Prof Ma said: “The international trade landscape is turbulent, and enterprises urgently need to reassess their development strategies. As both a springboard for the country and an international hub, Hong Kong possesses the unique advantages of internal and external connectivity and is poised to play a pivotal role in the new trade landscape.”

He pointed out that HKTDC will help Hong Kong businesses connect globally and turn challenges into opportunities. Through three strategic directions —1) reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a superconnector and super value-adder to highlight its international status and deepen ties with global markets, 2) building a multinational supply chain management centre, and 3) promote trade digitalisation to position Hong Kong as the best partner for global enterprises, helping SMEs to stand out in an ever-changing world.

The HKTDC will leverage its network of 51 offices globally and 49 Hong Kong business associations to support enterprises in exploring new markets and enhancing competitiveness. Prof Ma said: “Hong Kong has always been a city of opportunities. The HKTDC will stand side by side with Hong Kong businesses, seizing opportunities in an ever-changing world, integrating Hong Kong into national development and telling the good stories of Hong Kong and Mainland China.”

Five directions to forge a new chapter for Hong Kong

1.Advancing our strengths in internal and external connectivity and leveraging our global network, enhancing overseas visits and flagship promotions: Reviewing the HKTDC’s global network of 51 offices to reinforce our work in key markets and enhance Hong Kong’s international competitiveness. The HKTDC will continue organising more trade missions to tell the good stories of Hong Kong and Mainland China. A prime example is our flagship campaign Think Business, Think Hong Kong, which will be held in Milan, Italy in November.
2.Optimising existing flagship events: By incorporating industry collaboration elements into the annual Asian Financial Forum (AFF), we will transform it into AFF Plus to facilitate connections between finance and the real economy, driving innovation, regional integration and sustainable development. For trade fairs, we will strengthen content related to global trends, including elements of robotics and higher education. Additionally, we will host new events targeting key markets, like the Middle East, inviting mainland enterprises to participate, to promote trade and investment cooperation between Hong Kong and countries in the Middle East region.
3.Building an international supply chain management centre: In response to the trend of mainland industrial chains extending overseas, the HKTDC will actively position Hong Kong as a supply chain command centre to support mainland firms in going global.
4.Driving the innovation engine and promoting trade digitalisation: The HKTDC will enhance existing support services, focusing on core elements of trade digitalisation to help SMEs leverage technologies - such as IOT, AI, blockchain and big data – to boost efficiency. In the long term, the HKTDC aims to position Hong Kong as a value chain centre, utilising technology, data analytics and collaborative networks to refine value chains for global enterprises, creating added value and addressing market changes and uncertainties.
5.Explore long term demand for the convention and exhibition industry: The HKTDC will support the Hong Kong SAR Government in reviewing the needs of the convention and exhibition sector in the long term.

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About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.