"Rooted in the Mainland, Empowered in Hong Kong, Thriving in Global Markets" sets new model for Chinese enterprises going global

As Chinese enterprises' move to expand globally gains momentum, Hong Kong is rapidly emerging as a key outbound platform, with close to 80% of Chinese Mainland enterprises choosing the city as their global launchpad. To support the internationalisation of Chinese enterprises, Deloitte China today releases the "China Enterprises Going Global Handbook: Hong Kong as the Launchpad to Global Success". The handbook highlights three new outbound trends and full lifecycle planning, presenting successful case studies that underline Hong Kong's institutional and functional advantages in supporting Chinese enterprises going global.

Coinciding with the publication of the handbook, Deloitte China has officially launched the Deloitte China GoGlobal Taskforce in Hong Kong, drawing on nearly 30 years of experience serving more than 10,000 Chinese enterprises in their global ventures to provide one-stop professional services which support companies expanding into international markets.

Deloitte China Senior Partner and Former CEO Patrick Tsang, JP says, "In recent years, Chinese enterprises have actively expanded internationally, leveraging strengths in innovation and manufacturing. Yet they continue to face challenges in strategy, operations and capability building. In this year’s Policy Address, the HKSAR government announced the establishment of the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global, underscoring its determination to strengthen the city’s role as a strategic gateway. We are honoured to be among the first professional service members of the Taskforce.

"We are also pleased to launch our own Deloitte China GoGlobal Taskforce, integrating audit, tax and consulting services to deliver customised global development strategies informed by deep insights. We express our sincere appreciation to HKSAR government departments for their support throughout the preparation of this handbook. We will continue cross-sector collaboration to elevate Hong Kong's gateway function and help Chinese enterprises achieve sustainable success on the global stage."

In 2024, China's outward direct investment exceeded USD190 billion, up more than 8% year-on-year, with investment in ASEAN nations rising by nearly 40% and investment in Belt and Road countries growing by more than 20%. According to Deloitte, the outbound journey of Chinese enterprises has evolved, creating strengths in industrial collaboration, technological innovation and scaled operations.

Deloitte China Southern Region Managing Partner Edward Au says, "Chinese enterprises' outbound journey has transitioned from traditional product exports to international expansion with a value chain mindset, reflected in three major trends: new markets, new capabilities and new paradigms.

"For new markets, ASEAN, Latin America, and Belt and Road regions have become investment priorities. In terms of new capabilities, emerging industries such as the ‘new trio’, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce are accelerating their global expansion, covering areas including the digital economy, green energy and artificial intelligence. As for new paradigms, enterprises are not only pursuing commercial success but also emphasising the export of brand, technology and management expertise while contributing social value and soft power."

To help Chinese enterprises capture emerging development opportunities, Deloitte China has developed the China Enterprises Globalisation Capability Model. This model spans three dimensions: strategy, operations and business, and outlines enhancement pathways across 10 key areas: strategy formulation, business expansion, operations management, investment and financing support, brand building, external relations, talent management, financial and tax management, sustainability, and digital infrastructure.

Edward Au adds, "Globalisation is not accomplished in a single step, but unfolds as a gradual journey. With its unique advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to global markets, Hong Kong accounts for around 60% of China's annual outward direct investment and is emerging as the overseas hub for many Chinese enterprises, playing a distinctive role in their globalisation journey."

Deloitte China Hong Kong Growth and Markets Leader, Capital Market Services Group Southern Region Offering Services Leader Robert Lui says, "Hong Kong has long provided financing and professional services to support Chinese enterprises in their global expansion, while actively developing into the 'Eight Centres', which include finance, trade, innovation and technology, law, shipping, and intellectual property. With its dual role as a 'super connector' and ‘super value-adder', Hong Kong not only supports diversified professional services for Chinese enterprises going global but also drives growth in local industries and demand for services, fostering mutual benefits and win-win outcomes."

Deloitte highlights five key advantages of Hong Kong for outbound Chinese enterprises: its role as an international financial centre; a well-established common law system; its status as an international innovation and technology hub; its efficient international shipping and logistics network; and its mature professional services ecosystem.

Robert Lui adds, "As Chinese enterprises accelerate their global expansion, Hong Kong is strengthening a model in which enterprises are nurtured in the Mainland, enhanced through Hong Kong's value-added services and then extended to global markets. With the establishment of the HKSAR government's Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global, related policies and supporting measures are expected to be further enhanced. The Deloitte China GoGlobal Taskforce will align closely with and support this initiative, continuing to contribute professional expertise to help Chinese enterprises enhance global competitiveness and reinforce Hong Kong's position as an international financial centre."

Click here to access the "China Enterprises Going Global Handbook: Hong Kong as the Launchpad to Global Success" (available in Chinese only)