Category: SMEs

Think Business, Think Hong Kong returns to Milan to deepen Hong Kong-Italy business ties

– Supporting Hong Kong and mainland enterprises go global, attracting Asia-focused Italian companies to SAR

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will host the Think Business, Think Hong Kong (TBTHK) flagship promotion campaign at Palazzo Mezzanotte in Milan on 27 November. This marks the event’s first return to Italy after a previous edition in 2014. The event is expected to gather over 700 business leaders, officials and investors to explore business and partnership opportunities in Asia via Hong Kong.

The event takes place against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving global business landscape and growth in markets such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as opportunities arising from Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis initiative, and will offer Italian businesses an opportunity to explore new markets, build partnerships and foster collaboration across Asia.

After successful recent editions in Paris and Jakarta, TBTHK Milan will gather some 80 delegates from Hong Kong, including government officials, business and creative industry leaders, financial and professional services providers, investors and start-up entrepreneurs, as well as executives from Chinese Mainland companies based in Hong Kong, for a day of dialogue, networking and partnership-building with Italian companies keen to expand into Asia. The event will highlight Hong Kong’s role as a superconnector and super value-adder, enabling both Hong Kong and mainland enterprises to go global and seize opportunities in Italy and across Europe.

At the Opening Session, Paul Chan, Hong Kong SAR Government Financial Secretary, and Prof Frederick Ma, HKTDC Chairman, along with an Italian government representative will deliver remarks. At the Plenary Session, high-profile speakers from various industries, including Bernard Chan, Chairman of West Kowloon Cultural District Authority; Bonnie Chan, CEO of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited; Claudio de Bedin, Partner of Justin Chow & de Bedin Solicitors LLP; Fabio De Rosa, Head of Global Transaction Banking of Banco BPM; Hans Michael Jebsen, Chairman of The Hong Kong-Europe Business Council and Jebsen Group; and Alex Zhavoronkov, Founder and CEO of Insilico Medicine, will share their insights.

The programme will also include five thematic sessions, focusing on a strategic area that reflects shared priorities between Hong Kong and Italy and will offer in-depth insights into practical collaboration opportunities. Prominent business leaders, including representatives from Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Invest Hong Kong, Hong Kong Information Technology Joint Council, Hong Kong Design Centre, Hong Kong Designers Association, HSBC, Bank of China, as well as start-ups, will share their successes and insights. The thematic sessions will cover:

  • Digital Trade and Finance: Highlighting global economic and digital transformation trends, key challenges in cross-border trade, Hong Kong’s role as a leading financial and trade hub strengthening ties with Europe and Italy, its advanced digital trade initiatives and infrastructure, success stories using new technologies, and plans to build trade corridors linking Italy, Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.
  • Innovation and Technology: Exploring Hong Kong’s role as a leading testbed and launchpad for AI, robotics, and smart city solutions, featuring breakthroughs in greentech, industrial digitalisation, and urban innovation backed by case studies in AI logistics, automation, and sustainable management to unlock partnership opportunities for Italian firms in Asia’s fast-growing smart city ecosystem.
  • Global Supply Chain: Highlighting the shared priorities between Hong Kong and Italy, this panel showcases Hong Kong’s drive for global supply chain innovation through strong European partnerships, leveraging its capital market and superconnector role to empower pioneering companies in transforming cutting-edge technologies into sustainable, greener, and more resilient growth.
  • Creative and Design: Master designers will introduce distinctive lifestyle design cases and partnerships that re-define cross-cultural elegance, while emerging talents unveil cutting-edge design solutions and share inspiring stories of successful brand collaborations in another panel.  

In addition to a full-day symposium, the TBTHK programme will feature an exhibition comprising the Business Support Zone and InnoVenture Salon, where over 20 Hong Kong service providers and start-ups will showcase innovative services, solutions, and technologies, creating opportunities for collaboration with Italian participants. One-on-one business consultations and on-site business matching will be arranged to facilitate deals and collaborations between Italian and Hong Kong companies. The day will conclude with the Hong Kong Dinner, providing further opportunities for the business communities of Italy and Hong Kong to connect.

Survey reveals Italian businesses eye Hong Kong as key gateway to Asia
The HKTDC and the Milan-headquartered Italy China Council Foundation (ICCF) have jointly conducted a survey titled Italian Companies’ Asian Expansion Priorities: Innovation, Healthcare and Retail Sectors. Key findings indicate that Hong Kong is regarded as a priority market and an essential trading partner by many of Italy’s increasingly Asia-focused businesses.

Primarily targeted at Italian companies with business in Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and wider Asia, the research survey was conducted in Q3 2025, covering 172 Italian C-suite and senior business leaders. According to the findings, 77% of surveyed Italian businesses are strongly committed to expanding in Asia, citing the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong as their priority markets.

When asked how Hong Kong can facilitate Italian business expansion in Asia over the next three years, some 93% of respondents believe Hong Kong can effectively support their plans. The city’s unrivalled status as a strategic gateway to many Asian markets, along with its strengths as a logistics and supply chain management hub, were also widely acknowledged.

Strong Italy-Hong Kong ties
Italy is an important trading and investment partner for Hong Kong. In 2024, bilateral trade amounted to US$8.3 billion. This positions Italy as Hong Kong’s fourth-largest EU trading partner and export market, and its third-largest EU import market.

As of the end of 2023, Hong Kong was the third most popular destination for Italian investment in Asia. Hong Kong investors also recorded substantial investments in Italy, with the city being the third-largest Asian investor in the country. As of 2024, there were 200 Italian companies operating in Hong Kong.

The sectors recording the most trading activity include fashion and luxury goods, electronics and food and beverages, as well as high-value professional services industries – areas where Italian excellence is globally recognised.

The Asian metropolis offers a unique regional business ecosystem, combining competitive taxation, a robust legal framework based on the common law, strong IP protection and privileged access to the Chinese Mainland and emerging Asia-Pacific markets.

This combination makes Hong Kong an ideal platform for Italian companies eager to expand into Asia, diversify their operations, and strengthen their presence in one of the world’s most vibrant regions.

For more information, please visit the official TBTHK Milan website:
https://thinkbusinessthinkhk.com/2025-milan/symposium/en/index.html

Register for the event on 27 November:
https://milan.hktdc.com/index.php

Photo download: https://bit.ly/3XmdzNj

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Media enquiries
HKTDC’s Communication & Public Affairs Department:

Jane CheungTel: +852 2584 4137Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org

Weber Shandwick

Nadia LauriaTel: +39 3356962981Email: hkmedia@webershandwickitalia.it
Marco PedrazziniTel: +39 3470369222Email: hkmedia@webershandwickitalia.it
Ines BaraldiTel: +39 3428650498Email: hkmedia@webershandwickitalia.it

About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. 

15th Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference draws to successful conclusion

– Event brings together over 2,300 global leaders, driving multi-party collaboration in the pursuit of industry growth

– The 15th Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC) came to a successful conclusion today. The two-day event featured insights from over 80 industry leaders in the shipping, aviation, logistics and supply chain sectors, attracting over 2,300 participants from over 40 countries and regions, with an encouraging response
– The conference facilitated meaningful collaboration, arranging close to 400 business matching meetings and successfully signing 11 MoUs across the aviation, logistics, shipping and technology sectors
– The Hong Kong’s NextGen Logistician Award Presentation Ceremony 2025 was held on the second day of the conference, recognising young talents in the logistics industry who have made significant achievements and shown remarkable potential in innovative, high-end, smart and sustainable logistics

The 15th Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC), organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), ran successfully over two days at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. The event brought together over 80 industry leaders from the shipping, aviation, logistics and supply chain sectors to share valuable insights across more than 20 thematic sessions and workshops. The conference received an encouraging response, attracting over 2,300 participants from over 40 countries and regions.

This year’s ALMAC not only provided a platform for Hong Kong to explore the prospects and opportunities in these industries but also fostered meaningful collaboration among industry stakeholders. Close to 400 business matching meetings were arranged over the two days, and 11 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were successfully signed across the aviation, logistics, shipping and technology sectors. Notably, the HKTDC and Greater Bay Airlines Company Limited signed an MoU to deepen collaboration through diverse channels, working together to further Hong Kong’s position as a preferred world-class city destination for global trade and tourism.

Exploring industry trends and unlocking new opportunities
This year’s conference, themed “Collaboration and Growth in the New Trade Landscape”, brought together global industry leaders to discuss trends and opportunities in logistics, maritime and aviation. Key focus areas included supply chain diversification and opportunities in emerging markets, sustainability and green energy and innovation and technology.

In recent years, global enterprises have faced diverse challenges such as geopolitical tensions, shifting global tariffs and ongoing supply chain disruptions. During the session “Steering Business Growth in a New Era of Global Trade”, Brian Bourke, Global Chief Commercial Officer SEKO Logistics, shared: “Watch out for the new technologies. The future is already here. Partnerships are critical, if not more so today than ever before. In order to help any organisation navigate through disruption, the focus must be on a resilient supply chain and diversification. But I do have to say that it’s the partnerships you forge that are going to help when the unknowns happen.”

In the same session, Henri Le Gouis, Executive Vice President, Global Freight Forwarding of GEODIS, remarked: “When you talk about disruptions, you talk about escalation. We need to be escalating to the right people in the different organisations we work with to find the right solutions. And rapidly, we need people who are able to decide, make the right decisions, and find the right solutions even if the events are unexpected. It’s important to select the partner you work with that will find solutions when times are getting difficult.”

As the world advances toward net-zero emissions, green transformation has become critical to achieving sustainable development in logistics and associated industries. On the second day of ALMAC, the “Green Energy Forum: Fuels, Freight, and the Road to Net Zero” featured suppliers and logistics companies, sharing how innovative technologies can help in the implementation of sustainable strategies, align with global policies, reduce carbon footprints and accelerate progress toward net-zero goals. James Laybourn, Regional Segment Director, APAC of DNV Energy Systems, shared: “We talk about many options in terms of fuel, including additional fuel, diesel, and fuel for ships. We need to see where the priorities are and how exactly to tackle this energy transition.”

The Hong Kong SAR Government is actively promoting the development of the low-altitude economy. Leveraging ALMAC as a platform, a dedicated session titled “The Engine of Low-altitude Economy: How Cargo Drones Are Revolutionising the Future of Air Logistics” was hosted on the opening day. Among the speakers, Bobby Healy, CEO and Founder of Manna Drone Delivery, stated: “The challenge has always been to find a friendly drone-regulated country. The next challenge is going to be accessing the actual airspace because, in Europe, we have standards and regulations for the low average. Individual countries have not implemented them yet.”

Kenny Lau, Chief Technology Officer of S.F. Express (Hong Kong) Limited, shared: “First, we should create an efficient and high-value investment space to maximise the benefits in the world, and we also have to integrate with the logistics network. Second, we should share resources. The sky is very busy in the GBA area, especially in Hong Kong. Thirdly, we should build a standard framework. Hong Kong is a very good platform for competition.”

Another key session at the conference was “Digital Workshop – Implementing AI in your Supply Chain”, delivered by Steve Ng, Head of Supply Service – Hong Kong, Taiwan of Reckitt, showcasing multiple use cases and supply chain automation planning processes. The “Youth Empowerment Workshop” discussed trends in logistics and supply chain management along with career prospects and continuous value enhancement strategies that can attract new talent to the industry.

The ALMAC exhibition this year showcased over 90 exhibitors with dedicated zones for aviation, the low-altitude economy, supply chain management and logistics services, maritime and port services and logtech. Appearing for the first time, the Low-altitude Economy zone highlighted globally leading low-altitude logistics technology solutions, further promoting strategic partnerships and business development in this fast-rising sector.

As advocated in the Action Plan for Modern Logistics Development by the Transport and Logistics Bureau, the Hong Kong’s NextGen Logistician Award Presentation Ceremony 2025 was held on ALMAC’s second day. These prestigious awards honour the exceptional achievements of young talents in innovative, high-end, smart and sustainable logistics. Under Secretary for Transport of the HKSAR Government Liu Chun-san served as the presenter at the awards ceremony. Sky Sin of Hongkong International Terminals, Jeffrey Leung of Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited and Esmond Cheung of Aerovision Technology Limited received the Young Professional Award, and Adrian Chan of Hong Kong YunExpress Logistics Limited and Karen Lai of Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Limited received the Young Executive Award.

Photo download: https://bit.ly/4nZXXtC

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Media enquiries
Yuan Tung Financial Relations

Louise SongTel: (852) 3428 5690Email: lsong@yuantung.com.hk
Tiffany LeungTel: (852) 3428 2361Email: tleung@yuantung.com.hk

HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:

Johnny TsuiTel: (852) 2584 4395Email: johnny.cy.tsui@hktdc.org
Clayton LauwTel: (852) 2584 4472Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org

About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.

15th Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference opens today

– Focusing on supply chain diversification, emerging market opportunities, low-altitude economy and sustainability

– The 15th Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC) opened today under the theme “Collaboration and Growth in the New Trade Landscape”
– The event brings together over 80 heavyweight speakers to explore industry trends and opportunities, driving high-quality development in logistics and supply chain management
–  New thematic sessions spotlight the Middle East and Central Asia markets, with speakers sharing the latest developments and future opportunities, analysing key strategies and investment directions
– John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, and Almaz Turgunbaev, Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications of the Kyrgyz Republic, attended the Special Address session on the first day of the conference. Their participation aims to deepen international exchange and cooperation, helping to further enhance Hong Kong’s position as an international shipping and aviation hub and its roles as a “superconnector” and “super value-adder”.

The 15th Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC), organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), opened today (17 November) and runs for two days at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Under the theme “Collaboration and Growth in the New Trade Landscape”, the conference aligns with recommendations in the 15th Five-Year Plan to enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international shipping centre, and policies laid out in the Policy Address to strengthen the development of the shipping, aviation and logistics sectors in the city. As the industry’s annual flagship event, the two-day conference gathers over 80 distinguished speakers, including government officials and industry leaders, to discuss trends and opportunities and promote high-quality development in logistics and supply chain management.

John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, attended the first day of the conference to deliver a Special Address. In addition, this year’s ALMAC invited Central Asian official Almaz Turgunbaev, Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications of the Kyrgyz Republic, to also deliver a Special Address.

John Lee said: “The conference theme this year, ‘Collaboration and Growth in the New Trade Landscape’, is a timely response to rising geopolitical tensions and the volatile global trade policies, which present considerable challenges for our maritime, aviation and logistics industries, from route planning and shipping fleet deployment to inventory and warehouse management. Nevertheless, as the Chinese saying goes, ‘where there are challenges, there are opportunities’. Geopolitical risks can be overcome by market diversification. Increased costs related to supply chain concerns can be offset, at least partially, by technology-enabled efficiencies.”

Mr Lee also shared: “I am particularly pleased to announce that Hong Kong has established Partner Port relationships with Guangxi port and Dalian port in the Chinese Mainland, and Port San Antonio in Chile. These ports are of strategic importance, and true to our character and policy priorities. As an international maritime centre, we connect the Chinese Mainland with the world and seek partners who support an open, international trade order.”

In her welcome remarks, Sophia Chong, Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “Now is the perfect time to embrace new possibilities, as trade networks and supply chains around the world undergo a sweeping transformation. The ever-changing trade polices of major economies continue to keep business agile. At the same time, the world is being rapidly reshaped by technological advances – particularly the digitalisation of trade – and a growing industry-wide commitment to sustainability.  Hong Kong, as a major hub for aviation, shipping, logistics and supply chain management, is at the forefront of these changes. The HKTDC remains committed to leveraging the city’s unique strengths to help businesses establish resilient and sustainable supply chains, while reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a superconnector and super value-adder.”

Strengthening Hong Kong’s logistics hub role and promoting regional cooperation
Recommendations in the 15th Five-Year Plan to support the consolidation and enhancement of Hong Kong’s status as an international shipping centre carry profound strategic significance. The HKTDC will continue to deepen Hong Kong’s role as an international exchange platform, facilitating connections and substantive cooperation between local and overseas industries, assisting enterprises in “going global”, helping to expand their businesses in global markets, and enhancing their competitiveness. A key focus is promoting trade linkages and actively encouraging enterprises to leverage the HKTDC’s trade platforms and events to achieve greater cooperation across industries. This year’s ALMAC continues to feature business–matching sessions, connecting shippers with service providers to foster regional partnerships and drive industry growth.

ALMAC this year features exhibition zones dedicated to aviation, the low-altitude economy, technology, supply chain management and logistics services as well as maritime and port services. Over 90 exhibitors are showcasing the latest leading logistics and supply chain solutions. Notably, the Low-altitude Economy zone makes its debut at ALMAC, with enterprises from the Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects – including SF Express (Hong Kong) and Esri China (Hong Kong) Limited –demonstrating cutting-edge technologies and applications in drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and urban air mobility (UAM), promoting awareness of the latest innovations and applications in this fast-rising sector.

Three key trends in focus; unlocking opportunities in the Middle East and Central Asia
This year’s ALMAC focuses on three key trends: supply chain diversification, sustainability and green energy and innovation and technology, highlighting Hong Kong’s critical role in global connectivity.

On the first day, the key session “Insights into a New Era of Global Trade: Driving Business Growth” will feature international industry leaders from SEKO Logistics, GEODIS, and Mattel who will explore the challenges and opportunities arising from changes in trade policies and economic fragmentation. Newly launched thematic sessions will focus on the potential of the Middle Eastern and Central Asian markets. In the Middle East Session, representatives from Etihad Airways, DP World Logistics and the Qatar Free Zones Authority will share insights on logistics innovation and investment strategies. The Central Asia Session will engage representatives from QazTrade Center for Trade Policy Development, JSC, under the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Shyngar Trans Logistics Company, the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development and PTC. The discussion will address regional supply chain development and the advantages of multimodal transport.

Low-altitude economy and smart ports: reshaping the air and maritime transport landscape
In the first-day session “The Engine of Low-altitude Economy: How Cargo Drones Are Revolutionising the Future of Air Logistics”, Manal Habib, CEO and Founder, MightyFly; Bobby Healy, CEO and Founder, Manna; Kenny Lau, Chief Technology Officer, SF Express (Hong Kong) Limited; Ryan Walsh, Founder and CEO, Valqari; and Andrea Wu, CEO, Urban-Air Port Ltd, shared the latest breakthroughs in drone freight design, automation and AI-driven logistics systems. Meanwhile, the Low-altitude Economy zone at the conference is showcasing drones and related applications, allowing participants to experience first hand the future of air transport and explore the potential of low-altitude economy innovations in the logistics sector.

In addition, the Port Community System X LSCM Maritime Summit 2025 will focus on the future development of smart ports and smart trade. The summit will explore how applying the Port Community System (PCS) can significantly enhance operational efficiency and supply chain visibility through cutting-edge technologies such as AI, blockchain and the Internet of Things. It will also showcase Hong Kong’s unique advantages as an international shipping centre and a hub for smart trade. 

Conference and workshops support enterprises’ green transformation
A first-day workshop, “Sustainable Finance: Navigating a Sustainable Future across Logistics, Shipping, and Aviation Industries”, focused on how ESG (environmental, social and governance) is reshaping operational models and development directions in the logistics, maritime and aviation sectors. Patrick Lau, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, gave the Opening Address at the workshop, followed by industry experts including KT Ting, Chief Operating Officer, Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency; Calvin Chung, Director, Chimbusco Pan Nation; Wai Yeung Tam, Senior Finance Manager, SF REIT Asset Management Limited; and Eric Liu, Chief Executive, Cathay United Bank Hong Kong Branch. They discussed challenges and opportunities in the industry’s green transformation and addressed the important role of sustainable finance to support enterprises in the transition.

As the world strives towards net-zero emissions, Hong Kong is committed to developing as a green maritime centre. The recent Policy Address proposes establishing Hong Kong as a green marine fuel bunkering centre, focusing on green methanol, green ammonia and hydrogen. A session titled “Green Energy Forum: Fuels, Freight, and the Road to Net Zero” will be held tomorrow (18 November) to share pathways, challenges and opportunities for a more sustainable and low-carbon future. Speakers include Essam Al Sheibany, Vice President Sustainability, Asyad Group; Tryggvi Thor Herbertsson, Head of Hydrogen Strategy and Partnership, Qair Group; James Laybourn, Regional Segment Director, APAC, DNV Energy Systems; and Wu Yi, Deputy General Manager, Kunlun Energy Co., Ltd.

ALMAC offers a rich and diverse programme for participants, with tomorrow’s highlighted sessions, including the Hong Kong Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, the Supply Chain Management and Logistics Panel, “Logtech Forum: Stay Ahead in the Next Wave of Supply Chain Innovation”, and the Youth Empowerment Workshop. Representatives from companies such as HP, Reckitt, DHL Express, LALAMOVE and Procter & Gamble will share valuable insights and practical skills, helping participants stay ahead of the latest industry developments.

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Media enquiries
Yuan Tung Financial Relations:

Louise SongTel: (852) 3428 5690Email: lsong@yuantung.com.hk
Tiffany LeungTel: (852) 3428 2361Email: tleung@yuantung.com.hk

HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:

Johnny TsuiTel: (852) 2584 4395Email: johnny.cy.tsui@hktdc.org
Clayton LauwTel: (852) 2584 4472Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org

About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. 

Italian businesses eye Hong Kong as key gateway to Asia

– Survey reveals strong interest in Hong Kong partnerships and untapped trade potential

Hong Kong is seen as a priority market and an essential trading partner by many of Italy’s increasingly Asia-focused businesses. This is among the key findings of a new report – Italian Companies’ Asian Expansion Priorities: Innovation, Healthcare and Retail Sectors – jointly conducted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Milan-headquartered Italy China Council Foundation (ICCF).

The research forms part of the forthcoming edition of the HKTDC’s signature promotion campaign Think Business, Think Hong Kong (TBTHK), set to take place in Milan, Italy on 27 November. The event will bring together over 700 business leaders, officials and investors from both Hong Kong and Italy to discover business and partnership opportunities in Asia.

Primarily targeted at Italian companies with business in Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and Asia, the research survey was conducted in Q3 2025, covering 172 Italian C-suite and senior business leaders.

Commenting on the significance of the report, Irina Fan, Director of HKTDC Research, said: “According to the survey findings, 77% of Italian businesses are genuinely enthusiastic when it comes to expanding in Asia, with the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong being their priority markets.”

“It is particularly gratifying to see Hong Kong poised to play such a vital role in facilitating the Asia expansion of such businesses. When asked about how Hong Kong can facilitate Italian business expansion in Asia over the next three years, some 93% of respondents believe Hong Kong can effectively support their future Asia expansion plans. Its unrivalled status as a strategic gateway to many Asian markets, as well as its capabilities as a logistics and supply chain management hub, were also widely acknowledged,” she added.

Facilitating expansion and leveraging trade agreements

When it came to future opportunities, the survey also highlighted the relatively limited awareness and low utilisation of many regional trade agreements. In particular, two agreements emerged as having significant potential to transform the commercial relationship between Hong Kong and Italy.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is the world’s largest free trade agreement, encompassing the ASEAN bloc, the Chinese Mainland, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. While 51% of respondents are currently capitalising on its benefits, huge untapped potential remains. Should Hong Kong’s application to join the RCEP be successful, 60% of Italian enterprises anticipate that it would unlock new economic opportunities and strengthen their engagement with the city.

Another pivotal agreement is the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), which has provided Hong Kong-based suppliers of goods and services with privileged access to the vast Chinese Mainland market since 2003. Despite CEPA having been in place for many years, some 80% of the Italian businesses surveyed were unaware of the agreement or how to leverage its benefits. This reveals a major opportunity, as only 12% are currently making use of CEPA’s advantages through strategic partnerships in Hong Kong.

Putting the survey and its findings into perspective, Sara Berloto, Head of Research for the ICCF, said: “The survey highlighted many Italian companies can better leverage several existing regional trade agreements. This was most notably the case with the RCEP and CEPA. Overall, there is a real need for comprehensive information, training, and institutional support initiatives in order to ensure companies — especially SMEs — can heighten their strategic utilisation of such agreements.”

Apparent opportunities amid already strong ties
Looking at the broader picture, the scale of opportunity available to Hong Kong SMEs is striking. Most notably, 77% of Italian companies plan to expand within Asia over the next three years, with the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and India cited as their preferred markets.

By sector, 95% of Italian innovation and technology companies plan to expand in Asia, followed by 88% of healthcare companies and 86% of enterprises in the retail /wholesale sector. These findings align well with Hong Kong’s new industry focus on innovation and technology, the life sciences and healthtech, as well as the raft of ambitious e-commerce initiatives the city has committed to.

Such developments would further enhance the strong business relationship between Italy and Hong Kong. In 2024, trade between the two amounted to US$8.3 billion (HK$64.5 billion), positioning Italy as Hong Kong’s fourth-largest EU trading partner and export market and its third-largest EU import market.

As of the end of 2023, Hong Kong was the third most significant destination for Italian investment in Asia. Hong Kong investors also made substantial investments in Italy, with the city being the third-largest Asian investor in the country. As of 2024, there were some 200 Italian companies active in Hong Kong.

Think Business, Think Hong Kong
The full survey report will be launched at TBTHK in Milan on 27 November.

After successful Paris and Jakarta editions, TBTHK Milan will bring together some 80 delegates from Hong Kong, including government officials, top business and creative industry leaders, corporate service professionals, investors and start-up entrepreneurs, for a day of dialogue, networking and partnership-building with Italian companies keen to expand into Asia.

The mega promotion will feature a symposium and an exhibition comprising the Business Support Zone and InnoVenture Salon, where some 20 Hong Kong service providers and start-ups will showcase their flagship products and solutions. Business matching meetings will be arranged to facilitate deals and collaborations between Italian and Hong Kong companies. The programme also includes the Hong Kong Dinner. At the symposium, Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR, Prof Frederick Ma, HKTDC Chairman, along with representatives from the Italian government, will deliver remarks. High-profile speakers from various industries will share their insights at the Plenary Session. The agenda also includes five thematic sessions, each dedicated to a strategic area including finance and trade, innovation and technology, global supply chains, as well as creativity and design. These sessions reflect shared priorities between Hong Kong and Italy and offer in-depth insights into practical collaboration opportunities.  

To view press releases in Chinese, please visit http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/tc  

References
– HKTDC Research website: https://research.hktdc.com/en/  

Photo download: https://bit.ly/3LxXv8I

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Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC’s Communication and Public Affairs Department:

Jane CheungTel: (852) 2584 4137Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org

About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. 

17th Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair wraps up on a high note with over 8,200 buyers

– Wine & Spirits Zone in the spotlight with global demand for diverse wines and spirits

  • The three-day 17th Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair ended yesterday, attracting over 8,200 trade buyers from 57 countries and regions
  • The new “World of Spirits” zone showcased spirits from 14 countries and regions, featuring six of the “Top 10 Chinese Baijiu Brands”
  • Homegrown brands injected authentic Hong Kong character and gained recognition from overseas buyers.

The 17th Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair (Wine & Spirits Fair), organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), successfully wrapped up yesterday. Beginning on 6 November, the three-day event attracted over 8,200 trade buyers from 57 countries and regions. On the final day, the “Wine Fiesta” zone welcomed over 11,000 adult members of the public who sampled and purchased wines and participated in master classes, tasting sessions, and seminars.

Jenny Koo, Deputy Executive Director of HKTDC, remarked: “This year’s Wine and Spirits fair brought together over 620 exhibitors from 23 countries and regions. In addition to Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, we welcomed exhibitors from the rest of Asia, Europe, and the Americas, who showcased wines and spirits from more than 40 origins. Seminars, networking events, competitions and tasting sessions were held to further industry development and reinforce Hong Kong’s role as a regional wine and spirits trading hub.

The spirits market is becoming increasingly diversified. Following the HKSAR Chief Executive’s announcement in last year’s Policy Address to reduce the duty on high-end liquor, this year’s Wine & Spirits Fair introduced a new World of Spirits zone. Exhibitors in this zone accounted for more than a third of the total, and featured whiskies, Chinese baijiu, brandy, tequila, gin, vodka, rum and more from 14 countries and regions, allowing buyers to gain deeper insights into the cultures and trends of various spirits.”

This year’s exhibition was brimming with activities, while the tasting areas bustled with enthusiastic buyers and visitors. Numerous renowned importers, wholesalers, retailers, and e-commerce platforms actively attended the event for sourcing, including: XIAMEN C&D International Wines & Spirits Group Co., Ltd, Lianhua Supermarket Holdings Co., Ltd., Jiuxian, 1919.cn and Jiujiajiu from Chinese Mainland; Specks Food & Liquor Group PTY LTD from Australia; Mikkeller APS from Denmark; Munjral Brothers (Distribution) Pvt Ltd from India; Mercian Corporation and The Thousand Kyoto from Japan; Hotel Kazakhstan Almaty from Kazakhstan; Shinsegae L&B and Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas from South Korea; Luen Heng F&B Sdn Bhd from Malaysia; Víno.sk s.r.o. from Slovakia; Grupo Alpom Importaciones SL from Spain; Phu & Em Group from Vietnam and more.

Chinese baijiu targets new generation of consumers; emerging markets show potential
Chinese baijiu was a highlight in the “World of Spirits” zone. The scale of the pavilion has reached a record high. It also brings six of the “Top 10 Chinese Baijiu Brands”.

One of the exhibitors, Luzhou Laojiao from Sichuan, made a grand debut on the first day of the Wine & Spirits Fair by launching a brand-new product, “Guojiao 1573 · Beautiful Hong Kong”. The bottle design thoughtfully incorporates iconic Hong Kong landmarks, highlighting the city’s cultural identity. In recent years, Luzhou Laojiao has actively pursued strategies to attract younger demographics by lowering the alcohol content and introducing lighter series, successfully attracting next-generation consumers and emerging market buyers.

Ryan Leung, Regional Brand Promotion Manager said, “During this fair, we held individual meetings with buyers from South Africa, Malaysia, India, Japan, and other regions to exchange views on the market potential and consumption trends of Chinese baijiu. Several orders were secured during the event, including hotel distributors and supermarket chains. The result reflects the brand’s efforts in internationalisation and innovative positioning, marking a successful step forward in expanding into international market.”

Another exhibitor, Chen Neng En from Zhejiang Yuanguo Winery Industry Co., Ltd, said, “Participating in this fair in Hong Kong has given us a deep sense of the market’s diversity and vibrancy, helping younger consumers discover baijiu. We connected with some 50 buyers from across the globeincluding India, Indonesia, Canada, and various countries and regions in Southeast Asia. These included import liquor agents, high-end restaurateurs, and boutique liquor retailers.’’

In addition, buyers believe that China’s liquor industry is showing unprecedented potential for internationalisation. Kenneth Soh, Managing Director of Malaysian beverage distributor Luning F&B, said, “We have already imported some Chinese baijiu, but have yet to introduce wines from Chinese Mainland. I am planning to source both red and white wines from Ningxia, while also expanding our Chinese baijiu product line. Our annual procurement is expected to reach between USD million to USD5 million.”

Global wines cater to diverse tastes
Beyond Chinese baijiu, the Wine and Spirits Fair showcased wines and spirits from around the globe, including Japanese sake, Irish whiskeys, Russian vodka and Austrian wines, and more fully demonstrating how the Wine & Spirits Fair helps brands both “bring in” and “go global”. David Morris, Chief Executive Officer of the Australia China Business Council Tasmania, said that they successfully connected with buyers and distributors from across Asia and promoted Australian whisky.

Einav Nixon, Commercial Consul and Head of the Israel Economic and Commercial Mission in Hong Kong and Macau, expressed her appreciation for the tasting session. She also noted, “Although Israeli wines are still considered niche in Hong Kong, buyers and media have shown keen interest in our wines and spirits, reflecting significant market potential.” Nixon added that they plan to expand their presence at the Wine & Spirits Fair next year.

Local brands exhibiting at the fair actively expanded their market presence, successfully attracting attention from overseas buyers. Queenie Lau, Business Development Director of Forever Profits International Trading Limited, shared that the company’s new product, “MLW Whiskey Highball,” has expanded into both local and overseas markets just three months after its launch. The brand focuses on low-alcohol beverages, with only 6% ABV, catering to diverse market preferences. The product is now available at major Japanese department stores, and the brand is currently in discussions with hotels and venues in Macau. “During the wine and spirits fair, the brand attracted significant attention from Chinese Mainland, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and more. Multiple distributors proactively sought us out enquired, reflecting the appeal of Hong Kong-manufactured products in Asian markets. We also received orders from several bars, and received an overwhelming response from buyers at the fair!”

Eunbin Park, a buyer from the Korean liquor distribution company, Shinsegae L&B said, “We had a budget of USD20,000 mainly allocated for Portuguese wines from the fairair but I also visited the Australian pavilion as well, and the quality of their wines was a pleasant surprise. I am considering placing an additional order of USD10,000 for two of their wines.” Furthermore, the Wine and Spirits Fair facilitated multiple collaborations. Derek, Chairman of Hong Kong Dragonfly International Group Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zhang Qin, the brand representative of Xinjiang’s Sunyard Vinery, for a collaboration valued at at RMB300,000. The agreement covers a range of products, including low-alcohol sparkling wine, premium white wine and rosé, demonstrating buyers’ interest in diverse wine categories.

Exciting Events Explored Market Trends – Tasting Sessions Receive Enthusiastic Response
45 events were held during the Wine and Spirits Fair, offering insights into the latest industry trends. Three Masters of Wine, Debra Meiburg, Jennifer Docherty, and Xing Wei, hosted key sessions. Debra Meiburg discussed how AI is transforming the wine industry in Wine Industry Conference: AI in Wine Business; Jennifer Docherty led a seminar titled Off the Beaten Path, Gems from Unsung Regions, introducing wines from Tasmania, Hungary, South Africa, and China and featuring a tasting session. While Xing Wei hosted Savour the Wines of Chinese Terroir, offering a deep dive into unique wines from Chinese Mainland.

The Wine & Spirits Fair once again featured a blind tasting event, hosted by Master of Wine, Xing Wei, sommeliers Carlito Chiu and Calvin Choi. They selected a total of 17 of their favourite wines and spirits, covering red wine, white wine, Chinese baijiu, sake/rice wine, whisky, and other spirits. These specially selected wines and spirits had special labels affixed at the fair for easy identification. Among the selections, Hong Kong’s first local whisky brand, ‘Kowloon Distillery’’ was included in the whiskeys and spirits list. Max Rybinski, Founder of Kowloon Distillery, said, “This recognition has greatly increased our visibility. Many buyers use this list to source products which enhances the credibility of our offerings and underscores the value of our high-quality ingredients.”

Multiple tasting sessions were held to provide industry professionals an in-depth understanding of the unique characteristics of wines and spirits from different origins. These included events such as the Cathay Global Wine and Spirits Awards Asia Winner Tasting, Exploring Yamagata Sake Terroir and Sichuan Brews, Qiong Charm – Savoring Together in Fragrant Harbor – Qionglai Production Area Tasting Event. The sessions attracted numerous buyers and wine and spirits enthusiasts who arrived early to actively participate, creating an atmosphere of knowledge sharing and interactive engagement.

The public day featured a Mixology Party with professional bartenders from Hong Kong, Indonesia and Koreaperforming live. Among them were mixologists from bars listed in the “Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025” list, drawing enthusiastic participation from wine lovers.

Under the EXHIBITION+ hybrid mode, buyers could use the Scan2Match function of the HKTDC Marketplace App to scan exhibitors’ unique QR codes during the physical exhibition. They could also bookmark favourite exhibitors, browse product information and continue discussions with exhibitors online after the show. Exhibitors and buyers can also engage in online business negotiations and matching through the Click2Match smart business matching platform until 15 November 2025.

Photo download:  https://bit.ly/4hONsYX

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HKTDC Media Room: mediaroom.hktdc.com

Website
Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkwinefair/en

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:

Katy WongTel: (852) 2584 4524Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org

About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the Chinese Mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on @hktdc and LinkedIn

The 33rd Hong Kong International Optical Fair attracts some 12,000 buyers

– Smart technology and sustainability take centre stage

  • The Hong Kong International Optical Fair came to a successful conclusion today, attracting some 12,000 buyers keen on sourcing and procurement
  • Buyers from outside Hong Kong primarily came from the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, India, Japan, Korea, the US, and ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand
  • Fair products focused on key market trends — “smart technology”, “sustainability”, “silver healthcare” and “functionality & design” — featuring the industry’s latest achievements in technological innovation and sustainability
  • Results of the 25th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition showcased award-winning entries from local designers

7 November 2025, The 33rd Hong Kong International Optical Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organised by the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association (HKOMA), concluded successfully today. The three-day fair attracted some 12,000 buyers from 92 countries and regions. Buyers from outside Hong Kong primarily came from the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, India, Japan, Korea, the US, and ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand, reinforcing the fair’s role as an important platform to connect with global buyers.

Jenny Koo, Deputy Executive Director, HKTDC, said: “As a premier sourcing platform for the industry, the Optical Fair brought the world’s leading eyewear brands together with innovative technologies and eco-friendly designs. The event featured a series of compelling activities including industry seminars, design competition, and eyewear parades, all of which play pivotal roles in fostering collaboration and networking within the industry.”

Smart technology and sustainability emerge as new industry drivers
The fair, themed “Bright Eyes • New Horizons”, showcased contemporary products that align with key market trends — “smart technology”, “sustainability”, “silver healthcare” and “functionality & design” — highlighting the industry’s achievements in technological innovation and sustainable development. Exhibitors introduced various products that blend functionality and aesthetics by integrating elements such as artificial intelligence and eco-friendly materials, catering to diverse market needs and further enhancing the industry’s competitiveness in the international market.

The spotlighted “Brand Name Gallery” showcased over 200 renowned brands from around the world, including BIG HORN and P+US from Hong Kong, MINIMA from France, STEPPER from Germany, United Colors of Benetton from Italy, Masunaga since 1905 and MATSUDA from Japan, Nano Vista from Spain, Ted Baker from the United Kingdom, together with new participating brands such as SUEEY.MASADA from Chinese Mainland, JULBO and SABINE BE from France, SASAKI and PTOLEMY48 from Japan, NIMOME from Korea, Collections Marcus Marienfeld from Switzerland, THRASHER from the US, showcasing distinctive designs.

Exhibitors focused on the latest trends and demonstrated smart products with innovative technologies, further expanding the potential of smart glasses used in daily life and professional sectors. Shenzhen MUEDO Technology Co., Ltd. from the Chinese Mainland presented its U10 Dual-Mode Smart Reading Glasses, featuring auto-focusing lenses and Hi-Fi stereo sound to target the silver market. Overseas Sales Manager Helen Zhuang stated: “We received inquiries from buyers in Italy, Germany, the US, India, among others, and are currently negotiating a collaboration with an Italian buyer with an expected order value of US$500,000.”

In response to the rise of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, many eyewear brands have launched sustainable glasses featuring recycled materials. Hong Kong exhibitor Winky International Limited offers collections of eco-friendly sunglasses and optical frames made from biodegradable materials. Founder and Creative Director Kevin Ching said that the fair’s three thematic labels, including the “Green Solutions Suppliers” label, helped attract buyers to their booth to examine products and learn about the company’s sustainability vision. He said they have connected with 20 buyers from Indonesia, Vietnam, South Africa, and the Chinese Mainland, including a potential order of US$1 million from an Israeli agent with 260 retail points.

The Optical Fair attracted buyers from around the world, including prominent international buyers such as the Mondottica Group representative for Australia, Brazil’s VISTA IMPORT, leading European industry players like the Asia-Pacific representative of France’s Kering Eyewear, Germany’s Fielmann Group, and the Asia representative of UK’s Specsavers, India’s eyewear giant Lenskart, Indonesia’s Grand Optik, Singapore’s Capitol Optical, and the United States’ Euro Vision International.

Caitlin Northup, Vice President of Operations for US-based wholesale distributor Eyenavision, said “We aim to explore new suppliers and strengthen relationships with existing suppliers by attending the Optical Fair. We met with 20 exhibitors and have already placed onsite orders totaling US$500,000 with two exhibitors from the Chinese Mainland for lenses.”

Optisero, S.L. from Spain is a family business with a 30-year history in the optical industry. Joint Administrator Antonia Rivas said: “We have attended the Optical Fair every year for the past twenty years to source optical cases and lenses. This year, we connected with 20 potential suppliers at the fair. Our overall sourcing budget for suppliers we met at the fair will be around EUR2 million annually.”

Eyewear Design Competition showcases new design talents
The HKTDC and the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association co-organised “The 25th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition”, to promote the diversification and internationalisation of local eyewear designs. The competition aimed to identify promising and emerging design talents and promote innovative design and technology within the local eyewear industry. Themed “Blending Tradition and Technology”, the competition featured an Open Group as well as a Student Group. The award ceremony was held on the first day of the fair, with winning and shortlisted entries displayed throughout the event. The Open Group champion, “Be With You,” designed by Fung Wai-kuen, automatically alerts family members via bluetooth-connected smartphones when the wearer falls or presses the emergency button, significantly reducing accident risks for the elderly. This design also won the “Made-to-Sell Award”. In the Student Group, Shum Chui-shan’s “Unique Perspectives” won first place. The design incorporates the auspicious butterfly symbol from traditional Chinese culture, utilising tie-dye techniques and a detachable structure which enhances the design’s three-dimensional effect and functionality.

The fair continues to adopt the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model which seamlessly integrates online and offline elements to extend business opportunities. Exhibitors and buyers can connect and arrange meetings through the Click2Match online smart business-matching platform until 14 November. During the physical event, buyers can also use the Scan2Match function on the HKTDC Marketplace App to scan exhibitors’ QR codes to bookmark favourite suppliers, access product details and interactive floor plans, and make product enquiries — enabling engagement with exhibitors before and after the fair to continue their sourcing journey.

Photo download: https://bit.ly/47ucgSv

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Websites
The Hong Kong International Optical Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en
Result of the 25th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition: 
OPT2025_eFairCat_DesignCompetition.indd
The 23rd Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium: 
https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en/the-23rd-hong-kong-international-optometric-symposium
The HKTDC’s Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en

Fair Details
Date: 5 – 7 November 2025 (Wednesday to Friday)
Time: (5 to 6 November) 9:30am – 6:30pm
      (7 November) 9:30am – 5:00pm
Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Admission: For trade visitors aged 18 or above only.
Onsite Registration Fee: HK$100 per person (free for e-Badge registration and pre-registered buyers)

Click2Match – Smart Business Matching Platform
Date: 29 October – 14 November

Media enquiries

Serena CheungTel: (852) 2584 4272Email: serena.hm.cheung@hktdc.org

About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. 

The 17th Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair Opens Today

  • ‘World of Spirits’ zone debuts to promote trade, opens to public for wine and spirits tasting on Saturday

– Over 620 exhibitors from 23 countries and regions will be showcasing wine, spirits, sake, beer, low- and non-alcoholic beverages with over 30% of exhibitors featuring spirits. Nearly half of all activities are spirits-related.
– The newly launched “World of Spirits” zone highlights spirits from 14 countries and regions, including six of the “Top 10 Chinese Baijiu Brands” such as Kweichow Moutai, showcasing the innovative, international and diverse evolution of Chinese baijiu.
– Sharing insights from their areas of expertise are Masters of Wine Debra Meiburg, Jennifer Docherty, and Xing Wei who will all host key events.

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair (Wine & Spirits Fair) opens today and runs for three days (6–8 November) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year’s Wine & Spirits Fair features over 620 exhibitors from 23 countries and regions, including Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, and exhibitors from the Americas, Asia, and Europe. With 18 pavilions, the Wine & Spirits Fair reinforces Hong Kong’s role as a regional hub for the wine and spirits trade.

As the spirits market diversifies together with the Chief Executive’s announcement of reduced liquor duty in last year’s Policy Address, this year’s Wine & Spirits Fair introduces the “World of Spirits” zone, featuring spirits from 14 countries and regions. Visitors can explore spirits culture and flavours from around the world all in one place, featuring a strong presence of Chinese baijiu and local Hong Kong brands. Six of the “Top 10 Chinese Baijiu Brands” are exhibiting, including Kweichow Moutai, Jiangsu Yanghe, Wuliangye, Luzhou Laojiao, Jiannanchun and Langjiu from Sichuan. Also featured are Hongjiaban Baijiu, founded by Hong Kong actor Timmy Hung, and Kowloon Distillery, Hong Kong’s first local whiskey brand.

This year, Xing Wei, Asia’s youngest Master of Wine, joins award-winning sommeliers Carlito Chiu and Calvin Choi in a blind tasting event to select their favourite red wines, white wines, Chinese baijiu, sake/rice wine, whisky, and other liquors, to serve as a reference for industry professionals and the public. The selected wines and spirits will have special labels affixed at the fair for easy identification.

The selected wines and spirits by the three connoisseurs were:

Red Wine

  • PORTA da RAVESSA OLD VINEYARDS RED; Portugal (Adega de Redondo, Crl; Booth no.: 3E-B15)
  • Silk Road Vineyards Harvest Red Dry; China (Xinjiang Silk Road Vineyards Co., Ltd; Booth no.: 3E-A22)
  • MARSLAN; China (Xinjiang Silk Road Vineyards Co., Ltd; Booth no.: 3E-A22)
  • Le vin du desert de Gobi; China (Xingjiang Xiangdu Winery Co.,Ltd LES CHAMPS D’OR; Booth no.: 3E-A02)

White Wine

  • Château Plain Point; France (The Wine Cave Co.Ltd; Booth no.: 3D-D21)

Chinese Baijiu

  • China (Sichuan Liben Wine Co.,Ltd; Booth no.: 3C-D10)
  • Loong Honor (LongYu) Baijiu – Collector’s Edition; China (Domplex Hong Kong Limited; Booth no.: 3C-D20)
  • China (Sichuan Guizili Wine Co.,Ltd; Booth no.: 3C-D10)
  • Xijiangyue Ruyi Baijiu; China (Fujian Guotai Liquor Co.,Ltd; Booth no.: 3C-E06)

Sake/Rice Wine

  • LingLingJiu 16%abv; China (Hunam LingLingJiu Biotechnology Co., Ltd; Booth no.: 3C-C27)

Whisky

  • Solera Muscat Cask Single Malt Whisky 44%; ; Australia (SPRING BAY DISTILLERY; Booth no.: 3E-C06B)
  • Barts Blended Irish Whiskey – XS Extra Sherry Blend; Ireland (Lough Ree Distillery; Booth no.: 3C-D19)
  • Kowloon Single Malt Whiskey; Hong Kong (Kowloon Spirits Limited; Booth no.: 3C-E26)

Other Liquors

  • Braastad VSOP Cognac; France (Hong Kong Fine Wine Exchange Centre Ltd.; Booth no.: 3C-E18)
  • Three Cuts Gin (Distiller’s Release) 42% ABV; Australia (Turner Stillhouse; Booth no.: 3E-C08B)
  • Hakutake Yuzumon; Japan (Wismettac Nippon Foods Company Limited; Booth no.: 3D-C10)
  • Five Flowers Tea Gin; Hong Kong (Two Moons Distillery; Booth no.: 3D-A23)

Exciting events explore market trends
Over 40 events and conferences will be held during the Wine & Spirits Fair, with 20 focused on spirits, offering insights into the latest market developments. Highlights include Originate from China • Sail to the World 2025 China Baijiu Culture International Promotion Asia Forum (6 November), co-organised by the China Alcoholic Drinks Association and HKTDC. Tasmanian Whisky & Spirits Master Class organised by Australia China Business Council and Baijiu – The Rising Trend by Tomy Fong will be held tomorrow (7 November). The Baijiu Experience Zone, introducing different aroma types of Chinese baijiu through sensory experiences, will be one of the highlights of the Wine & Spirits Fair.

Masters of Wine host key sessions, with Debra Meiburg hosting Cathay Global Wine & Spirits Awards Asia – Award Presentation Ceremony and Wine Industry Conference: AI in Wine Business today, Jennifer Docherty hosting Off The Beaten Path, Gems From Unsung Regions and Xing Wei hosting Savour the Wines of Chinese Terroir.

On 8th November, the final day of the Wine & Spirits Fair, the Wine Fiesta zone will be open to ticket-holding members of the public aged 18 or above who can sample and buy wine and spirits, and participate in Baijiu 101 Class organised by VTC, to understand more about Chinese baijiu; an Austrian Wine and Local Sauce Pairing Workshop will be hosted by Debra Meiburg; Take on a Wine-pairing Experience with Carlito hosted by Carlito Chiu; food pairing event When Sake Meets Chinese Cuisine led by Menex Cheung, Executive Chef of China Tang Landmark; and Mixology Party, where mixologists from various countries and regions will perform cocktail demonstrations using different types of spirits as the base. Among them are several bartenders from bars listed in the “Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025”.

There are several wine awards and competitions during the Wine & Spirits Fair. Cathay Global Wine and Spirits Awards Asia – Award Ceremony takes place today. Hong Kong International Mixology Showdown 2025 – Semi Final of HK region is held today and Final of China GBA region will be held tomorrow. WINE LUXE Hong Kong TOP 10 Wine Pairing Restaurant Awards and 2025 Hong Kong International Spirits Challenge Awards Ceremony by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Wine & Spirits will also be held tomorrow. TASTING TRENDIES Sake Awards TTSA & Spirits Challenge TTSC Awards Ceremony 2025 will be held on the last day of the Wine & Spirits Fair.

Final day opens to ticket-holding public
Regular tickets of the Wine Fiesta, priced at HK$220, are available at the exhibition venue. Advance tickets, priced at HK$128, are available until 6pm on 7 November via CTG Bus, GoByBus, HK Liquor Store, HK01, HKGO, KKDay, KLOOK, lankwaifong.com, Trip.com, Winenow, Wai Shing Wine International CO., Ltd. and Trans-Island Chinalink. Ticket buyers will receive a Lucaris crystal wine glass on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors can enjoy and purchase wines and spirits from around the world, including some that are not yet available on the market, at various tasting zones around the exhibition halls..

Website: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkwinefair/en

Photo Download: https://bit.ly/3Lq5R27

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HKTDC Media Room: mediaroom.hktdc.com

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:

Katy WongTel: (852) 2584 4524Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org

About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the Chinese Mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. 

The Hong Kong International Optical Fair opens today

– Creativity meets technology: with leading silver market, green and smart trends

– At the 33rd Hong Kong International Optical Fair, three product labels – “Smart Ageing Products”, “Green Solutions Suppliers”, and “Smart Eyewear” – are highlighted to facilitate sourcing. The Green Booth Design Competition will recognise exhibitors for their eco-friendly booth concept
– Tomorrow, 6 November, the 23rd Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium will feature experts sharing the latest developments in senior vision care
– The 25th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition award ceremony was held today, 5 November. Winning and shortlisted entries are exhibited onsite at BNG Rendezvous, Grand Hall

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organised by the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association (HKOMA), the 33rd Hong Kong International Optical Fair opened today and will run from 5 to 7 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This morning’s opening ceremony was officiated by Jude Chow, Executive Deputy Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries.

Jenny Koo, Acting Executive Director, HKTDC, stated in her opening remarks: “Hong Kong has long been one of the world’s leading exporters of optical products. Over the years, the Optical Fair has become a must-attend event for industry professionals from around the world. We are delighted to welcome over 660 exhibitors from 19 countries and regions this year. HKTDC has invited buyers from around the world to visit the fair, including from emerging markets such as Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam in ASEAN; Egypt and the UAE in the Middle East; and Brazil and Uruguay in South America; as well as from traditional markets like Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom, creating substantial business opportunities for exhibitors.”

Diverse pavilions showcase global creativity and technology
Themed “Bright Eyes – New Horizons”, the Optical Fair brings a wealth of innovative products which integrate scientific research, design excellence and sustainability concepts. The fair features ten group pavilions, including the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association (HKOMA), the Chinese Mainland (with delegations from Danyang, Zhejiang and Yingtan), Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and the new ASEAN pavilion, as well as “Visionaries of Style” which showcases creative and trendy designs. Highlighted examples include:

  • Japan Pavilion exhibitor Sasaki Celluloid (Booth: GH-C05) showcases eyewear crafted from rare celluloid material. Featuring a curved shape with coreless celluloid temples, the eyewear is designed for comfort. A timeless design with detailed cutting which combines expert Japanese technique and beauty in one ideal piece.
  • Taiwan Pavilion exhibitor Greatland Enterprise (Booth: 1C-F09) presents sunglasses equipped with NIRTECH® lens technology for cooling. It effectively blocks Near Infrared Radiation (NIR) to reduce eye heat and fatigue, keeping eyes cool and comfortable even in strong sunlight.
  • American brand Blake Kuwahara (Booth: GH-A18) at “Visionaries of Style” showcases intricate craftsmanship like laminated “frame-within-a-frame” construction. Every frame is meticulously handcrafted, highlighting nuanced details and superior craftsmanship.

The signature “Brand Name Gallery” showcases a curated selection of over 200 globally renowned brands spanning designer eyewear, trendy styles, and high-tech products. Notable brands include MINIMA from France, STEPPER from Germany, United Colors of Benetton from Italy, Masunaga since 1905 from Japan, nimome from Korea, Nano Vista from Spain, Collections Marcus Marienfeld from Switzerland, Ted Baker from the United Kingdom, and THRASHER from the USA.

Other exhibition zones are organised by product category, including the “Smart Glasses” zone which displays the ongoing trend of smart technology development, the “Designer Cafe and Innovation Hub” showcasing designer eyewear and innovative technology, as well as “Contact Lenses and Accessories”, “Diagnostic Instruments,” “Eyewear Accessories,” “Frames and Parts,” “Lenses,” “Optometric Instruments, Equipment & Machinery,” “Reading Glasses,” “Shop Fittings and Equipment,” and “Sporting and Professional Eyewear,” showcasing the innovation and diversity of the eyewear industry. For example: 

  • Hong Kong Exhibitor Meisystem Asia Ltd. (Booth: 1B-B14) presents the EasyFit Trend ophthalmic lens edger, specifically designed for optical shops and small labs. This compact lens edger and beveler offers precision and reliability. It features an innovative lens testing system to boost productivity and boasts a modern, streamlined design.
  • Hong Kong Exhibitor Arts Optical Company Limited (Booth: GH-K01) introduces OPTI AI. Utilising VR to capture dynamic visual behavior patterns and powered by AI as its computational core. This breakthrough overcomes the limitations of traditional progressive lens design and fitting, creating bespoke lenses for individuals and redefining the progressive lens fitting paradigm.

Three thematic labels ensure market demands and needs are precisely matched

To facilitate buyer procurement, three special labels were introduced last year: “Smart Ageing Products”, “Green Solutions Suppliers” and “Smart Eyewear”, which were well-received by the industry. These three labels appear again this year to enhance procurement efficiency and highlight exhibitor innovations in the silver economy, sustainability, and smart technology. Selected highlighted products under these labels include:

Smart Ageing Products

  • Chinese Mainland brand MUEDO (Booth: 1D-G05) presents its U10 Dual-Mode Smart Reading Glasses, featuring auto-focusing lenses and hi-fi stereo sound quality. This design addresses a common issue where presbyopic individuals excessively increase volume levels while watching videos or during calls.
  • Japanese exhibitor Sasamata (Booth: GH-C11) presents its ultra-lightweight eye-bow eyewear frame, featuring a stage-controlled flip-up mechanism inspired by scissor-type hinges — perfect for users who constantly put on and take off their reading glasses.

Green Solutions Supplies

  • Founded by a Hong Kong eyewear designer, JLX STUDIO MADE (Booth: GH-C25) focuses on 3D-printed eyewear. The brand blends traditional craftsmanship with digital technology, using eco-friendly 3D-printing to reduce production waste and showcase a sustainable, customised vision for the future of eyewear.

Smart Eyewear

  • Chinese Mainland’s smart eyewear brand LAWAKEN (Booth: 1D-F06) presents its all-in-one AR glasses, LAWK ONE. Equipped with fitness tracking, AR navigation, music and call functionality, it supports first-person perspective 4K ultra HD recording, offering outdoor enthusiasts a hands-free experience and reducing reliance on smartphones.

This year the Green Booth Design Competition encourages exhibitors to incorporate sustainable concepts into their booth designs. Wenzhou Ouhai Glasses Co Ltd (Booth 1B-D18) won the Gold Award, while Micron Eyewear Manufactory Company Limited (Booth 1E-B18) and Jiangsu Xuzhi Optical Glasses Co., Ltd. (Booth 1C-D02) secured the Silver and Bronze Awards respectively. All three winners centered their designs around eco-friendly materials and waste reduction, demonstrating their brands’ commitment to sustainable development.

Expert symposium and design competition foster industry exchange and innovation

A series of events and eyewear parades are held at the fair. Tomorrow (6 November), The 23rd Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium, organised by the HKTDC and co-organised by The Hong Kong Optometric Association and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, will take place with the theme “Age Well, See Well: Redefining Eye Care for the Golden Age”. This event drives vision care for the ageing community toward new milestones. The opening ceremony will feature an address by Dr. Pang Fei-chau, Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Health Bureau, and six experts and academics from Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore and the United Kingdom will share insights on topics such as age-related visual challenges, diabetic retinopathy, and optometric care for patients with cognitive impairment, offering more personalised and effective health solutions for the silver market. The symposium is accredited by the Optometrists Board of Hong Kong, and participants attending the full-day conference may be eligible for up to six Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours.

The HKTDC always encourages the nurturing of new talent to energise the industry. The 25th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition, co-organised by HKTDC and the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association, was held under the theme “Blending Tradition and Technology” and encourages designers to fuse craftsmanship aesthetics with innovative technology to create eyewear that is both functional and fashionable. The competition featured an Open Group and a Student Group. The award presentation was held this afternoon. The award-winning and shortlisted designs are displayed at BNG Rendezvous, Grand Hall during the fair. For competition results, please visit: OPT2025_eFairCat_DesignCompetition.indd

The fair will continue to adopt the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model which seamlessly integrates online and offline elements to extend business opportunities. Exhibitors and buyers can connect and arrange meetings through the Click2Match online smart business-matching platform until 14 November. During the physical event, buyers can also use the Scan2Match function on the HKTDC Marketplace App to scan exhibitors’ QR codes to bookmark favourite suppliers, access product details and interactive floor plans, and make product enquiries—enabling engagement with exhibitors before and after the fair to continue their sourcing journey.

Photo download: https://bit.ly/4qH08Vx

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imageWebsites:
The Hong Kong International Optical Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en
Event details of the Hong Kong International Optical Fair:
https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en/intelligence-hub
The 23rd Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium:
https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en/the-23rd-hong-kong-international-optometric-symposium
The HKTDC’s Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en

Fair Details
Date: 5 – 7 November 2025 (Wednesday to Friday)
Time: (5 to 6 November) 9:30am – 6:30pm
      (7 November) 9:30am – 5:00pm
Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Admission: For trade visitors aged 18 or above only.
Onsite Registration Fee: HK$100 per person (free for e-Badge registration and pre-registered buyers)

Click2Match – Smart Business Matching Platform
Date: 29 October – 14 November

Media enquiries

Serena CheungTel: (852) 2584 4272Email: serena.hm.cheung@hktdc.org

About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the Chinese Mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. 

Autumn Lighting Fair, Outdoor and Tech Light Expo, Eco Expo Asia draw some 62,000 buyers

– Global brands launch innovative products Survey reveals AI, smart city development and technological advancement as driving forces in the lighting industry

– Two major lighting fairs and Eco Expo Asia have concluded with success, attracting some 62,000 buyers from 141 countries and regions 
– The spotlight Hall of Connected Lighting featured some 70 top global brands. An AI smart lighting exhibitor at the Autumn Lighting Fair successfully confirmed an onsite order with a Thai buyer worth up to RMB8 million, double the value of their sales at the fair last year
– In an independent on-site survey, 61% of lighting industry respondents expect overall sales to grow in the next one to two years. Respondents foresee that AI (57%), smart city development (40%) and technological advancement (36%) will be key growth drivers in the lighting industry
– Eco Expo Asia helped enterprises expand their international trade networks and seize green business opportunities globally, with notable increases in buyers from Australia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and the US.     
– A green enterprise from the Chinese Mainland stated that Eco Expo Asia serves as a “go global” platform for mainland green companies, helping them capture business opportunities in the Middle East and SEA. Company representatives expect overseas revenue growth for the full year to exceed 200%.

The 27th Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) and the 10th Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo, both organised by the HKTDC, and the 20th Eco Expo Asia, jointly organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and co-organised by the Environment and Ecology Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), have come to a successful conclusion. The three exhibitions attracted some 62,000 buyers from 141 countries and regions.

Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC Jenny Koo said: “This year’s Autumn Lighting Fair and Outdoor and Tech Light Expo attracted top global brands, showcasing a wealth of innovative and smart lighting products and solutions. Eco Expo Asia debuted a new pavilion that featured 22 local green start-ups presented by the Environmental Campaign Committee and the ANSO Environmental Technology Industry Alliance, led by the Alliance of National and International Science Organizations for the Belt and Road Regions (ANSO), and 11 mainland enterprises, bringing together diverse green technologies. The three fairs drew some 62,000 buyers. Buyers from outside Hong Kong primarily came from the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, India, Korea, the US and ASEAN countries, including Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand. This shows the fairs’ appeal as global hubs for the lighting and environmental industries, leveraging Hong Kong’s strengths as a trading centre and gateway to international markets.”

Survey reflects optimism about lighting industry sales over the next two years
An independent survey of over 730 exhibitors and buyers at the Autumn Lighting Fair and Outdoor and Tech Light Expo revealed that respondents hold an optimistic outlook, with 61% respondents expecting overall sales to grow in the next 12-24 months, and 37% expecting sales to remain unchanged. In terms of target markets, respondents were mainly optimistic about ASEAN countries (71%), India (70%) and the Middle East (70%).

In terms of trends in lighting products, respondents foresee that AI (57%), smart city development (40%) and technological advancement (36%) will be driving factors of industry growth. 74% of respondents believed smart lighting demonstrates good to very good market potential over the next two years. Respondents consider smart lighting to have the greatest development potential in home automation and smart lighting control systems (39%), followed by energy-efficient lighting control solutions (38%) and wireless lighting control systems (29%).

Regarding challenges, respondents identified the top three operational challenges this year as fluctuations of global economy (65%), rising costs due to inflation (42%), and growing protectionist measures, such as export controls, tariffs and sanctions (35%). In light of US tariffs, 54% of respondents reported no or minimal impact on their company’s procurement and sales strategies, while 16% indicated a significant impact.

Lighting fairs bring innovative products, global brands unveil new offerings and immersive experiences
Under the theme ‘Illuminated Designs for a Smarter Future’, the twin lighting fairs showcased innovative products and smart lighting solutions from top global brands. The Hall of Connected Lighting returned as the Autumn Lighting Fair’s focal point, featuring some 70 leading brands, demonstrating smart lighting and IoT applications. Dutch company Signify unveiled its latest product in Asia– VitaUp Vitamin D3 Modules by Philips, offering a safe and controlled source of low-intensity UVB exposure to support healthy vitamin D levels. Raimond Dumoulin, LED Architect at Signify, stated that the company has connected with over 100 potential buyers from the United States, Egypt, Korea, Japan, India, the Netherlands, Finland, Norway, and the Chinese Mainland. Based on the strong interest shown by these potential buyers in the newly launched products and other offerings, the company expects the fair to generate orders worth between EUR1 to 2 million.

Specialising in smart lighting controls, Casambi Technologies Oy from Finland – created various scenes at the fair – such as a café setting, presentation mode and shows – providing buyers with a fully immersive experience, while showcasing seamless mode transitions and the smart, intuitive operation. Tommy Hoo, APAC Strategy and Marketing Leader, said: “This is our first time attending the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition), marking our debut at an exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region. APAC is an emerging market for us, and the fair has been highly effective in supporting our expansion plans. During the first half-day, we spoke with over 100 potential clients and participated in about 10 business matching meetings. We also pre-arranged additional meetings using the Scan2Match service to connect with potential clients from Singapore, Australia, India, Canada, Denmark, and more.”

Additionally, lighting systems integrated with AI have also attracted attention from buyers. Bweetech Electronics Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. is an innovative enterprise specialising in personal wireless smart lighting. Users simply express their intent and the system’s AI technology can automatically interpret and generate the ideal lighting effects tailored to the scene. Bweetech’s Marketing Manager, Green Geng, expressed that the company has attracted some 50 potential buyers from the United States, Korea, Japan and Southeast Asia within the first two days of the exhibition. The company also successfully confirmed an onsite order worth RBM8 million with a Thai buyer, doubling the value of their sales at the fair last year.

The concurrent Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo brought a diverse range of outdoor commercial and industrial lighting solutions, supporting the development of smart cities. The returning Smart Pole and Solution Zone featured Chinese Mainland exhibitor Ningbo Freelux Lighting Appliance Co., Ltd. who joined the expo to look for buyers from new markets. The company’s CEO Allen Mao said: “We have met with new buyers from different parts of the world, including Africa, Europe, the Middle East, South America and Southeast Asia. Two to three new buyers from Argentina and Poland have expressed their intention to purchase our streetlights. We expect that total orders generated by this expo will be around US$2-3 million.”

Trient Trading from the United Arab Emirates has been visiting the twin lighting fairs for five consecutive years. The company’s Sales and Product Specialist Hasan Khan said: “I am handling two large-scale projects: a new office building for a large logistics group and a hotel apartment project. I plan to purchase outdoor lighting, architectural lighting and decorative lighting for the construction of the new office building and facade lighting for the hotel apartment project, with a total order value of US$1.6 million.”

Eco Expo Asia welcomed its 20th edition fully committing to net zero goals
Under the theme ‘Green Innovations for Carbon Neutrality’, Eco Expo Asia showcased the latest achievements in Circular Economy and Waste Management, Green & Smart Mobility and ESG-related Services, providing invaluable networking opportunities for the green industry. As a leading business platform for ESG and sustainable development solutions, Eco Expo Asia continued to receive support from governments, industry associations and enterprises worldwide. In collaboration with the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the expo extended invitations to government service providers from the Chinese Mainland, as well as from ASEAN and Belt and Road countries, to visit and source green technologies and products.

A green enterprise from Chinese Mainland believed that Eco Expo Asia is a platform for mainland green companies to go global and capture business opportunities in the Middle East and SEA. Infore Enviro‘s Executive Vice President Fu Qu said: “In the fair, we successively engaged with over 35 government representatives from different places, including, Hong Kong, the UAE, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines etc. The representative of the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment expressed interest in our waste collection and transportation vehicle, and our road sweeping cleaning vehicle. We will visit the UAE to continue the discussing of this potential business opportunity. Through this exhibition, we expect the annual overseas revenue growth rate to exceed 200%”

One local startup said it showcased green innovation achievements through the expo. Jay Hsu, Senior Manager, GreenTech of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, shared: “The expo attracted Hong Kong investors and property management companies to visit, buyers from the Belt and Road countries and Southeast Asia such as Malaysia, Vietnam, and Singapore are also interested in our solutions. We have generated numerous leads, with six out of 10 exhibiting companies identifying potential buyers, and expect orders to reach approximately HK$15 million.”

A local exhibitor Dunwell Engineering Company Limited has participated for 20 years. The company’s Sustainability Officer, Benson Leung, stated: “In the first two days of the expo, we have already connected with potential buyers from Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, Korea, Saudi Arabia and EU countries. They showed particular interest in a food waste processing system targeting hotels and residential estates, and lithium battery fire extinguishers. Additionally, we secured approximately 10 business matches with ASEAN buyers via the Click2Match platform, with meetings scheduled at the fair. This participation is projected to contribute around 20% of the company’s annual revenue.”

The expo attracted numerous overseas buyers actively sourcing products. A buyer from Hungary, Endre Bali, Business Development Director of Oxyma Systems Kft, shared: “I serve as a business consultant to a hydrogen association in Hungary. At the fair, I connected with an exhibitor from the Chinese Mainland and see a strong potential for establishing a hydrogen storage and production partnership, valued at US$3–5 million.”

Igniting cross-industry business opportunities through three fairs
Organised by the HKTDC, the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) and the Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo formed a world-renowned lighting marketplace, attracting some 3,000 exhibitors collectively, and some 41,000 buyers and more than 10,000 buyers, respectively. Eco Expo Asia, jointly organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd., and co-organised by the Environment and Ecology Bureau of the Government of the HKSAR, drew some 340 exhibitors and over 11,000 buyers.

Under the EXHIBITION+ hybrid mode, exhibitors and buyers can engage in online business negotiations and matching for the three fairs through the Click2Match smart business matching platform until 7 November.

Fair Websites
Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition): hklightingfairae.hktdc.com
Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo: hkotlexpo.hktdc.com
Eco Expo Asia: www.ecoexpoasia.com

Exhibitor and Buyer Quotes

Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition): 
https://www.hktdc.com/event/hklightingfairae/en/success-stories
Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo: 
https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkotlexpo/en/success-stories
Eco Expo Asia: 
https://www.hktdc.com/event/ecoexpoasia/en/success-stories

Photo download: https://bit.ly/3Lf8DXQ

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Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications and Public Affairs Department:

Stanley SoTel: (852) 2584 4049Email: stanley.hp.so@hktdc.org
Clayton LauwTel: (852) 2584 4472Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org

The HKTDC’s Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en

About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. 

About Messe Frankfurt
The Messe Frankfurt Group is one of the world’s leading trade fair, congress and event organisers with its own exhibition grounds. With a workforce of some 2,160 people at its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main and in 28 subsidiaries, it organises events around the world. Group sales in financial year 2022 were around €454 million. We serve our customers’ business interests efficiently within the framework of our Fairs & Events, Locations and Services business fields. One of Messe Frankfurt’s key strengths is its powerful and closely knit global sales network, which covers around 180 countries in all regions of the world. Our comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. We are using our digital expertise to develop new business models. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services. Sustainability is a central pillar of our corporate strategy. Here, we strike a healthy balance between ecological and economic interests, social responsibility and diversity.

For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com/sustainability. With its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60%) and the State of Hesse (40%). For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com

Hong Kong delegation concludes mission in Riyadh

– Participation in FII Summit and business engagements to strengthen Hong Kong-Saudi economic cooperation

A business delegation jointly organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and led by Financial Secretary Paul Chan visited Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, from 27 to 31 October.

The delegation attended the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Summit and met with senior government officials and business leaders to promote collaboration between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia in areas, such as innovation and technology (I&T), smart city, AI, fintech and biotechnology, supporting the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

The visit successfully fostered exchange between Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland companies based in Hong Kong and their Saudi counterparts, deepened their understanding of the Middle East market and promoted Hong Kong’s unique role as a superconnector and super value-adder in global trade.

Saudi Arabia is the largest economy in the Middle East, with a GDP of US$ 1.084 trillion in 2024. As of 2024, it is Hong Kong’s fourth-largest trading partner and third-largest export market in the region. Despite its vast oil reserves, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to reduce reliance on oil and transform the country into a private sector-led, open economy. The plan seeks to enhance national competitiveness and attract foreign investment, particularly in infrastructure, tourism and green energy.

Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation presents new opportunities for Hong Kong and mainland enterprises. The composition of the delegation reflects the strong interest of both business communities in the Saudi market and highlights Hong Kong’s role as a key platform connecting international and mainland enterprises. The delegation comprised around 40 representatives from sectors, including I&T, smart cities, AI, fintech and biotechnology.

On 28 October, the delegation attended the FII Summit opening ceremony and a key thematic discussion session, at which Financial Secretary Paul Chan shared Hong Kong’s experience in promoting various public-private partnership models. He noted that the HKSAR Government is expediting the development of the Northern Metropolis as a new engine for economic diversification, a key base for I&T industries and a source of quality employment opportunities.”

In addition to attending the FII Summit, the delegation held meetings with local chambers and institutions, including Saudi Awwal Bank, Saudi National Bank, Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Saudi Chinese Business Council. They also visited major development projects, including Diriyah Gate Development Authority, Red Sea Global, the New Murabba smart city and The Garage technology park. These engagements facilitated exchange in investment, cross-border finance, market expansion, academic collaboration and professional services.

A highlight of the visit was the Hong Kong–Saudi Arabia Business Dinner, which provided a valuable platform for in-depth discussions between Saudi enterprises and the delegation. The event fostered diverse collaboration opportunities and led to the signing of multiple memoranda of understanding (MoU) and cooperation agreements, covering areas, such as smart mobility, green energy, AI, robotics and digital transformation, laying a solid foundation for future partnerships.

Anna Cheung, Assistant Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “The HKTDC is honoured to co-organise this mission with the HKSAR Government. Led by the Financial Secretary, this visit to Riyadh has helped Hong Kong and mainland enterprises based in the city explore new business opportunities and further strengthen Hong Kong-Saudi economic ties.”

She added that the HKTDC will continue to promote bilateral cooperation through exhibitions, forums, overseas missions and business matching activities, and looks forward to seeing more Saudi enterprises leverage Hong Kong as a gateway to the Chinese Mainland and the wider Asian market.

Multiple MoUs and cooperation agreements were signed at the Hong Kong-Saudi Arabia Business Dinner on 30 October:

  • Hong Kong Trade Development Council and Digital Cooperation Organization
  • Beijing Yunji Technology Co., Ltd and Young Life Travel and Tourism Co., Limited
  • I2Cool Company Limited and Madar Building Materials Company Limited
  • Maphive Technology Limited and Arabian Business Machines Company, a subsidiary of Olayan Saudi Holding Company
  • Shenzhen RabbitPre Intelligence Technology Co., Ltd and HIBOBI Technology Limited

Photo Download: https://bit.ly/4opjihu

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Media enquiries
HKTDC’s Communication & Public Affairs Department:

Jane CheungTel: (852) 2584 4137Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org
Sam HoTel: (852) 2584 4569Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org

About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.