Start-Up Express Final pitching visitor EN

A key player in the European Union and vital link between the continent’s Germanic north and Romantic south, France and its glittering capital Paris are always on the agenda for anyone dealing with the EU.

Hong Kong business showcase in Paris draws more than 1,300 participants.

Think Business, Think Hong Kong returns to Europe

France has had a long, constructive relationship with Hong Kong. To further strengthen bilateral ties, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) chose Paris as the first destination outside of Asia for its Think Business, Think Hong Kong (TBTHK) campaign, following the end of COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Signature HKTDC programme returns to France.

Think Business, Think Hong Kong campaign in Paris

Since its founding as a trading port nearly two centuries ago, Hong Kong has been a magnet for entrepreneurs from as near as Guangzhou to as far as South America, and everywhere in between.

Three expatriates with very different backgrounds explain what brought them to the city and keeps them here.

Hong Kong draws talent

Firms in Mainland China are rapidly moving to expand abroad and regulatory, market and technological changes are paving the way for them.

A green petrochemicals maker picks Switzerland for next step towards worldwide expansion.

Paving way for global launches

Ireland was historically a farming country, and agriculture remains an important industry there though financial services, especially fintech, have since come to the fore. Conversely Hong Kong went from trade to manufacturing before becoming a global financial services centre.

In terms of population and economy, Hong Kong and Ireland are the same size but took very different paths – both now aim for destination net zero by 2050.

Financing journey to net zero

Hong Kong brand Bombol has launched a light foldable baby booster seat which has won numerous international awards and received orders from five-star hotels and high-end restaurants.

Social media promotion increased sales as Covid pandemic restricted physical shopping.

Folding baby chair wins plaudits

To introduce a technology brand well established in Europe, but new to Asia, Martino Criveller, Company Director, Passo Avanti Limited, made use of the shop window provided by Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) trade fairs.

An Italian technology company’s Hong Kong partner uses HKTDC services to expand its market.

Digital closets iron-out garment logistics

Boasting the longest life expectancy in the world, Hong Kong generates strong demand for medical and health services and products. Hong Kong company Enlighten developed a wireless home-care system to ensure elderly people could easily call for assistance. With the help of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council's (HKTDC) Transformation Sandbox (T-box) programme, they successfully expanded into the UK market.

A Hong Kong firm producing emergency alert systems for the elderly finds overseas buyers through the HKTDC.

Virtual nurse finds takers in UK

Fashion-conscious office workers in Central, Hong Kong, have long turned to IL Sarto Tailor – a local specialty tailor focussing on Italian-style, custom-made suits – for such sartorial needs. Yet, the fallout from the pandemic meant many face-to-face meetings were shelved and working from home became routine. Office workers no longer needed to dress to the nines in order to meet customers, which abruptly halved IL Sarto’s business. The brand adapted immediately: in addition to focusing on wedding suits, and launching casual and women's clothing lines, the tailor also plans to open a store in the United Kingdom to capitalise on demand there for tailor-made clothing, particularly in London.

A Hong Kong creator of sharp, Italian-style suits expects strong demand from fashion-conscious Brits.

Bespoke tailor London bound

Food and fashion fulfil people’s fundamental needs – something that’s recognised by Hong Kong-based innovation platform The Mills Fabrica, which is focused on cultivating start-ups engaged in these two fields.

A go-to solutions platform that accelerates techstyle and agrifood innovations for sustainability and social impact has partnered with Fashion Hong Kong to support Hong Kong fashion designers.

Building a better tomorrow

Hong Kong businesses are known for their flexibility and adaptability. A family-owned factory, now in its second generation, has faced constant challenges since the current owner took over the operation, so it took the decision to actively diversify.

Four-decade-old Hong Kong business has made use of HKTDC platforms to build global connections – and also looks to diversify.

Watch company expands its horizons

As businesses in the United Kingdom seek new growth areas, Hong Kong’s role as a global financial hub and innovation centre is seen as an ideal platform to help them expand.

As international travellers return to the city, business leaders in the United Kingdom have a chance to draw on the city’s many advantages.

Opportunity awaits in Hong Kong

A serial entrepreneur based in Hong Kong for more than 20 years, France-born Sophie Martineau set up her medical supplies business Aquila Healthcare under the brand AquilaVIE in 2020. The launch was in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, when demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks rapidly outpaced supply.

A medical supply company launched in response to the pandemic found Hong Kong to be the perfect base to grow into a global business.

Healthcare start-up hits a high note

The diverse world of wine ranges from ancient producers such as Georgia to newcomers such as Myanmar – and the nature and heritage of wine-related products is equally diverse.

An Italian academy aims to educate students of all levels – from enthusiasts to sommeliers – on the beauty of the country’s wines.

The wisdom of the vine

From Pasteurisation in France to X-rays and Aspirin in Germany, Europe has been a source of much medical innovation and the trend shows no sign of letting up, as a team of medical professionals found out last month.

France and Germany, home to many medical innovators, continue to push the boundaries.

Hong Kong-Europe biotech ties strengthen

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