Hong Kong Firms Pushed to Rethink China Entry
Hong Kong exporters are urged to study mainland consumer tastes and diversify into emerging markets as trade uncertainty grows.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Remote Work
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Hong Kong Trade Development Council chairman Frederick Ma Si-hang urged Hong Kong firms to innovate for mainland China while the city taps emerging markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa. The remarks came on the sidelines of the ninth China International Import Expo in Shanghai, where more than 400 Hong Kong exhibitors took part this year.
Why it matters
Hong Kong is exploring emerging markets to counter global trade uncertainties following the United States elections, which gives operators a reason to look beyond their traditional export routes. Firms are being told to understand mainland consumer tastes before entering that market rather than relying on existing assumptions.
More than 400 Hong Kong exhibitors took part in the ninth China International Import Expo in Shanghai this year. The source does not provide a prior-year comparison for exhibitor numbers or trade volumes.
The players
Hong Kong Trade Development Council
A government-backed trade promotion body that helps Hong Kong businesses expand into overseas and mainland Chinese markets through exhibitions, market intelligence and office networks.
Standard Chartered
A London-headquartered international bank with major operations across Asia, active in trade finance, wealth management and sustainable finance across cross-border markets.
The details
The trade council is advising Hong Kong businesses to capitalise on the 'one country, two systems' principle and their professional services expertise when entering mainland China. Firms are also being urged to study mainland consumer tastes before entering the market. The council plans to open an office in Egypt next year to support the broader push into emerging regions.
Timeline
Friday (November 2026): Ma delivered his remarks at the CIIE in Shanghai.
Next year (2027): The Hong Kong Trade Development Council plans to open an office in Egypt.
Market Landscape
Hong Kong is pursuing a dual strategy of deepening mainland China ties under the 'one country, two systems' framework while diversifying into Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Hong Kong is also reported to have surpassed Switzerland in wealth management and is expected to overtake London in global financial centre rankings next year.
Operators with mainland China exposure should review how their products fit local consumer tastes before committing resources to entry. Firms weighing expansion into Southeast Asia, the Middle East or Africa should factor in the trade council's planned Egypt office as a possible support channel.
The takeaway
Hong Kong's push into emerging markets signals that trade diversification is becoming a deliberate policy priority, so operators should track the council's regional office openings as a sign of where support will concentrate. Review your own China market assumptions against local consumer data before the next planning cycle.
Further reading
Explore more on Remote Work and how cross-border roles are shaping business operations.
Source note: This article includes information reported by South China Morning Post.
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