Hong Kong preferred by Mainland firms for overseas expansion

A survey by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) reveals that 83% of Mainland Chinese enterprises planning to expand overseas prefer using Hong Kong as their service platform. Companies cited the city’s expertise in financial and professional services—including legal, accounting, risk management, and ESG support—as primary drivers for this preference.

The survey of over 2,000 internationalized Mainland enterprises indicates strong global ambitions, with 82% planning to expand existing overseas operations and 63% intending to launch new ventures abroad. The most sought-after destinations include Belt and Road markets, cited by 94% of respondents, and ASEAN markets, with 91% expressing interest in regions such as Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand.

Despite the enthusiasm, businesses identified several hurdles to international growth, including market uncertainty, intensified overseas competition, and funding shortages required for supply-chain or operational adjustments.