The Think Business, Think Hong Kong promotion organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council convened business leaders from Hong Kong and Italy in Milan, drawing over 1,000 participants to explore expanding trade and investment opportunities. The symposium at Palazzo Mezzanotte, home of the Italian Stock Exchange, featured 760 attendees and high-level dialogues emphasizing the growing economic partnership. More than 90 Hong Kong delegates, including government officials, business leaders, and startup entrepreneurs, participated to build partnerships with Italian companies interested in Asian market expansion.
Hong Kong SAR Government Financial Secretary Paul Chan highlighted the strong economic relationship, noting bilateral merchandise trade reached EUR 7.2 billion in 2024 and approximately 200 Italian companies maintain operations in Hong Kong. He emphasized shared values of openness, creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. HKTDC Chairman Prof Frederick Ma reinforced Hong Kong's role as a partnership facilitator, helping businesses realize growth plans across China, Asia and beyond through platforms like https://thinkbusinessthinkhk.com/2025-milan/symposium/en/index.html.
The event featured five thematic sessions covering strategic collaboration areas including digital trade and finance, innovation and technology, global supply chains, and creative industries. The Digital Trade and Finance session, co-organized with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, explored how technology is reshaping cross-border trade through distributed ledger solutions and commercial data exchange systems. The Innovation and Technology session, supported by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, focused on smart city innovation and AI-powered technologies emerging in Asian markets.
Creative industry sessions brought together celebrated architects and designers from both regions, including Steve Leung of Steve Leung Design Group and Andrea Ponti of Ponti Design Studio Limited, discussing how Italian craftsmanship combined with Hong Kong's cultural vibrancy could unlock new markets across Asia. The Global Supply Chain session examined Hong Kong's role in supply chain digitalization, green logistics and advanced manufacturing partnerships, highlighting the territory's position as a hub for transforming global trade networks.
Beyond the symposium sessions, the event facilitated over 260 on-site business matching meetings and one-on-one consultations, providing practical platforms for Italian companies to connect with Hong Kong-based experts. Participants also explored the InnoVenture Salon and Business Support Zone featuring over 20 exhibitors from Hong Kong showcasing innovative services and technologies. The Hong Kong Dinner at Palazzo Parigi attended by 240 business leaders further promoted bilateral economic and cultural exchanges, reinforcing long-term ties between the business communities.
For business and technology leaders, this event signals significant opportunities in cross-border collaboration, particularly in digital finance, AI innovation, and sustainable supply chains. The substantial attendance and structured networking demonstrate concrete pathways for Italian companies to leverage Hong Kong's established infrastructure and market access to expand into high-growth Asian economies. The focus on technology-driven trade solutions and creative industry partnerships reflects evolving global business models where regional specialization combines with digital platforms to create new market opportunities.
