Key facts
- Mainland Chinese firms represented nearly 60% of businesses Invest Hong Kong helped establish or expand in the first half of 2026.
- Invest Hong Kong assisted 413 companies in the first six months of 2026, with 246 from mainland China.
- These projects are expected to bring over HK$53 billion ($6.8 billion) in investment.
- Hong Kong serves as a channel for attracting investment and a bridge for mainland enterprises entering international markets.
- The city's common law system, IP protection, and free capital flow are cited as key international advantages.
- Mainland China's innovation capabilities can be linked with Hong Kong's international advantages to transform research into overseas orders.
Hong Kong is actively positioning itself as a crucial launchpad for Chinese mainland companies seeking to expand globally, leveraging its unique international advantages. In the first half of 2026, mainland firms constituted nearly 60% of the businesses that Invest Hong Kong helped establish or expand in the city, projects anticipated to inject over HK$53 billion ($6.8 billion) into the local economy.
According to Invest Hong Kong, the agency assisted a total of 413 companies during the period, with 246 originating from mainland China. Hong Kong is seen not only as a conduit for attracting investment but also as a vital bridge for mainland enterprises and products to access international markets. It acts as a converter of standards and rules, aligning technological innovation with global market requirements.
Experts highlight Hong Kong's international strengths, including its common law system, robust intellectual property protection, free flow of capital and talent, and globally aligned professional services. These advantages, combined with mainland China's scientific and technological innovation capabilities, can help transform research achievements into overseas business opportunities. Hong Kong can also attract long-term capital for hard-tech enterprises, supporting emerging industries.
Irina Fan Yuen-yee, director of research at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, noted that Hong Kong plays a pivotal role in supporting mainland companies' global expansion, with many small and medium-sized enterprises viewing it as a preferred platform for technical and service support. A HKTDC report indicated that over 90% of surveyed mainland enterprises intend to expand internationally in the next one to three years, with about 77% seeing Hong Kong as their preferred services platform.
Edward Au Chun-hing of Deloitte China pointed out that Hong Kong's well-developed financial environment helps mainland enterprises manage capital flows and mitigate risks through various financial products. Johnson Chui King-wai of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing added that the city offers access to deep financing pools and a regulatory framework that protects the free flow of international capital, making it a natural place for mainland corporates to finance their global ambitions.