Hong Kong Strengthens Economic Ties with Italy Through Milan Business Symposium

The Think Business, Think Hong Kong signature promotion organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council brought together over 1,000 participants in Milan on November 27, marking the event's return to Italy since 2014 and signaling strengthened economic ties between the two regions. The symposium at Palazzo Mezzanotte attracted 760 participants and featured high-level government and business leaders exploring opportunities in finance, innovation, supply chain management, and creative industries.

Hong Kong SAR Government Financial Secretary Paul Chan emphasized the shared values between Hong Kong and Italy, noting both regions' passion for creativity, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial spirit. The economic partnership has shown significant growth, with bilateral merchandise trade reaching EUR 7.2 billion in 2024. Approximately 200 Italian companies maintain regional headquarters, offices, or operations in Hong Kong, spanning sectors from luxury brands to banking and logistics.

HKTDC Chairman Professor Frederick Ma highlighted Hong Kong's role in facilitating partnerships that drive innovation and expansion. Hong Kong serves as a strategic gateway for Italian companies seeking access to the Chinese Mainland and broader Asian markets, with particular opportunities in fintech, greentech, artificial intelligence, and smart city development. The event featured over 90 delegates from Hong Kong, including government officials, business leaders, and startup entrepreneurs engaging with Italian companies interested in Asian expansion.

The plenary session explored global economic trends and Hong Kong's evolving role as a financial hub, with discussions chaired by Hans Michael Jebsen of the Hong Kong-Europe Business Council. Five thematic sessions covered strategic areas including digital trade and finance, innovation and technology, global supply chains, and creative industries. The Digital Trade and Finance session, co-organized with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, examined how technology is reshaping cross-border trade through distributed ledger solutions and commercial data exchange systems.

Innovation and technology discussions, supported by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, focused on smart city innovation and AI-powered technologies. The Global Supply Chain session, co-organized with Invest Hong Kong, highlighted Hong Kong's position as a hub for supply chain digitalization and green logistics. Creative sessions brought together architects and designers from both regions, including Steve Leung of Steve Leung Design Group and Andrea Ponti of Ponti Design Studio, exploring collaboration opportunities in architecture, lifestyle, and luxury sectors.

The event facilitated 260 on-site business matching meetings and one-on-one consultations, providing Italian companies with direct access to Hong Kong-based experts across various sectors. Participants could explore the InnoVenture Salon and Business Support Zone featuring over 20 exhibitors from Hong Kong, including startups, government agencies, and professional service providers. The Hong Kong Dinner at Palazzo Parigi gathered 240 business leaders and officials, further reinforcing bilateral economic and cultural exchanges. The event demonstrated Hong Kong's continued relevance as a superconnector between European and Asian markets, offering Italian businesses enhanced access to growing Asian economies through established financial infrastructure and innovation ecosystems.