How businesses can leverage Hong Kong’s advantages to expand overseas
Experts at China Conference 2025 share insights into why the city can help SMEs achieve growth amid global economic uncertainties
As the shifting geopolitical landscape and global economic uncertainties dominate headlines, businesses and governments around the world are keen to turn these large-scale challenges into growth opportunities while continuing to innovate.
Last month’s China Conference 2025 in Hong Kong – the latest edition of the South China Morning Post’s annual forum, featuring numerous in-depth panel discussions, closed-door and virtual sessions – examined how Hong Kong’s unique strategic advantages can help companies benefit from China’s growth potential and investment stability.
The event attracted more than 650 senior policymakers, business executives, academics, investors and innovators from the banking, technology and insurance sectors, and over 300 online viewers.
“In this era of fogged horizons, China does not just project power – it radiates investible stability,” Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said during his keynote speech. “And Hong Kong is the ‘superconnector’ and ‘super value-adder’ that links the world with opportunities from China’s growth and certainties.
“Amid an ever-changing geopolitical landscape and constantly escalating uncertainties, Hong Kong is the place that promises security and development. This certainty of security and development is precisely what a world of investors need and thirst for.”
The day-long conference with “Where Capital Meets Innovation” as its theme, saw senior journalists from the Post join guest speakers in the discussions offering insights into areas such as cross-border financial innovation, tech and artificial intelligence (or AI, computer systems that can copy intelligent human behaviour) commercialisation, medical breakthroughs and talent and trade dynamics.
The sessions included “Greater China’s biotech revolution – Redefining the global landscape”, “Innovation unleashed – How Hong Kong can fuel the GBA’s (Greater Bay Area) AI and technological breakthroughs” and “The capital catalyst – Hong Kong’s role in powering IPOs (initial public offerings) and global innovation”.
The panel discussion titled “Hong Kong’s strategic evolution – Bridging global markets, innovation and national priorities” examined the importance of the city’s strategic advantages in the current economic and geopolitical environment.
It featured four speakers – Alpha Lau, director-general of investment promotion at government agency Invest Hong Kong; Jackson Qiu, Standard Chartered’s head of transaction and treasury management, and head of Greater Bay Area, SME Banking; Wang Qixin, director and chief marketing officer of Unitree Robotics; and Dr David Xiao, chairman of AscenPower Semiconductors and APT Electronics.
The panellists explained how Hong Kong’s unique position as a global financial hub, a “superconnector” and a gateway to mainland China can help businesses such as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) succeed. In particular, they highlighted the strong link between the city and the rest of the GBA region as one of Hong Kong’s strongest assets.
“Integration is not just a slogan, it is happening as we speak in Hong Kong and the rest of the GBA,” said Qiu, who specialises in helping SME clients with their banking needs for their overseas expansion plans.
“From my experience of working in the GBA, Invest Hong Kong and Hong Kong Trade Development Council have a good understanding of SMEs’ needs and can provide good advice for their expansion journey.
“Chinese SMEs are becoming increasingly interested in expanding overseas and are seeking services and advice from these organisations and banks so that they can fulfil their goals in a compliant manner.”
Standard Chartered is well positioned to help these businesses fulfil their ambitions for global expansion, thanks to its strong global presence in SME banking across Asia and Africa, comprehensive range of products and services to meet clients’ cross-border trade and investment needs, and an international team with a deep knowledge of local markets.
The bank has strengthened its capabilities with the introduction of several initiatives to help provide guidance to SMEs looking to expand globally.
For example, the bank partnered with China Insights Consultancy, a market research and financial services company specialising in mainland China, to offer clients market intelligence and insights into how they can leverage the bank’s expertise to reduce risks and maximise potential opportunities while expanding their business footprint. It also established a strategic partnership with global business development firm Altios International to support the expansion of SMEs in Asia.
“Hong Kong serves as a perfect springboard for mainland Chinese SMEs to expand internationally,” Xie Wen, global head of SME Banking at Standard Chartered, said after the conference.
“As a gateway to mainland China, Hong Kong plays an important ‘superconnector’ role, linking global capital with technology, innovation and businesses, and integrating supply chain systems in the GBA with international markets.
“The city’s active and deep capital markets, comprehensive banking and financing services, and expertise in international corporate professional services across tax, accounting, audit and legal, collectively offer a holistic ecosystem that supports businesses in various growth stages.
“As we continue to navigate global economic uncertainties, it will be increasingly important for businesses to take a more proactive approach in managing supply chain safety, market diversification and technological adoption to further their growth.”