Last month, President Xi’s back-to-back meetings with the leaders of the U.S. and Russia sent a clear signal: great-power engagement remains the bedrock of global stability. Meanwhile, a business delegation led by the Chief Executive recently wrapped up a visit to Central Asia, laying crucial groundwork for Hong Kong businesses and mainland enterprises looking to "go global" into emerging markets. For Hong Kong's business sector, the imperative is clear — to proactively engage with and integrate into mainland and Belt and Road (B&R) emerging markets, thereby deepening and solidifying its role as a "super-connector." This strategic positioning, set against a shifting global landscape, will turn opportunities into tangible cooperation.
Seizing development opportunities in emerging markets
In response to the shifting international political and economic order, Hong Kong’s business community has progressively turned its focus away from traditional markets like Europe and the Americas and toward the emerging markets under the B&R Initiative. In recent years, regions such as the Middle East, ASEAN, and Central Asia have drawn growing attention from Hong Kong enterprises.
A case in point is the recent visit by the HKSAR government's business delegation to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan — actively supported and participated in by CGCC. The delegation explored local innovation, technology, and financial developments, and engaged with political and business leaders from both nations. The visit resulted in the signing of multiple MoUs covering digital technology, startups, and artificial intelligence, and also facilitated the establishment of direct flights between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan, scheduled to commence in the first quarter of next year. These outcomes represent a concrete step toward translating the potential of emerging markets into practical results.
As Central Asian nations pursue economic diversification, their demand for infrastructure, logistics connectivity, cross-border financing, and compliance and legal services is growing rapidly. To effectively expand into the Central Asian market, Hong Kong enterprises must build relationships early and develop a clear grasp of local regulations and business practices. The recent trip has given Hong Kong and mainland enterprises valuable insights into the region's vast market potential, while also helping Central Asian markets connect with capital and industrial supply chains across Chinese mainland, Southeast Asia, and East Asia — thereby further strengthening Hong Kong's role as a vital link.
Building a Premier Platform for Enterprises "Going Global"
The nation's 15th Five-Year Plan emphasizes high-level opening-up, prioritizing both "bringing in" and "going out." In this context, Hong Kong serves as an irreplaceable two-way platform. Specifically, Hong Kong can help mainland enterprises leverage local professional services to align with international norms while proactively exploring emerging markets in ASEAN, Central Asia, and beyond. Indeed, "going global" is no longer confined to manufacturing; service-oriented industries such as the digital economy, fintech, and green energy also hold immense potential. Hong Kong has the capacity to evolve from a "product transshipment hub" into a "global enterprise service center," offering comprehensive support ranging from market entry to cross-border dispute resolution.
With World Brand Day officially establishing its presence in Hong Kong and hosting the World Brand Congress, the business community should vigorously promote Hong Kong's transition from "product export" to "brand export." The International Academy of Brand Science has already been established in Hong Kong. We can leverage Hong Kong's leading advantages in testing, certification, and intellectual property protection to create an international brand center integrating evaluation, trading, and exhibition. This will empower more "Guochao" (China chic) brands to reach global markets while simultaneously attracting high-end international brands to Hong Kong.
Enhancing Enterprise Interaction and Connectivity
CGCC has consistently championed stronger exchange and cooperation between Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, and overseas markets, helping its members explore emerging markets. Through years of continuous study tours and exchange activities, we have helped enterprises connect with local partners and accumulate practical experience — particularly in exploring business opportunities within the Greater Bay Area and B&R markets across the Middle East, ASEAN, and Central Asia.
In February of this year, I visited Kazakhstan and met with the President to discuss core issues such as China-Kazakhstan economic and trade cooperation, industrial alignment, cultural exchanges, and the functional role Hong Kong can play. Upon returning to Hong Kong, I personally shared my experiences and the business opportunities in Kazakhstan with CGCC members, and invited the Consul General of Kazakhstan in Hong Kong to an exchange event — laying a foundation for our member enterprises and the local business community to develop the market.
Last month, CGCC also co-organized the 2026 Shanghai-Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Roundtable with the Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce, inviting senior political and business leaders and corporate elites from both regions to explore new opportunities for Shanghai and Hong Kong to "go global" together. I also led a business delegation to Hainan for an inspection visit, meeting with relevant ministries and participating in the Qiong-Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Cooperation Conference. We engaged in in-depth discussions on the opportunities presented by the Hainan Free Trade Port's development and the complementary industries of Hainan and Hong Kong, and provided one-on-one business matching for enterprises in finance, logistics, healthcare, trade, and tourism from both regions.
The rapidly changing global political and economic landscape presents both challenges and a new wave of golden development opportunities for Hong Kong. The Hong Kong business community must proactively engage — particularly by actively supporting the various initiatives outlined in the HKSAR government's first five-year plan. This strategic alignment with the nation's 15th Five-Year Plan will better enable Hong Kong to leverage its unique strengths, collaborate with mainland enterprises in exploring global markets, and transform Hong Kong's advantages into shared development achievements.
