A survey conducted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) between January and February 2026 reveals that a significant majority of mainland Chinese firms are looking to internationalize their operations. According to the report, more than 90% of the over 2,000 companies polled plan to expand their business footprint outside of mainland China within the next two years.

Of those firms planning international growth, more than 80% identified Hong Kong as their preferred "launch pad" for entering the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region. This preference highlights Hong Kong’s ongoing role as a strategic intermediary for mainland businesses seeking to navigate foreign markets. The survey results suggest that these companies are prioritizing geographic diversification to mitigate risks and capture new growth opportunities in Southeast Asia.

While the HKTDC report frames these findings as a positive indicator of Hong Kong’s continued relevance as a global business hub, it does not address potential geopolitical challenges or regulatory hurdles that mainland firms might face when expanding into ASEAN countries. The data reflects the stated intentions of the firms surveyed rather than confirmed investment outcomes, leaving the actual scale of future capital flow into the region subject to broader economic conditions.