The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has outlined its strategic priorities for the fiscal year 2025-2026, emphasizing the city's role as a resilient and globally connected business hub. The council aims to strengthen Hong Kong’s competitive edge by promoting innovation, sustainable development, and fostering a new generation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups. Dr. Peter K N Lam, chairman of the HKTDC, highlighted the importance of integrating Hong Kong into the broader national development framework while attracting global businesses. The council will focus on building partnerships, enhancing risk management support, and expanding market reach for local firms.
In an effort to solidify Hong Kong’s position as a pivotal international business center, the HKTDC plans to deepen its collaborations with various regional organizations. By forming alliances with Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agencies, the council intends to attract more businesses to participate in its trade fairs. This move is expected to enhance Hong Kong’s role as a superconnector and value-adder in the global economy. Additionally, the launch of the Hong Kong Risk Management Squad will provide valuable assistance to mainland and ASEAN companies in mitigating risks, thereby fostering a stable business environment.
To further bolster the city’s competitiveness, the HKTDC will embrace innovation and sustainable development. The council aims to support the national strategy for new quality productive forces by exploring opportunities in emerging sectors such as agritech, food tech, low-altitude economy, and PropTech. Strengthening collaborations with research institutions and recruiting firms from these sectors for investor networking events will be key initiatives. Moreover, the council will explore Industry 4.0 advancements to help SMEs stay at the forefront of technological progress.
Another crucial aspect of the HKTDC’s strategy is nurturing the next generation of connected and future-ready SMEs and startups. To achieve this, the council will facilitate talent-matching programs at events like InnoEX and Entrepreneur Day (E-Day), connecting businesses with skilled professionals. Partnerships with institutions such as the Hong Kong Productivity Council will also play a vital role in exposing SMEs to cutting-edge technologies and accelerating their digital transformation.
The HKTDC’s comprehensive approach underscores its commitment to enhancing Hong Kong’s resilience and adaptability in the face of global challenges. By focusing on innovation, sustainability, and fostering a supportive ecosystem for SMEs and startups, the council aims to position Hong Kong as a leading international business hub that can thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.