The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is organizing the Think Business, Think Hong Kong promotional campaign in Milan on November 27, marking its return to Italy since 2014. The event aims to deepen business ties between Hong Kong and Italy, with over 700 participants expected, including business leaders, officials, and investors. It focuses on leveraging Hong Kong’s role as a gateway for Italian firms targeting Asian markets such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and ASEAN, as well as opportunities from Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis initiative.
Event Highlights and Key Participants
Approximately 80 delegates from Hong Kong, including government officials, business leaders, and executives from mainland Chinese companies based in Hong Kong, will engage in dialogues and networking with Italian companies. The opening session will feature remarks from Paul Chan, Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary, and Prof Frederick Ma, HKTDC Chairman, alongside an Italian government representative. High-profile speakers from industries such as finance, culture, and technology will share insights during the plenary session, emphasizing Hong Kong’s position as a superconnector for global trade.
Thematic Sessions on Collaboration Areas
Five thematic sessions will address strategic priorities for Hong Kong-Italy cooperation, covering digital trade and finance, innovation and technology, global supply chain, and creative design. These sessions will include representatives from entities like the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Invest Hong Kong, and major banks such as HSBC and Bank of China. Discussions will highlight Hong Kong’s advanced infrastructure and initiatives in digital trade, AI, and smart city solutions, aiming to unlock partnership opportunities for Italian firms in Asia’s growing markets.
Survey Insights on Italian Business Expansion
A joint survey by HKTDC and the Italy China Council Foundation reveals that 77% of Italian businesses are committed to expanding in Asia, with Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland as priority markets. Conducted in Q3 2025 among 172 Italian senior leaders, the survey found that 93% believe Hong Kong can effectively support their expansion plans. Respondents cited Hong Kong’s strengths as a logistics hub and gateway to Asian markets, underscoring its importance in Italy’s trade and investment strategies.
Italy-Hong Kong Economic Relations
Italy is a key trading partner for Hong Kong, with bilateral trade reaching US$8.3 billion in 2024, making Italy Hong Kong’s fourth-largest EU trading partner. As of end-2023, Hong Kong was the third most popular Asian destination for Italian investment, while Hong Kong investors ranked third among Asian investors in Italy. Sectors with significant trade activity include fashion, luxury goods, electronics, food and beverages, and professional services, benefiting from Hong Kong’s competitive taxation, robust legal framework, and access to mainland China and Asia-Pacific markets.
In addition to the symposium, the event features an exhibition with over 20 Hong Kong service providers and startups showcasing innovations, along with one-on-one business consultations and a networking dinner to facilitate collaborations. This initiative supports Hong Kong’s efforts to strengthen its economic ties with Europe and promote cross-border business opportunities.
