Think Business, Think Hong Kong Event in Milan Strengthens Italy-Asia Economic Ties

The Think Business, Think Hong Kong signature promotion organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council was held on 27 November in Milan to promote bilateral trade and investment with Italy. Returning to Italy for the first time since 2014, the event attracted over 1,000 participants, with 760 attending the symposium at Palazzo Mezzanotte, home of the Italian Stock Exchange. This reaffirmed the strong and growing relationship between Hong Kong and Italy, with over 240 business leaders also attending the Hong Kong Dinner.

The event gathered over 90 delegates from Hong Kong, including government officials, business leaders, financial services providers, and startup entrepreneurs, for dialogue and partnership building with Italian companies keen to expand into Asia. It highlighted Hong Kong's role as a superconnector and super value-adder, enabling enterprises to go global and seize opportunities in Italy and across Europe. In his opening remarks, Hong Kong SAR Government Financial Secretary Paul Chan noted that bilateral merchandise trade reached EUR 7.2 billion in 2024, with about 200 Italian companies having operations in Hong Kong.

HKTDC Chairman Prof Frederick Ma emphasized that facilitating partnerships is at the core of the HKTDC's work, leading to innovation and growth. He pointed to opportunities for Italian businesses in Hong Kong's innovation and technology sectors, including fintech, greentech, AI, and smart city development. Deputy Minister Valentino Valentini added that Hong Kong serves as an ideal platform for Italian companies wishing to grow in the Chinese Mainland and wider Asian region, building on decades of exchange between Italy and Hong Kong.

The plenary session explored global economic trends and Hong Kong's role as a strategic gateway to Asia, featuring insights from leading business figures. Reflecting evolving priorities, five thematic sessions covered digital trade and finance, innovation and technology, global supply chains, and creative design. The Digital Trade and Finance session, co-organized with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, examined how technology reshapes cross-border trade and financial flows.

The Innovation and Technology session, supported by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, focused on smart city innovation and AI-powered technologies. The Global Supply Chain session, co-organized with Invest Hong Kong, examined Hong Kong's role in supply chain digitalization and green logistics. Two Creative and Design sessions brought together architects and designers from Hong Kong and Italy to discuss co-designing opportunities in architecture, lifestyle, and cultural innovation.

Alongside the symposium, TBTHK facilitated over 260 on-site business matching meetings and one-on-one consultations. Participants browsed the InnoVenture Salon and Business Support Zone, featuring over 20 exhibitors from Hong Kong, including startups and representatives from various sectors. This provided a practical platform for Italian companies to connect with Hong Kong-based experts and pursue innovative solutions. The event underscored the importance of Hong Kong as a hub for Italian businesses aiming to access Asian markets, fostering long-term economic and cultural exchanges between the two regions.