Hong Kong Trade Promotion Returns to Milan to Strengthen Italy-Asia Business Connections

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will host the Think Business, Think Hong Kong flagship promotion campaign at Palazzo Mezzanotte in Milan on November 27, marking the event's first return to Italy since 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. This comes against the backdrop of rapid growth in markets such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Association of Southeast Asian Nations, as well as opportunities arising from Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis initiative.

Following successful recent editions in Paris and Jakarta, TBTHK Milan will gather approximately 80 delegates from Hong Kong, including government officials, business and creative industry leaders, financial and professional services providers, investors and start-up entrepreneurs, along with executives from Chinese Mainland companies based in Hong Kong. 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. The Opening Session will feature remarks from Paul Chan, Hong Kong SAR Government Financial Secretary, and Prof Frederick Ma, HKTDC Chairman, along with an Italian government representative.

The programme includes five thematic sessions focusing on strategic areas reflecting shared priorities between Hong Kong and Italy. Digital Trade and Finance will highlight global economic and digital transformation trends, key challenges in cross-border trade, and Hong Kong's role as a leading financial and trade hub strengthening ties with Europe and Italy. Innovation and Technology will explore 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. Global Supply Chain will showcase Hong Kong's drive for global supply chain innovation through strong European partnerships, while Creative and Design will feature master designers introducing distinctive lifestyle design cases and partnerships.

A recent survey conducted by HKTDC and the Milan-headquartered Italy China Council Foundation reveals Italian businesses view Hong Kong as a key gateway to Asia. The research, conducted in Q3 2025 covering 172 Italian C-suite and senior business leaders, found that 77% of surveyed Italian businesses are strongly committed to expanding in Asia, citing the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong as their priority markets. Approximately 93% of respondents believe Hong Kong can effectively support their expansion plans over the next three years, acknowledging the city's unrivalled status as a strategic gateway to many Asian markets and its strengths as a logistics and supply chain management hub.

Italy represents an important trading and investment partner for Hong Kong, with bilateral trade amounting to US$8.3 billion in 2024. 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, while Hong Kong investors recorded substantial investments in Italy, making the city the third-largest Asian investor in the country. There are currently 200 Italian companies operating in Hong Kong across sectors including fashion and luxury goods, electronics, food and beverages, and high-value professional services industries.

In addition to the 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. 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 event will conclude with the Hong Kong Dinner, providing further opportunities for the business communities of Italy and Hong Kong to connect. For more information, visit https://thinkbusinessthinkhk.com/2025-milan/symposium/en/index.html.