The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) marked its 60th anniversary by announcing two major initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency and tapping new markets, as businesses face challenges from shifting geopolitics, supply chain changes and new technology. Chairman Professor Frederick Ma unveiled the plans on July 26, 2026, focusing on optimising the corporate structure and reallocating global network resources to capture opportunities in high-growth emerging markets.
The first initiative, optimising corporate structure, involves reorganising HKTDC's services around six industry clusters: Finance and Professional Services, Global Network and Supply Chain, Technology and Digital Innovation, Wellness and Creative Industries, Consumer Goods and Lifestyle, and Corporate Development. Executive Director Sophia Chong said the cluster approach enhances operational efficiency and sector knowledge, enabling teams to provide more comprehensive and integrated solutions. "Whether companies are keen to gather market intelligence, participate in exhibitions, conferences or overseas missions, match with investors, expand their production line or tap new markets, stakeholders across industries can access our one-stop support through a single point of contact," Chong said.
The second initiative, optimising resources to tap new markets, involves reconfiguring HKTDC's global network of 51 offices to help Hong Kong companies capture opportunities in high-growth emerging markets, including Central Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. Professor Ma highlighted the success of the Chief Executive's mission to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in June, which opened doors for Hong Kong enterprises. To build on that, HKTDC will enhance resources at its consultant office in Almaty, Kazakhstan, to strengthen support in Central Asia. In the Middle East, it will strengthen resources at its consultant office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. To leverage opportunities from the economic corridor spanning Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa, the council will set up a new consultant office in Cairo, Egypt, to enhance its existing presence in Africa. In support of the Belt and Road Initiative, HKTDC will strengthen capabilities in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Santiago, Chile, to capture opportunities in the Global South.
In ASEAN, HKTDC will strengthen promotional work and support in Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines, while enhancing capabilities in Istanbul and Warsaw. For traditional markets, the council will maintain two-way trade and investment with North America, encouraging enterprises in the United States and Canada to participate in HKTDC activities. It will also expand the responsibilities of the London office to oversee promotion and business development in the Nordic markets.
Looking ahead, HKTDC will continue to adapt to changes in the global economic and trading landscape, leveraging Hong Kong's strengths as a superconnector and super value-adder. The council aims to support Chinese Mainland enterprises to go global using Hong Kong's international advantages and networks, while encouraging more international companies to use Hong Kong as a base for global expansion.
