Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
November 12, 2025

Italian Firms Eye Hong Kong as Key Gateway for Asian Expansion

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Original Source

TLDR

  • Italian companies can gain market advantage by leveraging Hong Kong's strategic gateway status and untapped trade agreements like RCEP and CEPA for Asian expansion.
  • The HKTDC and ICCF survey of 172 Italian executives revealed 77% plan Asian expansion, with Hong Kong facilitating through trade agreements and logistics capabilities.
  • Enhanced Italy-Hong Kong partnerships through trade agreements and business matching will strengthen economic ties and create opportunities across innovation, healthcare and retail sectors.
  • A survey shows 95% of Italian innovation companies plan Asian expansion, with Hong Kong hosting the Think Business Think Hong Kong event in Milan on November 27.

Impact - Why it Matters

This research reveals substantial untapped economic potential between Italian businesses and Asian markets, with Hong Kong serving as a critical bridge. For companies looking to expand internationally, the findings highlight both immediate opportunities and significant knowledge gaps regarding existing trade agreements like RCEP and CEPA. The strong sectoral alignment between Italian expansion priorities and Hong Kong's strategic focus areas suggests ready-made partnership opportunities in innovation, healthcare, and retail sectors. For SMEs in particular, this represents a clear roadmap for accessing Asian markets through established trade frameworks and institutional support. The timing is crucial as global supply chains continue to realign and businesses seek new growth markets beyond traditional Western partners.

Summary

A comprehensive survey conducted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Italy China Council Foundation (ICCF) reveals strong enthusiasm among Italian businesses for Asian expansion, with Hong Kong positioned as a critical gateway. The research, which surveyed 172 Italian C-suite and senior business leaders in Q3 2025, found that 77% of Italian companies are enthusiastic about expanding in Asia, with the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong being their priority markets. According to Irina Fan, Director of HKTDC Research, 93% of respondents believe Hong Kong can effectively support their future Asia expansion plans, citing its strategic gateway status and capabilities as a logistics and supply chain management hub. The survey will be officially launched at the upcoming Think Business, Think Hong Kong (TBTHK) event in Milan on November 27, 2025.

The research uncovered significant untapped potential in regional trade agreements, particularly the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA). While 51% of respondents currently capitalize on RCEP benefits, 60% anticipate that Hong Kong's potential accession would unlock new economic opportunities. More strikingly, 80% of Italian businesses were unaware of CEPA or how to leverage its benefits, with only 12% currently utilizing this agreement through strategic partnerships in Hong Kong. Sara Berloto, Head of Research for ICCF, emphasized the need for comprehensive information and institutional support to help companies, especially SMEs, better utilize these agreements. The survey findings highlight major opportunities for enhanced collaboration between Italian and Hong Kong businesses across multiple sectors.

Sector-specific analysis shows overwhelming expansion intentions, with 95% of Italian innovation and technology companies planning Asian expansion, followed by 88% in healthcare and 86% in retail/wholesale sectors. These align perfectly with Hong Kong's strategic focus on innovation, life sciences, healthtech, and e-commerce initiatives. The strong existing business relationship between Italy and Hong Kong is evidenced by $8.3 billion in bilateral trade during 2024, positioning Italy as Hong Kong's fourth-largest EU trading partner. As of 2023, Hong Kong was the third most significant destination for Italian investment in Asia, with approximately 200 Italian companies active in the city. The TBTHK Milan event will feature high-profile speakers including Financial Secretary Paul Chan and HKTDC Chairman Prof Frederick Ma, along with thematic sessions covering finance, innovation, supply chains, and creative industries to facilitate practical collaboration opportunities between the two regions.

Source Statement

This curated news summary relied on content disributed by NewMediaWire. Read the original source here, Italian Firms Eye Hong Kong as Key Gateway for Asian Expansion

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