8 in 10 Chinese companies choose Hong Kong as global launchpad

City channels 60% of China’s outbound direct investment

About 80% of Chinese Mainland enterprises choose Hong Kong as their global launchpad, with around 60% of China’s annual outward direct investment (ODI) passing through the city, highlighting its role as a key treasury and investment hub, according to Deloitte China.

The report said that the government’s establishment of the Task Force reflects policy support for strengthening Hong Kong’s gateway function.

China’s ODI reached more than $1.479t (USD 190b) in 2024, rising over 8% year-on-year (YoY), with investment in ASEAN markets increasing nearly 40% and in Belt and Road countries growing more than 20%. 

The study also identified new markets, capabilities and paradigms driven by expansion into priority regions and advances in industries such as pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, the digital economy, green energy and artificial intelligence.

Deloitte said Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre, its common law system, its innovation and logistics infrastructure and its professional-services ecosystem position the city to support Mainland enterprises' global development. 

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