In a challenging phase for transatlantic trade relations, especially for the green economy sector, looking to China and Hong Kong in particular becomes an opportunity for Italian companies to diversify, notably in the green segment.

It is precisely with this perspective that the Think Business, Think Hong Kong (TBTHK) event will be held on 27 November at Palazzo Mezzanotte in Milan. Hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the event will offer Italian companies a contact point for creating partnerships and fostering collaborations throughout Asia, especially in rapidly expanding new markets such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

According to Chris Lo, HKTDC Regional Director for Europe, “Hong Kong continues to stand out as a dynamic, international and forward-looking ecosystem. Thanks to its legal certainty, fiscal efficiency and direct access to the mainland Chinese market, the city is an ideal bridge for Italian companies wishing to operate in Asia. At the same time, Hong Kong offers great opportunities for Asian companies looking to Europe, and Italy in particular, as a preferred destination for investment, innovation and industrial partnerships.”

TBTHK, which you can join by signing up on the official website, will bring together around 80 representatives from Hong Kong. They will include business leaders, innovators, investors, and start-up entrepreneurs for a day of dialogue, networking, and partnership development with Italian companies interested in expanding into Asia. It will be of particular interest to the renewable energy, circular economy, and clean tech sectors.

“Hong Kong hosts numerous companies involved in energy efficiency and energy storage, and the smart building services and materials sector is also very important,” Chris Lo responds to a question from Renewable Matter. “We must also remember the role of green finance, with many companies in your country interested in investing in clean tech projects. Just remember that more than a third of Asian green bonds are issued by Hong Kong companies, so the event can be a great opportunity for clean tech companies looking for capital.”

A bridge between Italy and China

Italy is an important partner for Hong Kong in terms of trade and investment. In 2024, commercial exchanges between the two countries reached a value of US$8.3 billion, placing Italy fourth among the European Union's trading partners as an export market for Hong Kong and third as an import market.

Among European Union countries, Italy was the third-largest investor in the Chinese metropolis in terms of investment value at the end of 2023, with 200 Italian companies present in the former British colony, now a Chinese special administrative region. This recognition is reciprocated by Hong Kong companies, currently the third-largest Asian investors in Italy in terms of investment value. Not only that: today, the megalopolis is considered one of the gateways to mainland China.

The programme for the day is packed, with four thematic sessions, each dedicated to a strategic area. Finance and Trade will highlight global economic trends, Hong Kong's role as a commercial hub, advanced digital trade initiatives, success stories related to the adoption of new technologies, and projects to create trade corridors between Italy, Hong Kong and mainland China. The Innovation and Technology section will focus on developments in artificial intelligence, greentech, industrial digitalisation and smart city solutions, with case studies and examples of the most promising sectors for Italian companies interested in expanding into Asia. In this regard, the Supply Chain Service will also be discussed, exploring the strategic role of Corporate Treasury Centres in strengthening supply chain functions. Finally, emphasis will be placed on the high value-added services economy with the Creative and Design segment, focused on promoting collaboration between Hong Kong and Italian excellence in design, lifestyle and manufacturing in Asian markets, with particular attention to fashion, art and luxury, areas in which Italian creativity can intertwine with the cultural vibrancy of Asia.

High-profile speakers are expected, including Bernard Charnwut Chan, Chairman of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, Bonnie Y Chan (Chief Executive of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited), Claudio de Bedin, partner at Justin Chow & de Bedin Solicitors LLP, and Alex Zhavoronkov, founder and Chief Executive of Insilico Medicine.

According to Gianluca Mirante, director of HKTDC for Italy, “Think Business, Think Hong Kong is much more than an event: it is a campaign that speeds up strategic connections between two complementary economies. Italian companies will find Hong Kong to be a reliable partner for innovation, growth, and international expansion.”

Cover: photo Envato