General Design Panel
Hong Kong's integrated design industry focuses on cross-domain innovation, deeply integrating culture, technology and sustainable development concepts, and providing systematic solutions for city brand upgrades and industrial transformation. In 2024, the government invested HK$820 million in the Smart City Blueprint project to promote public space transformation, digital twin technology applications and green building design. For example, the smart venues at the Kai Tak Sports Park and the West Kowloon Cultural District Digital Art Gallery both use modular design and low-carbon materials to reduce construction carbon emissions by 30%. Relying on the synergistic advantages of the Greater Bay Area's industrial chain, the industry has joined hands with design institutions in Shenzhen and Guangzhou to formulate the "Bay Area Creative Design Standards", covering areas such as urban renewal and cultural IP development. It is expected to drive a 12% increase in design service exports in 2025 and enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness as the Asia-Pacific design hub.
The association integrates government resources and international networks to build a platform for industry-research cooperation and assists members in participating in major infrastructure design projects (such as the Northern Metropolitan Area Plan) and global design competitions. By providing ESG design certification, AI-assisted tool training and transnational intellectual property protection services, it promotes companies to achieve technological upgrades and market expansion; it links with international events such as the "Design Business Week" to promote Hong Kong's "Oriental Aesthetics × Technology Innovation" design concept, attract multinational companies to set up regional design centers, and consolidate Hong Kong's global influence in sustainable urban design, digital tourism experience and other fields.
The core competitiveness of Hong Kong's packaging design industry is its diversified production capacity and rapid response to market demand. In 2023, the total exports of the industry will reach HK$1.892 billion, of which Mainland China is the largest export market accounting for 54.6%, followed by ASEAN, the United States and the European Union. Plastic packaging occupies a dominant position, accounting for 62.6% of the total export value, covering products such as film, sheet and strip; paper products account for 11.3%, mainly used for e-commerce packaging and customized solutions. As global environmental regulations become more stringent (such as the EU's "Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation" requiring a material recycling rate of 90% by 2029), and consumers' demand for sustainable packaging increases, local companies are accelerating their transformation to promote the application of biodegradable materials, recycling processes and smart packaging technologies. At the same time, the development of e-commerce has spawned demand for customized and convenient packaging, such as independent small-portion packaging, connected labels (NFC/QR codes) and reusable designs. Hong Kong manufacturers, with their flexible production and printing industry synergy advantages, continue to provide innovative solutions for global brands.
The Association is based on the international positioning and policy resources of Hong Kong's packaging industry to strengthen the compliance capabilities and market competitiveness of enterprises. By integrating the advantages of CEPA's tariff-free policy, it helps members optimize the origin certification process and expand the mainland and ASEAN markets; it links environmental protection organizations and R&D platforms to provide sustainable packaging technology training (such as biopolymer applications and recyclable design specifications) to help companies deal with regulatory restrictions in the EU, the United States and other places. In response to the trends in the e-commerce and consumer goods industries, the Association builds a supply and demand docking platform to promote members to participate in customized packaging development (such as smart labels and anti-tampering designs), and regularly publishes global market trends and policy interpretations to reduce corporate compliance risks. In addition, the Association works with the government and industry organizations to advocate green production standards, enhance Hong Kong's international reputation in environmental innovation in packaging design, and consolidate its position as a hub for high-end packaging solutions in the Asia-Pacific region.
Packaging design panel
Hong Kong's fishery and agriculture industry is centered on intensive production, providing fresh agricultural products to the local market through small-scale and efficient operations. In 2023, the total fishery output in Hong Kong will reach 88,225 tons, of which 98% is captured fish (86,578 tons) and 2% is aquaculture (1,647 tons), covering pond fish, marine fish and oysters, with a total aquaculture output value of approximately HK$95 million. In terms of agriculture, there are about 2,500 farms in Hong Kong, with a total agricultural output value of HK$1.027 billion in 2023, covering high value-added products such as vegetables, live poultry and flowers. The average daily supply of vegetables is 43 tons, live chickens are 11,000 and live pigs are 310, accounting for 100% of Hong Kong's poultry demand and 100% of live pig supply. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department promotes modern environmentally friendly production models through technical support and infrastructure optimization, such as introducing environmentally controlled greenhouse technology for intensive cultivation of vegetables, and assisting farmers in applying for agricultural structure approval to improve land use efficiency.
Based on the intensive characteristics and policy orientation of Hong Kong's fishery and agriculture industries, the Association is committed to promoting sustainable development and technological upgrading of the industry. By integrating government resources and market information, the Association helps practitioners master advanced technologies such as environmentally controlled greenhouses and efficient breeding, optimize production processes and reduce environmental impacts; at the same time, it liaises with agencies such as the Fisheries, Agriculture and Conservation Department to provide members with policy interpretation, farmland application guidance and market docking services, helping local agricultural products improve their competitiveness. In response to the industry trends of fishery breeding and agricultural high value-added crops (such as cut flowers and leafy vegetables), the Association focuses on technical training and brand building, promotes the transformation of traditional fishery and agriculture towards modernization and high efficiency, and further consolidates the stability and quality advantages of Hong Kong's fresh food supply.
Fishery and agricultural products sector
As a global brand strategy hub, Hong Kong uses the institutional advantages of "one country, two systems", international professional talent pool and free and open business environment to provide core services such as brand globalization strategy planning, city image upgrading, and cultural IP development to mainland and overseas companies.
According to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council's 2023 report, among Hong Kong's professional service exports, brand consulting and management services have an annual growth rate of 12%, and the service scope covers the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, ASEAN and countries along the "Belt and Road". The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's "14th Five-Year Plan Outline" clearly proposes to "support Hong Kong's development into a regional intellectual property rights trading center" to provide policy and resource guarantees for the brand planning industry.
The association brings together Hong Kong's top brand strategy experts and international certification agency resources, relying on Hong Kong's "one country, two systems" system advantages and international professional service capabilities to provide diversified brand planning support for enterprises. In the field of corporate brand internationalization, the association assists enterprises in connecting with international standard certification, formulating multinational brand strategies, and helping mainland enterprises expand overseas markets through global market entry consulting and cultural integration strategy services.
At the same time, the Association collaborates with professional forces in Hong Kong's urban planning, law and design fields to promote urban and regional brand building, provide mainland cities with systematic solutions such as cultural and tourism IP development, investment attraction and brand upgrading, and actively participate in the SAR government's "Hong Kong Brand" plan to strengthen Hong Kong's international image as "Asia's International Metropolis".
Brand Planning Section
As the first of the four major economic pillars in Hong Kong, the logistics management industry will contribute 6.2% of the local GDP in 2022 and provide about 175,100 jobs. Relying on the strategic position of Hong Kong International Airport (4.3 million tons of cargo in 2023) and the throughput capacity of the world's tenth largest container port, the industry takes multimodal transport as its core advantage and connects the Bay and the international market through infrastructure such as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (2.28 million flights in 2023, a 50% increase over 2019). The three-runway system is expected to be fully operational in 2024, and the annual cargo handling capacity will be increased to 10 million tons in the future, further consolidating the position of the aviation hub. In terms of shipping, Kwai Tsing Container Terminals will handle 11 million TEUs in 2023, accounting for 77% of the total port throughput. Private terminal operators such as Hutchison Ports Group have a global network covering 53 ports in 24 countries, with an annual throughput of 82.1 million TEUs. The government's "Action Plan for Modern Logistics Development" clearly promotes green smart ports and data connectivity, and with the policy dividends of 1,426 transport service certificates under the CEPA agreement, it will inject sustainable growth momentum into the industry.
The Association is based on the international positioning and policy resources of Hong Kong's logistics industry, focusing on industrial transformation and sustainable development. By integrating the advantages of CEPA's tariff-free and national treatment, it assists members to expand the mainland market and optimize cross-border cooperation processes; it liaises with the government and the Greater Bay Area Airport Alliance to promote green fuel refueling, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) applications and liquefied natural gas ship energy transformation, in response to the low-carbon goals of the 14th Five-Year Plan. In response to the growth trend of e-commerce (air transport accounts for 41.5% and 52.3% of imports and exports in 2023), the Association provides training on smart warehousing, cross-border data connectivity and high value-added supply chain solutions to help companies seize the opportunities for air cargo collaboration in the Greater Bay Area. At the same time, relying on the reform framework of the Hong Kong Maritime Port Development Authority, the Association advocates the connection between industry standard setting and international certification, enhances the competitiveness of members in the global logistics network, and consolidates Hong Kong's core position as an Asia-Pacific multimodal transport hub.
Logistics Management Section
As the hub for market promotion services in Asia, Hong Kong's total industrial service exports in 2021 reached HK$5 billion, a year-on-year increase of 31.8%, and business and management consulting service exports reached HK$39.5 billion, an increase of 5.8%. Relying on a mature digital ecosystem, local companies are accelerating the deployment of social media, live e-commerce and metaverse technology applications. In 2022, Hong Kong's digital media advertising expenditure will grow by 7%, social platform advertising will grow by 8%, and short video platforms such as TikTok will have more than 4.7 billion users, becoming the core channel for global brands to reach consumers. Under the CEPA framework, Hong Kong service providers enjoy the advantage of entering the mainland market. As of 2023, a total of 142 advertising companies and 15 trademark agency companies have obtained the "Hong Kong Service Supplier Certificate", which allows them to operate solely and provide trademark legal advice, covering the entire mainland. The industry is also benefiting from innovations in artificial intelligence, AR/VR and NFT technologies. More than half of advertisers are exploring metaverse promotion scenarios to enhance brand interaction and virtual community building.
The Association is based on Hong Kong's international resources and CEPA policy dividends to promote member companies to grasp digital and cross-border opportunities. By integrating global advertising trends (such as the average annual growth of SVOD platforms of 27.9%), Metaverse technology applications and virtual influencer marketing solutions, it provides customized training and resource docking to help companies enhance their global brand competitiveness. For the mainland market, the Association assists members to optimize the CEPA certification process, expand wholly-owned advertising companies and trademark agency businesses, and connect with the resources of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to deepen brand cooperation with mainland companies. At the same time, the Association has established an industry exchange platform, published artificial intelligence tool application guides, data privacy compliance guidelines and cross-border marketing cases, reduced the risks of corporate technological transformation and market expansion, and consolidated Hong Kong's strategic position as an innovation marketing hub in the Asia-Pacific region.
Marketing Segment
As the world's third largest international financial center (GFCI index in 2024), Hong Kong's financial services industry will contribute 24.9% of the local GDP in 2023, provide about 269,000 jobs, and the securities market will reach US$4.51 trillion (October 2024). Relying on the free market system and policy advantages, Hong Kong continues to consolidate its position as an offshore RMB hub, processing 80% of the world's offshore RMB payments from January to September 2024, and promoting the development of green finance. In 2023, the government will issue HK$20 billion of green retail bonds to deepen the layout of sustainable development. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange has attracted new economy companies through reforms to its listing rules (such as allowing SPACs and special purpose technology companies to be listed). In 2023, the amount of funds raised by "new economy" companies will account for 65% of the new stock market, and the biotech sector will have raised a total of HK$276.6 billion. The financial technology ecosystem is booming, with more than 1,100 technology companies. The development of virtual banks, FPS payment systems and digital Hong Kong dollars further promotes the transformation of smart finance. At the same time, the interconnection mechanism of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (such as cross-border financial management and swaps) strengthens the flow of funds. In 2023, the average daily transaction volume of the Bond Connect "Northbound" was RMB 40.1 billion, and the average daily transaction volume of the Shanghai-Hong Kong Connect and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Connect was RMB 108.3 billion, highlighting Hong Kong's core role as a bridge between the mainland and global capital.
Based on the international network of Hong Kong's financial industry and the CEPA policy framework, the association's members have a grasp of cross-border opportunities and innovation trends. By integrating the resources of interconnection mechanisms such as the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect and the Bond Connect, the association provides compliance consulting and cross-border investment training to help companies expand into the mainland and the "Belt and Road" market; it links regulatory agencies and industry leaders to promote the formulation of green financial standards and the issuance of green bonds to respond to global ESG investment needs. In response to the transformation of financial technology, the association has built a technology docking platform to provide guidance on virtual bank license applications, data compliance and stablecoin regulatory interpretation to reduce corporate innovation risks. At the same time, relying on the reform of the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (such as the special technology company system), the association provides listing path planning and financing strategy support for companies in the fields of biotechnology, new energy, etc., and cooperates with family office policy declaration resources to attract global asset allocation needs. In addition, the association strengthens Hong Kong's offshore RMB business advantages through international exchanges and policy advocacy, promotes the development of diversified RMB-denominated products, and consolidates its position as a wealth management center in the Asia-Pacific region.
Offshore trade sector
As a leading international financial center in the world, Hong Kong's financial services industry will account for 24.9% of its gross domestic product (GDP) and provide about 269,000 jobs in 2023. With its free market environment, unrestricted capital flow and no capital gains tax, Hong Kong continues to attract multinational financial institutions to set up regional headquarters to consolidate its position as Asia's financial hub.
Market Outlook
Green finance: The government's green bond program has issued a total of HK$41 billion to support the carbon neutrality goal;
Regional connectivity: The average daily trading volume of Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect and Bond Connect exceeded RMB 100 billion, and the Greater Bay Area Cross-Border Financial Connect expanded investment channels;
Emerging fields: SPAC listing mechanism, family office policy and virtual asset supervision framework attract global capital, and private equity funds will manage assets exceeding US$80 billion in 2023.
In the field of financial technology, the association has introduced technical solutions such as blockchain and virtual asset custody to assist traditional institutions in digital transformation and improve compliance efficiency. At the same time, the association regularly holds financial compliance, risk management training and case sharing sessions to explain cutting-edge trends such as virtual asset supervision and digital Hong Kong dollar pilots to practitioners, and establishes a cross-border financial service case library to provide SMEs with reusable listing and family office establishment templates. Through policy interpretation, resource coordination and knowledge sharing, the association has become a "professional accelerator" that connects Hong Kong's financial advantages with national strategies, helping members seize opportunities in the Greater Bay Area and promote efficient capital flows.
Modern Finance Sector
Hong Kong's professional testing industry has developed steadily since the 1980s. In 2021, there were 925 testing and certification institutions in Hong Kong, with business revenue of HK$20 billion, contributing HK$9.3 billion to the local GDP, and employing nearly 20,000 people. The industry is dominated by private laboratories, and its services cover consumer product testing (such as toys, electronics, textiles), food and Chinese medicine testing, building materials certification, etc. 75% of business revenue comes from testing services (2021 data). Relying on the internationally recognized Hong Kong Accreditation Service (certified 239 laboratories by 2023) and the convenient policies for cooperation with the Mainland under the CEPA framework (such as mutual recognition of CCC certification and testing tasks), the industry provides key technical support for the manufacturing industry in the Pearl River Delta and promotes the implementation of the "Bay Area Standards", and releases 110 standards covering 25 fields in 2023. The government reduces corporate costs through measures such as exemption of industrial building fees and sharing of testing facilities (such as Hong Kong Science and Technology Park equipment), while focusing on emerging fields such as traditional Chinese medicine, environmental protection, and ESG certification to strengthen Hong Kong's competitiveness as a testing hub in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Association is based on the international accreditation network and policy advantages of Hong Kong's testing industry to help members expand cross-border business opportunities. By integrating the "one certification, three places pass" mechanism under the CEPA agreement, it assists enterprises to undertake mainland CCC certification and testing tasks, and links the resources of the Greater Bay Area to promote the application of the "Bay Area Standard" and enhance the coverage of services. For growth areas such as food, Chinese medicine, ESG, etc., the Association provides technical training and certification process guidance, and jointly shares high-end equipment (such as electromagnetic compatibility darkrooms) with institutions such as the Hong Kong Productivity Council to reduce R&D investment for small and medium-sized enterprises. At the same time, the association builds an industry exchange platform, publishes international compliance dynamics (such as EU REACH regulations and US CPSC standards), assists members in obtaining overseas market access qualifications, and promotes the development of green testing technologies in response to global ESG trends.
Professional testing panel
As an international tourism hub, Hong Kong will have 49 million visitors in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 10%. The tourism industry continues to contribute more to the local economy, and its share of GDP is steadily increasing. Relying on diversified tourism resources and policy support, the government has allocated HK$1.235 billion through the "Hong Kong Tourism Development Blueprint 2.0", focusing on smart tourism, high value-added customer groups and sustainable development, deepening the "one-stop multi-destination" cooperation with the Greater Bay Area, jointly developing cross-border cultural and tourism routes such as "Ecological Adventure Tours", and promoting 110 "Bay Area Standards" covering service standards and cultural heritage protection to strengthen regional synergy. The industry's core advantages cover culture, sports, ecology and event economy, such as flagship projects such as the Kai Tak Sports Park, the International Rugby Sevens and the Basel Art Fair. The 15th National Games and the Special Olympics in 2025 are expected to drive economic benefits of more than HK$1.4 billion. In terms of green transformation, low-carbon hotel certification, carbon-neutral scenic spots and blockchain payment technology applications (digital advertising expenditure will increase by 8% in 2025) respond to global ESG trends. The 2024 New Year's fireworks display attracted 400,000 spectators, driving a 15% increase in peripheral consumption, highlighting the potential of the event economy.
The Association's Value and Industry Outlook
Based on policy dividends and industry trends, the Association integrates event resources and international networks (covering more than 100 economies worldwide) to help members seize opportunities for smart and green transformation. Through technology empowerment, it optimizes cross-border payment experience, promotes green cruise routes and standardized services; collaborates with the Greater Bay Area Cultural Tourism Alliance to connect the "Bay Area Standard" certification with the cross-border supply chain to enhance regional competitiveness; and links the Tourism Board's global marketing network to strengthen Hong Kong's "culture + green" destination image through multilingual digital content and KOL cooperation, attracting long-term investment and high-end customers, and consolidating Hong Kong's international status as the "Asia Events Capital" and a benchmark for sustainable development.