Senior business leaders and government officials convened in Milan last week to explore different ways to strengthen ties between Italy and Hong Kong.
A one-day symposium, part of the Think Business, Think Hong Kong (TBTHK) promotional campaign organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), attracted some 760 participants, including more than 90 delegates from Hong Kong.They evaluated opportunities in finance, innovation, trade, the creative industries and other sectors during a day of dialogue, networking and partnership-building.
Speaking in the opening session, Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR Government, highlighted the vitality and diversity of the economic partnership between Italy and Hong Kong.
In 2024, bilateral merchandise trade reached €7.2 billion (~HK$65 billion).
“Some 200 Italian companies, from world-beating brands to leading players in banking, insurance, logistics and chocolate, have their regional headquarters, offices or operations in Hong Kong,” Mr Chan noted.
HKTDC Chairman Prof Frederick Ma pointed to the abundant opportunities that Hong Kong offers Italian businesses, in traditional and high-growth sectors.
“I see great potential for collaboration,” he said.
Valentino Valentini, Deputy Minister of Italy’s Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy, the government agency promoting Italian businesses, recounted how Hong Kong provides an ideal platform to help Italian companies grow in the Chinese Mainland and across the wider Asian region.
At the same time, Italy is moving to further enhance its attractiveness to new investment, Mr Valentini added.
Collaboration opportunities
Thematic sessions, supported by leading institutions in Hong Kong, reflected the evolving economic priorities for Italy and Hong Kong.
A Digital Trade and Finance session, co-organised with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, reviewed how technology is reshaping cross-border trade and financial flows.
An Innovation and Technology session, supported by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, focused on smart cities and the rapid rise of AI-powered technologies in Asia.
A Global Supply Chain session, co-organised with Invest Hong Kong, examined how Hong Kong’s capital markets and corporate treasury frameworks are driving transformation in global supply chains.
Two Creative and Design sessions were held.
One brought together celebrated architects and designers from Hong Kong and Italy.
The second one, co-organised with the Hong Kong Design Centre and Hong Kong Designers Association, explored how Hong Kong and Italy can co-design new opportunities in architecture, lifestyle, luxury and cultural innovation.
Alongside the symposium, TBTHK also facilitated more than 260 on-site business matching meetings, one-on-one consultations and dedicated networking opportunities.
An InnoVenture Salon and Business Support Zone featured over 20 exhibitors from Hong Kong, including start-ups and representatives from government agencies, accounting firms, corporate services companies, logistics specialists and legal firms.
In the evening, more than 240 leaders from the European and Hong Kong business communities, as well as government officials, also joined a Hong Kong Dinner, further promoting bilateral economic and cultural exchanges.
In Q3 2025, the HKTDC and the Milan-headquartered Italy China Council Foundation jointly conducted a survey among Italian C-suite and senior business leaders on opportunities in Asia.
Key findings indicate that Hong Kong is regarded as a priority market and an essential trading partner by many of Italy’s increasingly Asia-focused businesses.