HKTDC to bolster competitiveness, global connections

Amongst HKTDC's strategies include nurturing a new generation of SMEs and start-ups.

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) announced its work focus for FY 2025-2026, which aims to strengthen Hong Kong’s competitive advantages and intensify efforts to promote Hong Kong as a resilient international business hub.

“Looking ahead, the HKTDC will strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a resilient and connected international business hub, intensify efforts to promote our city’s advantages to the global business community, and promote further integration of Hong Kong into the national development framework,” said Dr. Peter K N Lam, chairman of the HKTDC.

“Furthermore, we will drive innovation and sustainable development to enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness and nurture a new generation of SMEs and start-ups,” Lam added.

In FY 2025-2026, HKTDC’s major work focuses include reinforcing its position as a resilient and globally connected business hub whilst deepening its integration into national development.

To enhance Hong Kong’s role as a superconnector and value-adder, the HKTDC will build partnerships with Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agencies to attract businesses to HKTDC trade fairs.

The Hong Kong Risk Management Squad will be launched to assist mainland and ASEAN firms in mitigating risks and introduce the ASEAN Lifestyle Pioneer Series to expand SMEs' regional market reach.

Additionally, it seeks to fortify Hong Kong’s competitiveness by embracing innovation and sustainable development to support the national new quality productive forces strategy and seize opportunities arising from global trends.

Efforts will include recruiting agritech and food tech firms for investor networking, strengthening collaborations with research institutions, and exploring opportunities in emerging sectors like the low-altitude economy and PropTech. 

Lastly, the agency will help build the next generation of connected and future-ready SMEs and start-ups, and fast-track SMEs’ digital transformation.

To nurture the next generation of SMEs and start-ups, it will facilitate talent-matching programs at InnoEX and Entrepreneur Day (E-Day) to connect businesses with skilled professionals, as well as pursue partnerships with institutions like the Hong Kong Productivity Council to expose SMEs to Industry 4.0 advancements.