The ASEAN bloc, a market of 680 million people, has become a major focus for Chinese Mainland companies pursuing growth overseas, new research from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) reveals.
Results from an HKTDC survey show that 91% of surveyed Mainland enterprises plan to develop business in ASEAN, reflecting the region’s strategic importance for Mainland firms seeking new opportunities outside their home market.
This trend has also fuelled strong demand for professional services from Hong Kong to support these goals.
Among enterprises planning to expand into ASEAN countries, 83% indicated an interest in using Hong Kong’s professional expertise to help them succeed.
The survey found that these firms were seeking assistance in legal and accounting compliance, marketing, e-commerce, supply chain management, financing and risk management, among other areas.
“Companies are not only looking to expand their sales networks, but are also establishing regional supply chains, investing in higher value-added activities and exploring opportunities in emerging sectors such as AI, semiconductors and new energy,” noted Bruce Pang, HKTDC’s Director of Research.
“At the same time, businesses recognise the growing complexities of operating across different markets. This explains the strong demand for Hong Kong’s professional services and reinforces our city’s role as a superconnector and super value-adder.”
Opportunities in Malaysia
One country attracting significant interest among Mainland firms is Malaysia, which ranks as a key destination for both manufacturing and services companies in HKTDC’s survey.
Malaysia is particularly attractive for businesses involved in semiconductors, industrial materials, AI and other high-growth industries. Its appeal is underpinned by a mature ecosystem, skilled workforce, competitive business environment and long-term industrial planning.
Initiatives such as the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, the National Semiconductor Strategy and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone are helping to strengthen the country’s position as an ASEAN hub for advanced manufacturing, technology and services.
HKTDC researchers have published an in-depth analysis of Malaysia’s growth sectors and the opportunities they present for enterprises from the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong.
Against this backdrop of growing Mainland interest in ASEAN and rising demand for Hong Kong’s professional services, the HKTDC will stage its flagship overseas promotional event, Think Business, Think Hong Kong (TBTHK), in Kuala Lumpur on 11 August.
A full-day symposium, set to take place at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, will bring together business leaders, investors, innovators, professional service providers and policymakers from Malaysia and Hong Kong to exchange insights and explore investment and business opportunities.
Reflecting Malaysia’s evolving economic priorities, TBTHK will feature discussions on RMB internationalisation, sustainability, healthcare and more.