Hong Kong-Italy Business Symposium in Milan Strengthens Economic Partnership and Explores New Opportunities

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, attracting over 1,000 participants to explore expanding trade and investment opportunities. The symposium at Palazzo Mezzanotte drew 760 attendees and featured high-level dialogues emphasizing the growing economic partnership between the two regions. More than 90 Hong Kong delegates participated, including government officials, business leaders, and startup entrepreneurs seeking to build partnerships with Italian companies interested in Asian market expansion.

Hong Kong SAR Government Financial Secretary Paul Chan highlighted the strong economic relationship during his opening remarks, noting that bilateral merchandise trade reached EUR 7.2 billion in 2024 and approximately 200 Italian companies maintain operations in Hong Kong. He emphasized the shared values between the regions, stating both thrive on 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. This gathering underscores the strategic importance of Hong Kong as a conduit for Italian businesses seeking growth in Asia, leveraging its established infrastructure, financial services, and cultural connectivity to foster mutually beneficial partnerships in an evolving global economy.