Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
January 14, 2026

GBA Firms Rush ASEAN Expansion Amid Trade Tensions, 73% Fast-Track Plans

Discuss on LinkedIn Discuss on Substack Discuss on Telegram
Original Source

TLDR

  • GBA enterprises gain competitive advantage by accelerating ASEAN expansion to diversify supply chains and capture growth in markets like Vietnam and Indonesia amid global trade tensions.
  • A UOB Hong Kong and HKTDC study shows 73% of GBA companies plan faster ASEAN growth, allocating 30% more resources with focus on sales, production, and ESG funding increases.
  • This expansion strengthens global supply chain resilience while 96% of companies plan increased ESG funding, promoting sustainable development and better economic stability for communities.
  • Vietnam is the top priority with 47% more resources, and Hong Kong's green services scored 8.8/10 as companies double ESG investments to HK$874,771 on average.

Impact - Why it Matters

This news matters because it signals a major shift in global trade dynamics, with businesses in one of the world's most economically vibrant regions—the Greater Bay Area—actively diversifying away from traditional markets due to geopolitical and tariff pressures. For readers, this impacts supply chains, investment opportunities, and job markets, as the accelerated move into ASEAN could lead to more resilient product availability, new cross-border partnerships, and potential economic growth in Southeast Asia. It also highlights the growing importance of ESG considerations in business strategy, affecting consumer choices and corporate accountability. Understanding this trend helps stakeholders anticipate market changes, from investors eyeing ASEAN sectors to professionals seeking opportunities in green finance and international trade.

Summary

In response to escalating global trade uncertainties and tariff pressures, enterprises across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) are urgently accelerating their expansion into ASEAN markets, according to a pivotal joint study titled "Hong Kong Empowers GBA Enterprises for ASEAN Growth Amid Global Trade Challenges." Released by UOB Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the research reveals that 73% of surveyed GBA companies plan to fast-track their ASEAN business development, with Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia emerging as top destinations. To support this push, companies intend to allocate an average of 30% more resources, with Vietnam seeing the highest planned increase at 47%. The primary strategic goals are driving sales growth and expanding production and sourcing bases to strengthen supply chain resilience, with 98% of enterprises targeting ASEAN sales markets and 91% aiming to maintain or expand production hubs there.

However, this accelerated expansion faces significant hurdles, including difficulties finding suitable local partners (cited by 47% of respondents, a 24-point increase since 2024), cultural and language barriers (46%), and sourcing specialist talent (40%). The study also highlights a growing commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles among GBA firms, with 83% currently implementing green initiatives and 96% planning to maintain or increase ESG funding. Notably, the average intended ESG investment has nearly doubled to HK$874,771. Key figures like Adaline Zheng, CEO of UOB Hong Kong, and Wing Chu, Deputy Director of HKTDC Research, emphasize Hong Kong's critical role as a "superconnector," scoring 7.9 out of 10 for connectivity and 8.8 for green services, helping businesses leverage its trade, financial, and professional services platform to navigate challenges and capitalize on ASEAN opportunities efficiently.

The report, based on insights from over 600 businesses in Hong Kong and mainland GBA cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen, underscores that two-thirds of enterprises accelerating ASEAN development have used Hong Kong's platform. It also notes strong demand for Hong Kong's sustainable development services, including green financial products, ESG reporting, and green asset valuation. For further details, the full report is available for download via the provided link on the HKTDC Research website, with an English version expected by end of January. This study builds on previous research, such as "GBA Supply Chain Diversity" and "Navigating Connectivity," to track evolving strategies amid global challenges, reinforcing Hong Kong's pivotal position in empowering GBA enterprises to diversify supply chains and advance ESG commitments in the dynamic ASEAN region.

Source Statement

This curated news summary relied on content disributed by NewMediaWire. Read the original source here, GBA Firms Rush ASEAN Expansion Amid Trade Tensions, 73% Fast-Track Plans

blockchain registration record for this content.