HKPC, HKTDC back Budget’s push for innovation, SME growth

Both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the government.

The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) have expressed support for the 2025-26 Budget, highlighting its emphasis on innovation, technology (I&T), and SME development.

HKPC Chairman Hon Sunny Tan welcomed the Budget’s commitment to boosting I&T investment, calling technological innovation a key driver of economic growth.

Tan noted that the council will continue to align with the HKSAR Government in advancing AI, green technology, life sciences, and microelectronics, whilst also supporting the industrial transformation of SMEs through funding schemes like the $100m Pilot Manufacturing and Production Line Upgrade Support Scheme.

Similarly, HKTDC Chairman Dr. Peter K. N. Lam lauded the Budget’s increased support for SMEs, particularly the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund) and the SME Export Marketing Fund.

Lam highlighted new initiatives such as the "E-commerce Express" program, which aims to help Hong Kong businesses expand into the Mainland Chinese market via digital platforms.

In agreement, Tan said the HKPC welcomes the Budget's renewed investment in the “Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales” (BUD Fund)  and the optimisation of the application process to assist SMEs in exploring markets in the Chinese Mainland and overseas.

Meanwhile, organisations recognized sustainability and green development as critical focus areas. HKPC emphasised green transportation and hydrogen technology, whilst HKTDC is incorporating sustainability initiatives into global trade and investment summits, such as the Belt and Road Summit and the new Hong Kong Global Financial and Industry Summit.

Whilst HKPC’s focus remains on industrial transformation and tech-driven manufacturing, HKTDC sees Hong Kong’s role as a global business and financial hub as key to its economic growth.

Both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the government to enhance Hong Kong’s economic competitiveness amidst evolving global challenges.