The 26th Hong Kong Forum concluded successfully after attracting more than 320 representatives from Hong Kong business associations worldwide and business leaders from 33 countries and regions. Jointly organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide, the two-day event focused on how enterprises can leverage Hong Kong's distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support from the Chinese Mainland while being closely connected to the world as an ideal springboard for expanding abroad.
Margaret Wong, Chairperson of the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide, noted in her welcome remarks that this year's forum featured new initiatives including local visit tracks and networking sessions specifically designed for young members. The event allowed associations to share experiences and insights across regions while discussing collaborations between different business associations and Hong Kong business leaders.
Sophia Chong, Executive Director of the HKTDC, emphasized in her opening remarks that more mainland businesses are ready and keen to expand internationally. As a core member of this Task Force (GoGlobal Task Force), with the support of our 13 mainland offices, we will help mainland enterprises connect with service providers in Hong Kong, including financial, legal, IP and accounting professionals, and match them with partners and buyers in target overseas markets, Chong stated. She outlined the HKTDC's strategic direction for the coming year, noting they will begin another three-year plan to reinforce Hong Kong's role as superconnector and super value-adder, linking the Chinese Mainland and the world.
During a Dialogue with the HKTDC Chairman session hosted by Margaret Wong, Professor Frederick Ma, HKTDC Chairman, highlighted Hong Kong's unique advantages including a stable financial infrastructure, robust legal system, diverse talent pool and comprehensive professional services. Amidst the growing economic and commercial interactions between China and global markets, Hong Kong solidifies its role as a superconnector and super value-adder, Ma said. He mentioned that the HKTDC will enhance its flagship events, including the Asian Financial Forum (AFF) to be held from 26 to 27 January 2026, to enhance business elements and introduce a Global Business Summit to extend AFF beyond the financial sector.
The forum featured a plenary session titled Hong Kong: The Launchpad for Navigating Global Markets where Peter Yan, Director-General of the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises of the HKSAR Government, shared the stage with business leaders from international companies. The discussion covered how international enterprises can leverage Hong Kong as a strategic springboard for global market expansion, highlighting Hong Kong's role as a gateway to the Chinese Mainland and Asia, access to diverse consumer bases, and a highly internationalized business environment.
Another thematic session, Creative Minds and Strategic Innovation in Fuelling Hong Kong's Economic Future, explored how creativity and innovation can inject new momentum into Hong Kong's economic and cultural development. The From Idea to Impact: Building a Thriving Business in Technology plenary put the spotlight on business leaders from innovative tech companies who shared insights on identifying market needs and developing sustainable business models.
This year's forum introduced a new Meet the Mentor session, inviting Andy Ann, Chairman and CEO of NDN Group, to engage with young entrepreneurs and share valuable advice on entrepreneurship. The event was co-organized with the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce's Young Executives Club and provided opportunities for young members to connect with local young talent and explore new business opportunities.
During the forum, arrangements were made by the HKTDC for representatives to visit Hong Kong's innovation and technology infrastructure and cultural design projects, including the Data Technology Hub and Advanced Manufacturing Centre at Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks, the Hong Kong Productivity Council, and the M+ Museum. The Hong Kong Forum serves as the annual flagship event of the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide, which today has a network of 49 business associations with membership of approximately 11,000 business executives and professionals from 38 countries and regions.
