As global financial woes blunt overseas markets, Hong Kong firms are looking to Mainland China, and especially the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), but are faced with several challenges, a survey shows.

Traders from Hong Kong need help navigating their way through the GBA and beyond, a HKECIC-HKTDC survey finds.

Huge market presents hurdles

The Hong Kong business community has welcomed authorities’ move to relax COVID-19 prevention requirements for arrivals, who from 12 August will need to stay in a quarantine hotel for three days followed by four days of self-isolation.

The HKTDC’s chairman lauds further opening up of the city and outlines five key strategies to help SMEs capture opportunities.

Easier entry to HK welcomed

Hong Kong people have an abundance of creativity, which is being manifested as start-ups continue to grow steadily across different sectors. The city has recently seen an enhancement in its incubation programmes and support systems, allowing nascent Hong Kong businesses to flourish.

A local design incubation programme is helping to cultivate talent in the artistic and cultural industries.

Hong Kong start-ups go global

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted every area of economic activity across the world, from agriculture to utilities, and sourcing by importers and exporters was no exception.

An HKTDC survey shows 93% of international buyers used online sourcing platforms during the pandemic, but the future belongs to hybrid fairs.

Sourcing surges online

The rollout of the giant Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a new trade grouping that stretches from Japan on the fringes of the Arctic to New Zealand on the edge of the Antarctic, is driving optimism on long-term business prospects among enterprises in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

The quarterly survey of business sentiment in the Greater Bay Areas shows hope that the recently launched RCEP will brighten prospects.

New trade pact draws bullish response

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, companies are accelerating campaigns to upgrade brands, transform e-commerce systems and develop new production and supply chains to ensure they remain viable as long-term businesses.

A programme helps Hong Kong SMEs move manufacturing to this vibrant region.

T-box highway to ASEAN

Start-ups work with limited resources and have a wide range of needs – from finance and research and development (R&D) facilities to bespoke manufacturing. One of the best ways they can move ahead is by, quite literally siting themselves in the best possible geographical region.

The Greater Bay Area has become a magnet for entrepreneurs from around the world.

Global start-up sweet spot

The world’s move from an industrial economy to one based on innovation brings a need to streamline trading in intellectual property (IP) – the oil of the post-industrial realm.

A leading global professional services firm seeks to accurately value intellectual property assets as global economies shift from industrial to innovative.

IP flexes value muscle

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are accelerating campaigns to upgrade brands, transform e-commerce systems and develop new production and supply chains to ensure they remain viable as long-term businesses.

A Hong Kong manufacturer is setting up a fully fledged plant in this vibrant ASEAN country.

Vietnam improves global reach

Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao authorities are actively implementing the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, driving collaborative development of the three economies.

Hong Kong businesses have a chance to learn how they can expand their presence in the neighbouring areas of Guangdong.

Greater Bay Area sales

Many employees are still working entirely remotely in an effort to control the COVID-19 pandemic, removing the social benefits of the workplace.

Offices are set for a fundamental redesign as remote desks become commonplace.

Collaboration key in post-COVID-19 workplace

The COVID-19 outbreak has led countries worldwide to re-examine their supply chains and trading relationships.

Companies are urged to consider sustainability and development goals as they reshape supply chains for a post-COVID world. 

Pandemic brings responsible trade to fore

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Hong Kong face unprecedented challenges, but revolutionary progress in technology and China’s keystone projects – the Belt and Road Initiative and Guangdong Hong Kong Macao Greater Bay Area – present many equally unprecedented opportunities.

The government is taking further measures to help businesses rise to challenges.

Fresh boosts for Hong Kong SMEs

If you struggle to put your message across, then you may consider enlisting the help of a consultancy such as Louder, which encourages clients to speak from the heart and become masters of body language before they step up to make that big presentation.

A training, coaching and event consultancy takes a bespoke approach to helping clients put their point across in a poised, confident manner.

Communicating from the heart

Leaders in the key Gulf states of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) enthusiastically welcomed the 30-strong Hong Kong delegation led by Chief Executive Mr John Lee and organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), underlining the city’s role to connect them with the world.

An enthusiastic welcome and intense interest greeted the Hong Kong leadership delegation’s visit to the Middle East, emphasising the city’s role as a connectivity hub.

Hong Kong ready to connect

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A warm welcome from HKTDC Executive Director Margaret Fong, as Hong Kong steps up its role as a facilitator of business opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Asia and beyond with the resumption of international travel and reopening of borders with Mainland China. With its network of 50 offices across the world and the international fairs and conferences as well as business missions organised year-round, the HKTDC will continue to sustain business momentum by helping businesses transform, fostering partnerships and promoting trade across borders.

e Business