The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)’s new Chairman Prof Frederick Ma has outlined five strategic directions aimed at helping Hong Kong enterprises navigate global challenges and seize new opportunities.
Reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a superconnector and super value-adder will be a priority for the organisation, along with building a multinational supply chain management centre and promoting trade digitalisation to position Hong Kong as the best partner for global enterprises and SMEs.
Prof Ma said: “The international trade landscape is turbulent, and enterprises urgently need to reassess their development strategies. As both a springboard for the country and an international hub, Hong Kong possesses the unique advantages of internal and external connectivity and is poised to play a pivotal role in the new trade landscape.”
The HKTDC will leverage its network of 51 offices globally and 49 Hong Kong business associations to support enterprises in exploring new markets and enhancing competitiveness.
Prof Ma said: “Hong Kong has always been a city of opportunities. The HKTDC will stand side by side with Hong Kong businesses, seizing opportunities in an ever-changing world, integrating Hong Kong into national development and telling the good stories of Hong Kong and Mainland China.”
The five directions are:
- Advancing strengths in connectivity and leveraging the global branch network to enhance overseas visits and flagship promotions.
HKTDC will review its global network of offices and will organise more trade missions to tell the good stories of Hong Kong and Mainland China, such as the Think Business, Think Hong Kong campaign to be held in Milan, Italy in November.
- Optimising flagship events.
The annual Asian Financial Forum will be transformed to facilitate connections between finance and the real economy, while content related to global trends will be strengthened at trade fairs. In addition, new events will be launched targeting key markets, such as the Middle East.
- Building an international supply chain management centre.
The HKTDC will actively position Hong Kong as a command centre to support mainland firms managing global supply chains.
- Driving innovation and promoting trade digitalisation.
The HKTDC will enhance support services to help SMEs leverage technologies such AI, blockchain and big data, and position Hong Kong as a value chain centre for global enterprises, utilising technology, data analytics and collaborative networks.
- Explore long term demand for the convention and exhibition industry.
The HKTDC will support the Hong Kong SAR Government in reviewing the needs of the convention and exhibition sector in the long term.
