Experts welcome push to lure Mainland firms via Hong Kong

Colliers said it would likely increase office demand, particularly in Central and Sheung Wan.

Industry leaders have broadly welcomed the government’s plan to establish a “GoGlobal Task Force” to attract mainland Chinese enterprises to use Hong Kong as a platform for overseas expansion.

They said the move could spur demand for office space and logistics facilities, though some noted the impact will depend on follow-through and supporting measures.

Fiona Ngan, Colliers’ Head of Occupier Services, said this would likely increase office demand, particularly in Central and Sheung Wan where mainland firms are traditionally concentrated, and inject new momentum into Hong Kong’s commercial property market.

Jeremy Ngai, PwC China South and Hong Kong Tax Leader, said the proposed Task Force, together with plans to open an Economic and Trade Office in Kuala Lumpur and efforts to secure early participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, would position Hong Kong to benefit from expanding mainland investment into regions such as Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, Eastern Europe and Africa.

CBRE’s Head of Research in Hong Kong, Marcos Chan, said the Task Force is aimed at encouraging mainland enterprises to expand internationally from Hong Kong and at incentivising mainland banks to establish regional headquarters in the city.

He said proposed tax concessions to attract corporate treasury centres would boost banking and financial activity, driving office demand in the Central Business District.

Chan added that separate plans to develop the gold market are creating demand for high-quality storage facilities capable of holding at least 2,000 tonnes of gold, as well as more qualified delivery warehouses meeting London Metal Exchange standards, which could accelerate warehouse absorption and reduce vacancy.

He also noted that international auction houses have been expanding office space in the city and more art-focused logistics operators are emerging, and said government efforts to enhance art exhibition and trading capacity could support inbound tourism and benefit the retail and hospitality sectors over time.