The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is taking decisive steps to empower Hong Kong’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to navigate the vast opportunities presented by Mainland China’s booming e-commerce market. Through the second edition of the Hong Kong Shopping Festival, HKTDC offers SMEs a suite of expert-led seminars, consultancy services, and innovative marketing opportunities to elevate their competitiveness in the mainland’s dynamic digital economy.
E-commerce as a Growth Driver
E-commerce has emerged as a cornerstone of global trade, with Mainland China firmly establishing itself as the market leader. In 2024, China’s online retail sales reached an impressive RMB 15.5 trillion, a 7.2% year-on-year growth that highlights its dominance in the sector. Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director of the HKTDC, emphasized, “The mainland leads the world in online retail, creating immense potential for Hong Kong SMEs to expand.”
To facilitate this growth, the HKTDC is equipping businesses with insights into online platform operations, payment tools, influencer marketing, and live-streaming production—vital components for success in the ever-evolving e-commerce ecosystem.
Practical Seminars to Equip SMEs
The HKTDC’s newly launched seminar series addresses key challenges faced by SMEs in the mainland market, including pricing strategies, inventory management, and influencer collaboration. These expert-led sessions aim to guide businesses on leveraging platforms like Taobao, JD.com, Douyin, WeChat, and Xiaohongshu to maximize reach and sales.
Upcoming Seminars: Key Topics
- 27 February 2025: Traditional E-commerce Platforms – Choosing the right platform for your brand.
- April 2025: Social E-commerce Strategies – Expanding through platforms like Douyin and WeChat.
- May 2025: Marketing on Social Media – Building organic communities and creating viral content.
- June 2025: Influencer Marketing – Effective collaborations to boost brand visibility.
The series builds on the success of past sessions, including the December 2024 seminar on the mainland e-commerce landscape and the January 2025 workshop on legal compliance and platform requirements, which received enthusiastic responses.
The Second Edition of the Hong Kong Shopping Festival
Slated for August 2025, the Hong Kong Shopping Festival expands its offerings to help SMEs tap into the mainland’s vast market. Key features include:
- Customised Marketing Services: Tailored solutions to enhance brand exposure and market penetration.
- Live-Streaming E-commerce Sessions: Building on the success of last year’s festival.
- Discount Month: Encouraging direct engagement between SMEs and mainland consumers.
- One-on-One Consultancy: Personalized guidance from e-commerce and online marketing experts.
Long-Term Support for SMEs
Beyond the festival, the HKTDC Digital Academy and Design Gallery (DG) platforms continue to provide SMEs with the tools they need to thrive in the digital economy. The DG’s cross-border e-commerce shops on Taobao and JD International, combined with a network of 70 physical sales outlets in the mainland, offer unparalleled opportunities to promote Hong Kong brands.
Meanwhile, the DG Studio program connects SMEs to both physical retailers and online platforms across the ASEAN region, expanding their market footprint even further.
Building the Future of E-commerce for Hong Kong SMEs
With strong trade ties and growing digital infrastructure, Hong Kong SMEs are well-positioned to seize opportunities in Mainland China’s e-commerce market. The HKTDC’s initiatives, from educational seminars to the Hong Kong Shopping Festival, are paving the way for businesses to develop competitive strategies, embrace innovation, and achieve sustainable growth.
Click here to pre-register for the mainland e-commerce seminar.
