For Chinese Mainland enterprises with global ambitions, Hong Kong offers international connectivity, access to capital and professional services, and a vibrant innovation ecosystem, making it an ideal springboard for expansion.
This was the focus of a recent business delegation to Hefei, the capital of Anhui province, led by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Chairman Professor Frederick Ma. Bringing together more than 30 representatives from government, the stock exchange, technology parks, business chambers, universities and research institutions, the group held meetings with Anhui Acting Governor Wang Dongwei, Anhui Vice Governor Sun Yong and Hefei Mayor Zhang Quan, and explored how Hong Kong and Anhui could combine their strengths to help innovative enterprises reach international markets.
A concrete step emerged from the visit. The HKTDC and Anhui province agreed to extend the GoGlobal Connect service to the province, establishing a fast-track service to support Anhui enterprises expanding overseas. The initiative reflects a broader shift in economic ties between Hong Kong and Anhui. Prof Ma said cooperation had expanded beyond traditional industries into emerging sectors centred on innovation and technology, with new-energy vehicles, artificial intelligence and life and health sciences offering further scope for collaboration.
Innovation gathers pace
For Prof Ma, who had last visited Hefei 15 years ago, the city’s development into a technology powerhouse was striking. He recalled a city with a population of about 5.7 million and an economy worth just over RMB300 billion (HK$352 billion). Today, the population exceeds 10 million and the economy has grown almost fourfold. The modern cityscape and growing presence of international businesspeople offered visible signs of that change.
The delegation saw that transformation first-hand, visiting the Anhui Innovation Centre, University of Science and Technology of China and Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Members also toured Gotion High-tech, Huawei’s Zunjie Super Factory and the Luogang Central Park Smart Centre.
Prof Ma called for Anhui and Hong Kong to build a more connected innovation ecosystem, combining the province’s technological and industrial capabilities with Hong Kong’s international links to support companies seeking overseas growth.
Kevin Choi, Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government and Chairperson of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, said Hong Kong could help companies address key issues involved in overseas expansion, including access to capital, talent and technology and in navigating international rules. He encouraged Anhui and Hefei enterprises to explore the Northern Metropolis and visit the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone.
For Anhui enterprises ready to venture overseas, Hong Kong and HKTDC’s GoGlobal Connect service stand ready to connect Mainland innovation with the capital, expertise and global networks needed to turn those ambitions into business outcomes.