Hong Kong Urged to Innovate for Mainland Market
Trade Council Chairman Frederick Ma Si-hang called on Hong Kong firms to adapt products for mainland China's consumers while tapping emerging markets.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Remote Work
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Hong Kong Trade Development Council chairman Frederick Ma Si-hang urged Hong Kong firms to innovate for mainland China during remarks on the sidelines of the ninth China International Import Expo in Shanghai. The council plans to open an office in Egypt next year as the city explores emerging markets.
Why it matters
Hong Kong is seeking new trade channels to counter global trade uncertainty following the United States elections. Its push into Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa reflects a broader effort to diversify beyond traditional partners.
Hong Kong sent more than 400 exhibitors to the ninth China International Import Expo this year. The extraction does not report sales or trade value figures tied to those exhibitors.
The players
Frederick Ma Si-hang
Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the city's government-linked body that promotes its external trade.
Hong Kong Trade Development Council
Government-linked trade promotion body that organises Hong Kong's participation in overseas trade fairs and opens overseas offices.
The details
Ma told firms to understand mainland consumer tastes before entering the market and to capitalise on the 'one country, two systems' principle and professional services expertise. He spoke on Friday in Shanghai, where Hong Kong is also exploring markets across Central Asia and Africa.
Timeline
Friday (November 2026): Ma gives remarks at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai.
Next year (2027): The Hong Kong Trade Development Council is expected to open an office in Egypt.
Market Landscape
Hong Kong's push under the 'one country, two systems' framework positions the city as an intermediary between mainland China and international markets. Its diversification toward Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa comes as it competes with London for global financial centre rankings.
Hong Kong businesses weighing mainland China expansion may need to rework products to match local tastes before entering the market. Firms targeting emerging markets in the Middle East and Africa may see new trade-council support as the Egypt office opens.
The takeaway
Hong Kong's trade strategy rests on pairing its legal framework and professional services with fresh market access. Businesses watching cross-border expansion should track how the city's diversification plays out over the coming year.
What happens next
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council is expected to open an office in Egypt next year.
Further reading
For related coverage of how cross-border business is being reshaped, see Remote Work.
Source note: This article includes information reported by South China Morning Post.
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