Renowned as one of the world's leading international financial hubs, many opportunities await Italian businesses in Hong Kong - in traditional and newer sectors. Just like Italy, Hong Kong is focused on I&T. This covers fintech, greentech, AI and smart city development, the creative sector and more. I see great potential for collaboration.” Mr Valentini said: “Italian companies that have been present in Hong Kong for many years now play a leading role in sectors such as fashion, luxury, design, food, manufacturing and logistics, and are also paving the way in more innovative fields.” Mr Valentini added that Hong Kong is an ideal platform for Italian companies that wish to grow in the Chinese Mainland and the wider Asian region, while Italy is moving to further enhance its attractiveness to new investment.
The plenary session explored global economic trends, the evolving role of Hong Kong's financial markets and the deep integration with the Chinese Mainland that continues to provide international companies, including Italian ones, with a competitive advantage in accessing Asia. Chaired by Hans Michael Jebsen, Chairman of the Hong Kong-Europe Business Council and Jebsen Group, the discussion featured insights from Bernard Chan, Chairman of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and President of Asia Financial Holdings Limited; Bonnie Chan, CEO of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited; Claudio de Bedin, Partner at Justin Chow & de Bedin Solicitors LLP; Fabio De Rosa, Head of Global Transaction Banking, Banco BPM; and Alex Zhavoronkov, Founder and CEO of Insilico Medicine.
Reflecting the evolving priorities of both economies, the five thematic sessions covered four strategic areas. The Digital Trade and Finance session, co-organised with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, explored how technology is reshaping cross-border trade and financial flows. The Innovation and Technology session, supported by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, focused on smart city innovation and the rapid rise of AI-powered technologies in Asia. The Global Supply Chain session, co-organised with Invest Hong Kong, examined how Hong Kong’s capital markets and corporate treasury frameworks are driving transformation in global supply chains. Two Creative and Design sessions were held, bringing together celebrated architects and designers from Hong Kong and Italy.
Alongside the symposium, TBTHK facilitated over 260 on-site business matching meetings, one-on-one consultations and dedicated networking opportunities. Participants also browsed the InnoVenture Salon and Business Support Zone, an exhibition area featuring over 20 exhibitors from Hong Kong, including start-ups and representatives from government agencies, accounting firms, corporate services companies, logistics specialists, legal firms and many other sectors. Following the symposium, the Hong Kong Dinner was held at Palazzo Parigi, attended by over 240 business leaders, government officials and representatives of the Hong Kong and Italian business communities, further promoting bilateral economic and cultural exchanges.
