A record high of more than 400 Hong Kong businesses are participating in the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, aiming to use the event to gain entry into the mainland market. Among the new exhibitors, an accounting firm reports a 30 percent increase in mainland clients looking to expand overseas in the past year, highlighting the growing necessity of venturing abroad for risk management and growth. Man Law, the CEO of the firm's greater China division, emphasizes that Hong Kong's role as a springboard is ideal for international expansion, particularly through tax incentives such as double taxation avoidance agreements that can save up to 50 percent in taxes. Supplementary to the economic opportunities, a craft brewery that has won awards is exhibiting its Hong Kong-made beers at the expo, hoping to capitalize on the strong consumer interest in Hong Kong products in the mainland. Academic institutions, such as the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), are also present, showcasing projects like robotics and food technology. PolyU's vice-president Zheng Zijian explains that the university's research institutes have benefited from the mainland's comprehensive domestic industrial chain and the robust support from local governments, underlining its commitment to deep integration with the mainland market.
The event is not only a platform for business growth but also a showcase of technological innovation, demonstrating the diverse participation from various sectors. Zheng Zijian further elaborates on the university's strategy to contribute to China's talent, science, and education through its research and development initiatives across the mainland. The expo serves as a testbed for new products and services, attracting companies from across the region to explore potential partnerships and opportunities.