Guangzhou EHang Intelligent Technology, a leading Chinese Mainland advanced air mobility company, is actively expanding globally, leveraging strategic advice and connections facilitated by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).
Founded in 2014, the company is a trailblazer in the development and manufacturing of pilotless electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles.
The company’s solutions are deployed in a wide range of scenarios, such as aerial tourism, inter-city transport, logistics and emergency response, including firefighting.
With an aim to expand its global footprint, particularly in markets related to the Belt and Road Initiative, the enterprise joined a business delegation to Qatar and Kuwait in May, led by the Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive and organised by the HKTDC.
This marked the first such joint delegation of mainland and Hong Kong businesses and highlighted the city’s growing role as a springboard for Chinese companies seeking cross-border opportunities.
59 agreements and announcements were facilitated during the visit, including a collaboration between EHang and the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) to help the firm expand into the Middle East market with the assistance of HKPC’s platform and professional services.
Facilitated by the HKTDC, the company also had in-depth discussions with Zain Group, a renowned Kuwaiti telecom and tech firm, focusing on the airworthiness of its eVOTL products—a critical step towards future market development.
EHang Vice President Cui Zhengri praised the delegation visit saying it provided valuable insight into the high regard overseas enterprises hold for Chinese technology and their strong willingness to collaborate.
He emphasised the aircraft maker had also established contacts with local enterprises through HKTDC's referrals and was exploring the scope for future co-operation.
Hong Kong propels low altitude economy
In conversations with fellow delegates from Hong Kong, the company identified significant opportunities for its aerial vehicles across the city’s industry, academia, research and application sectors.
“In our effort to expand in the Middle East, Americas and Europe markets and continuously champion the value of green aviation, Hong Kong plays a bridging role, driving our international business development and outreach,” noted Mr Cui.
“Hong Kong has tremendous potential in the low-altitude economy (LAE) with a wide range of scenarios well-suited for our products.”
He shared that after the trip to the Middle East, the HKTDC arranged meetings for the company with government departments and enterprises in the city, during which they discussed how best to deploy its innovations and seize the LAE opportunity.
Mr Cui also highlighted Hong Kong’s strength in financial services.
“Hong Kong’s world-class financing platform offers companies diversified funding channels, which will be a great asset in supporting the EHang’s global deployment and export of Chinese tech.”
To accelerate its global expansion and inject new momentum into the development of the LAE in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the company has forged partnerships with several local enterprises and accelerators.
Last year, the enterprise signed memoranda of understanding with the tech incubator park Cyberport and KC Smart Mobility, a subsidiary of the city's largest non-franchised public bus operator Koon Chung Bus Group.
These initiatives will focus on developing smart mobility, smart logistics and other emerging technologies and industries, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a launchpad for innovation and cross-sector integration.
“We see Hong Kong as a core hub in our globalisation strategy. With its high population density and busy ground transportation network, the city demonstrates a sophisticated market demand and offers a platform for EHang to promote our applications and refine our technology to meet international standards,” said Mr Cui.
“Moreover, Hong Kong’s role as a superconnector and super value-adder will be crucial in accelerating our global expansion.”
Drones and the LAE will be a focal point of the upcoming Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC) to be held in Hong Kong on 17 and 18 November.
Organised by the Hong Kong SAR Government and the HKTDC, ALMAC is the annual flagship event for logistics, maritime and aviation leaders and professionals across the region.
Themed “Collaboration and Growth in the New Trade Landscape”, this year’s conference will examine the impact of geopolitical and economic megatrends on trade and logistics, and explore new opportunities emerging in the Middle East and Central Asia regions, and sustainability, green energy and technology sectors.