The Hong Kong Productivity Council has promised to create a robust ecosystem to help local and Chinese mainland enterprises expand internationally.
During a media briefing on Monday, the management of the statutory innovation-solutions provider renewed its endeavor by highlighting the recently launched one-stop platform for the "go global" bid and emphasized ongoing efforts to strengthen global market connections.
"Since launching The Cradle — Going Global Service Centre in April, the HKPC has received inquiries from dozens of enterprises about services including new industrialization, international expansion and technology development," said Mohamed Butt, the council’s executive director.
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In 2024, the council was involved in more than 100 international expansion projects. In response to this increasing demand, it launched The Cradle center to offer comprehensive support for enterprises pursuing global growth.
Butt outlined previous efforts, including the launch of 13 Hong Kong Industry Network Clusters consultation sessions across all 11 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area cities, as well as active participation in exhibitions and study tours to the Chinese mainland and overseas.
Among these initiatives, the council’s representatives also took part in a high-level delegation led by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu to the Middle East earlier this month, which was attended by representatives from mainland enterprises for the first time.
During the visit, the council signed a memorandum of understanding with two mainland enterprises — EHang, a Guangzhou-based leader in urban air mobility technology, and Westwell Technology Co Ltd, which focuses on autonomous driving technologies.
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Going global has become a key development strategy for many mainland enterprises, and businesses are increasingly recognizing the advantages of Hong Kong’s international platform, said HKPC Chairman Sunny Tan. He said that the council will assist more companies in leveraging Hong Kong’s strengths as a bridge between domestic and international markets.
With HKPC’s support, a technology startup from Beijing has conducted trials of autonomous driving technology applications at Hong Kong International Airport, successfully expanded its technology to the Middle East after accumulating sufficient experience, and launched an autonomous vehicle trial program at Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar.
In addition to government funding, which stands at HK$220 million ($28 million) annually, the council is diversifying its revenue streams through proactive efforts to provide tech-related services to enterprises.
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Butt revealed that the council’s unaudited revenue for the 2024-25 fiscal year topped HK$973 million, representing a 17 percent year-on-year increase, and 70 percent of last year’s revenue generated from technology service-related fees.
Looking ahead, the HKPC plans to focus more on the development of emerging industries, cultivating talent for technological innovation, building an ecosystem to support global expansion, strengthening international research collaborations, promoting widespread adoption of AI applications, and supporting smart city initiatives.
Contact the writer at atlasshao@chinadailyhk.com
