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  • Think Business, Think Hong Kong strengthens Italy-Hong Kong ties and opens new path for Asian collaboration

    Think Business, Think Hong Kong strengthens Italy-Hong Kong ties and opens new path for Asian collaboration

    – Over 1,000 participants explored rising opportunities in Asia

    • Some 760 participants attended Milan symposium to explore opportunities in finance, innovation, supply chain and creative industries
    • A flagship event featuring high-level dialogues and more than 260 on-site business matching meetings connected Hong Kong and Italian companies

    Milan, Italy, Nov 28, 2025 – (ACN Newswire) –  The Think Business, Think Hong Kong (TBTHK) signature promotion organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) was held on 27 November in Milan to promote bilateral trade and investment with Italy.

    Returning to Italy for the first time since 2014, the TBTHK event attracted over 1,000 participants. The TBTHK symposium was held at Palazzo Mezzanotte – home of the Italian Stock Exchange – and attended by some 760 participants, reaffirming the strong and growing relationship between Hong Kong and Italy. Over 240 leaders of the Italian, European and Hong Kong business communities joined the Hong Kong Dinner.

    TBTHK Milan gathered over 90 delegates from Hong Kong, including government officials, business and creative industry leaders, financial and professional services providers, investors and start-up entrepreneurs, as well as executives from Chinese Mainland companies based in Hong Kong for a day of dialogue, networking and partnership building with Italian companies keen to expand into Asia. The event highlighted Hong Kong’s role as a superconnector and super value-adder, enabling both Hong Kong and mainland enterprises to go global and seize opportunities in Italy and across Europe.

    At the symposium’s Opening Session, Paul Chan, Hong Kong SAR Government Financial Secretary, and Prof Frederick Ma, HKTDC Chairman delivered remarks. Valentino Valentini, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy, delivered a video speech.

    In his opening remarks, Mr Chan said: “For long, Hong Kong and Italy have much in common. We share a passion for creativity, craftsmanship, and elegance. Italian style has captured our hearts. Our two cities (Hong Kong and Milan) are gateways connecting continents, blending Eastern and Western ingenuity. And we both thrive on openness, creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.”

    Mr Chan mentioned that the economic partnership between Hong Kong and Italy is flourishing and remarkably diverse: “In 2024, bilateral merchandise trade reached €7.2 billion. Some 200 Italian companies, from world-beating brands to leading players in banking, insurance, logistics and chocolate, have their regional headquarters, offices or operations in Hong Kong.”

    In his welcome remarks, Prof Ma said: “At the HKTDC, facilitating partnerships is at the core of what we do. Partnerships lead to innovation. And innovation drives growth and expansion. We help businesses, large and small, realise their growth and expansion plans, wherever they may be – China, Asia and beyond.”

    Prof Ma added: “Renowned as one of the world’s leading international financial hubs, many opportunities await Italian businesses in Hong Kong – in traditional and newer sectors. Just like Italy, Hong Kong is focused on I&T. This covers fintech, greentech, AI and smart city development, the creative sector and more. I see great potential for collaboration.”

    Mr Valentini said: “Italian companies that have been present in Hong Kong for many years now play a leading role in sectors such as fashion, luxury, design, food, manufacturing and logistics, and are also paving the way in more innovative fields.”

    Mr Valentini added that Hong Kong is an ideal platform for Italian companies that wish to grow in the Chinese Mainland and the wider Asian region, while Italy is moving to further enhance its attractiveness to new investment. The relationship between Italy and Hong Kong is built on decades of exchange and close ties. Now is the time to turn this experience into new, successful partnerships for the benefit of Italian businesses and entrepreneurs.

    High-level exchanges highlight new areas of collaboration

    The plenary session explored global economic trends, the evolving role of Hong Kong’s financial markets and the deep integration with the Chinese Mainland that continues to provide international companies, including Italian ones, with a competitive advantage in accessing Asia. The session brought together leading figures from the international business community to discuss how Hong Kong continues to serve as a strategic gateway to Asia.

    Chaired by Hans Michael Jebsen, Chairman of the Hong Kong-Europe Business Council and Jebsen Group, the discussion featured insights from Bernard Chan, Chairman of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and President of Asia Financial Holdings Limited; Bonnie Chan, CEO of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited; Claudio de Bedin, Partner at Justin Chow & de Bedin Solicitors LLP; Fabio De Rosa, Head of Global Transaction Banking, Banco BPM; and Alex Zhavoronkov, Founder and CEO of Insilico Medicine.

    Reflecting the evolving priorities of both economies, the five thematic sessions covered four strategic areas. The Digital Trade and Finance session, co-organised with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, explored how technology is reshaping cross-border trade and financial flows. It also showcased how platforms, such as distributed ledger-based trade solutions and commercial data exchange systems, are enhancing efficiency, transparency and access to financing – offering new pathways for Italy-Hong Kong trade collaboration.

    The Innovation and Technology session, supported by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, focused on smart city innovation and the rapid rise of AI-powered technologies in Asia, illustrating how Italian companies can engage with Hong Kong’s burgeoning innovation ecosystem.

    After a networking luncheon, the Global Supply Chain session, co-organised with Invest Hong Kong, examined how Hong Kong’s capital markets and corporate treasury frameworks are driving transformation in global supply chains. The discussion highlighted Hong Kong’s role as a hub for supply chain digitalisation, green logistics and advanced manufacturing partnerships.

    Two Creative and Design sessions were held. One brought together celebrated architects and designers from Hong Kong and Italy, including Steve Leung, Founder of Steve Leung Design Group; Andrea Ponti, Founder and Design Director of Ponti Design Studio Limited; and Dr Rocco Yim, Principal of Rocco Design Architects Associates Limited. The second one, co-organised with the Hong Kong Design Centre and Hong Kong Designers Association, explored how Hong Kong and Italy – two global centres of creativity – can co-design new opportunities in architecture, lifestyle, luxury and cultural innovation. Participants discussed how the fusion of Italian craftsmanship and Hong Kong’s cultural vibrancy can unlock new markets across Asia.

    Networking and strategic dialogue reinforce long-term ties

    Alongside the symposium, TBTHK facilitated over 260 on-site business matching meetings, one-on-one consultations and dedicated networking opportunities. During the event, participants also browsed the InnoVenture Salon and Business Support Zone, an exhibition area featuring over 20 exhibitors from Hong Kong, including start-ups and representatives from government agencies, accounting firms, corporate services companies, logistics specialists, legal firms and many other sectors. The zones provided a practical platform for Italian companies to connect with Hong Kong-based experts, pursue innovative services, solutions and technologies and strengthen cross-border collaboration.

    Following the symposium, the Hong Kong Dinner was held at Palazzo Parigi. It was attended by over 240 business leaders, government officials and representatives of the Hong Kong and Italian business communities, further promoting bilateral economic and cultural exchanges.

    Photo Download: http://bit.ly/44xYBrq

    Think Business, Think Hong Kong Milan organised by the HKTDC was held on 27 November at Palazzo Mezzanotte, attracting some 760 participants. The plenary session brought together leading figures from the international business community to discuss how Hong Kong continues to serve as a strategic gateway to Asia
    Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR Government, talked about deepening economic ties between Hong Kong and Italy
    Prof Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, highlighted opportunities for greater collaboration between Hong Kong and Italian companies
    Valentino Valentini, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy, addressed participants at TBTHK Milan
    The TBTHK symposium featured an InnoVenture Salon exhibition with Hong Kong start-ups showcasing their innovations


    Websites:

    Think Business, Think Hong Kong:
    https://thinkbusinessthinkhk.com/2025-milan/symposium/en/index.html

    Media enquiries

    HKTDC’s Communication & Public Affairs Department:

    Jane Cheung Tel: +852 2584 4137 Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org

    Weber Shandwick

    Nadia Lauria Tel: +39 3356962981 Email: hkmedia@webershandwickitalia.it
    Marco Pedrazzini Tel: +39 3470369222 Email: hkmedia@webershandwickitalia.it
    Ines Baraldi Tel: +39 3428650498 Email: hkmedia@webershandwickitalia.it

    About HKTDC

    The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.

  • JSR Corporation/Inpria Corporation and Lam Research Enter Cross Licensing and Collaboration Agreement to Advance Semiconductor Manufacturing

    Companies to Focus on Patterning for Leading-Edge Chips, Including Dry Resist for EUV Lithography, Next Generation Materials

    TOKYO, Sept 16, 2025, FREMONT, Calif., Sept 15, 2025 – (JCN Newswire) – JSR Corporation, a leading technology company focused on material innovation and the parent company of Inpria Corporation, a metal oxide photoresist solution provider, Lam Research Corp. (Nasdaq: LRCX), a global leader in semiconductor fabrication equipment and services, today announced that JSR/Inpria and Lam have entered into a non-exclusive cross-licensing and collaboration agreement to advance leading-edge semiconductor manufacturing. The partnership is intended to accelerate the industry’s transition to next-generation patterning, including dry resist technology for EUV lithography, and advance the development of next-generation materials for atomic layer etching and deposition processes.

    The agreement capitalizes on JSR/Inpria’s innovative semiconductor materials, including metal oxide solutions and Lam’s deep capabilities in deposition, etch and EUV patterning, including Aether®, Lam’s ground-breaking dry resist equipment and process technology that reduces the cost and complexity of creating the intricate patterns required for chips for artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC).

    The companies will collaborate to integrate JSR/Inpria’s patterning resists and films with Lam’s etch and dry resist deposition technologies. Lam and JSR/Inpria will also work together to expand innovation in several areas to support chipmakers as they scale in the AI era, including research and development related to metal oxide resists, high NA EUV patterning for advanced nodes, and other advanced films for next-generation patterning. In addition, leveraging JSR’s recent acquisition of Yamanaka Hutech Corporation, Lam and JSR plan to explore on new precursor materials and processes for advanced atomic layer deposition and etch solutions.

    “At JSR, we are committed to advancing cutting edge materials to enable our customers’ most demanding technology roadmaps,” said Toru Kimura, senior officer, JSR Corporation. “By combining JSR and Inpria’s materials expertise with Lam’s strengths in deposition, etch, and dry resist technologies, we aim to accelerate solutions for EUV lithography – including high NA – and support the industry to scale efficiently for the new AI era.

    “By richly complementing Lam’s proven atomic layer deposition and etch capabilities with JSR’s deep expertise in advanced patterning materials, this collaboration enables us to accelerate innovation at a time of rising semiconductor complexity,” said Vahid Vahedi, chief technology and sustainability officer, Lam Research. “This includes driving new low-NA and high-NA EUV patterning materials and metal oxide resists and providing greater access to Aether dry resist technology.”

    Inpria and Lam have also agreed to dismiss all claims against each other in the litigation Inpria v. Lam Research (Case 1:22cv01359) in the District Court of Delaware and all related inter partes review (IPR) proceedings.

    About JSR Corporation

    JSR Corporation is a global technology company developing cutting-edge materials. Our Electronic Materials business provides a wide range of semiconductor materials for advanced logic and memory, including photoresists and ancillaries, process materials such as CMP slurries, cleaning solutions, packaging materials, and precursors. JSR’s Electronic Materials Division’s group companies include Inpria Corporation, acquired in 2021 for EUV metal oxide resists, and Yamanaka Hutech, added in August 2024 for high-purity CVD/ALD precursors. JSR delivers high-quality materials with added functionality, driving innovation in the semiconductor market and enabling customer breakthroughs. Please visit www.jsr.co.jp

    About Lam Research

    Lam Research Corporation is a global supplier of innovative wafer fabrication equipment and services to the semiconductor industry. Lam’s equipment and services allow customers to build smaller and better performing devices. In fact, today, nearly every advanced chip is built with Lam technology. We combine superior systems engineering, technology leadership, and a strong values-based culture, with an unwavering commitment to our customers. Lam Research (Nasdaq: LRCX) is a FORTUNE 500® company headquartered in Fremont, Calif., with operations around the globe. Learn more at www.lamresearch.com.

    JSR Corporation Contacts:
    Yuki Kawashima
    Electronic Materials Business Strategy Dept.
    Tel: +81-3-6218-3500
    e-mail: litho_semi@jsr.co.jp

    Lam Research Contacts:
    Laura Bakken
    Media Relations
    Tel: +1 (510) 572-5029
    e-mail: publicrelations@lamresearch.com

    Ram Ganesh
    Investor Relations
    Tel: +1 (510) 572-1615
    Email: investor.relations@lamresearch.com

  • Business delegation concludes Middle East mission in Kuwait

    – 59 MoUs and announcements facilitated to enhance HK’s role as superconnector and super value-adder

    – A delegation led by Mr John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, visited Kuwait as part of a broader high-level visit to the Middle East
    – The delegation explored the Middle Eastern market and supported high-quality Belt and Road cooperation while promoting Hong Kong’s unique role as a superconnector and super value-adder
    – A total of 59 MoUs and announcements were facilitated during the mission, cultivating deeper partnerships between Hong Kong, the mainland, Qatar, and Kuwait

    A business delegation led by Mr John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) visited Kuwait City on 12-15 May, successfully concluding a five-day mission to Qatar and Kuwait.

    A total of 59 MoUs and announcements were facilitated during the mission with the aim to cultivate deeper partnerships and create new opportunities for synergy between Hong Kong, the mainland, Qatar, Kuwait and the broader Middle Eastern market. The mission also successfully enhanced collaboration between Hong Kong and the mainland, enabling mainland companies to partner with Hong Kong businesses to expand into the Middle East and beyond.

    Over the past few days, the delegation, comprising over 50 business leaders from Hong Kong and enterprise representatives from seven mainland provinces and cities, explored the Middle Eastern market and supported high-quality Belt and Road cooperation while promoting Hong Kong’s unique role as a superconnector and super value-adder.

    During the visit to Kuwait, 24 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and announcements were facilitated in trade and investment promotion, finance, law, transport and logistics, innovation and technology (I&T), agriculture, education and sport.

    The delegation met with senior executives and key members of the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), conglomerate Bukhamseen Group Holding and the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) to discuss investment opportunities and potential collaborations.

    The delegation also met with several representatives from the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) to gain an in-depth understanding of the operations of Kuwait’s free trade zones. The meeting explored potential cooperation opportunities in areas such as logistics, manufacturing, distribution, and technology.

    The delegation visited the Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre to gain a comprehensive overview of Kuwaiti history, culture and achievements.

    To foster cooperation, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) and Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) organised a high-level business luncheon, which was attended by some 270 business leaders and key officials.

    Concluding the Middle East mission, Mr Lee said the delegation, comprising Hong Kong and mainland business leaders, had achieved three key objectives: 1. To strengthen government-to-government relations; 2. To find new areas of collaboration; and 3. To make friends, and expand networks. “Over the past four days, I have observed that both Qatar and Kuwait are experiencing rapid development, supported by substantial investment and continually expanding economies. In meetings with leaders and officials, I appreciated their forward-looking vision and understanding of Hong Kong’s unparalleled advantages under ‘one country, two systems’ as a bridge between the mainland and the world. As Middle Eastern countries seek diversification of risk and look for opportunities in China and the Hong Kong SAR to join the tide of the global economic shift towards the East, Hong Kong has boundless opportunities.”

    He pointed out that this visit will elevate the relationship between Hong Kong and Qatar and Kuwait to a new level, bringing more business opportunities to Hong Kong, and noted, “We will continue to strive to explore new opportunities and frontiers for Hong Kong.”

    Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC, said: “Over the past few days, we engaged in high-level government and business meetings, hosted business luncheons and visited key development projects in Qatar and Kuwait. We explored how Qatari and Kuwaiti businesses can leverage Hong Kong’s advantages in finance, innovation and technology and professional services to advance intiatives in finance, energy transformation and smart infrastructure projects, contributing to the Qatar National Vision 2030 and Kuwait Vision 2035.”

    “Following the visits, the HKTDC will continue to invite business leaders from the Middle East to visit Hong Kong. We welcome them participating in our international events, such as the Belt and Road Summit and Asian Financial Forum to explore opportunities in Hong Kong, Mainland China and beyond,” Dr Lam added.

    24 MoUs and announcements were facilitated in Kuwait by the government and the following members of the delegation:
    1.Invest Hong Kong and Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA)
    2.Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and Marine Science Centre of Kuwait University (Announcement)
    3.Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and Public Authority of Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (Announcement)
    4.Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department and Kuwait General Administration of Customs (Announcement)
    5.Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) and Kuwait Airways (Announcement)
    6.Belt and Road General Chamber of Commerce and Kuwait Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI)
    7.Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI) and Kuwait Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI)
    8.Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) and Kuwait Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI)
    9.Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Kuwait Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI)
    10.Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA)
    11.Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China and Olympic Council of Asia
    12.The Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong (CMA) and Kuwait Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI)
    13.The Law Society of Hong Kong and Kuwait Bar Association
    14.Financial Services Development Council (FSDC) and Capital Market Authority in Kuwait (CMA) (non-delegate)
    15.City University of Hong Kong and Ministry of Higher Education
    16.City University of Hong Kong and Kuwait University
    17.Templewater and Blue Ocean Company
    18.Deloitte China and Baoye Hubei Construction Engineering Group Co., Ltd
    19.Deloitte China and PCI Technology Co., Ltd
    20.HSBC and PCI Technology Co., Ltd
    21.HSBC and Meetsocial Group
    22.Templewater and Shanghai Westwell Technology
    23.Templewater and Shanghai Fengling Renewables Co., Ltd
    24.Dongchao Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd and Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA)

    Earlier during the mission, 35 MoUs and announcements were facilitated in Qatar:
    1.Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI) and Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QCCI)
    2.Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) and Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QCCI)
    3.Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and Qatar Airways
    4.Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Invest Qatar
    5.Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA)
    6.Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QCCI)
    7.Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Qatar Financial Centre (QFC)
    8.The Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong (CMA) and Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA)
    9.The Hong Kong Associations of Bank and Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QCCI)
    10.The Law Society of Hong Kong and Qatar International Center for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA)
    11.The Law Society of Hong Kong and Qatar Lawyers Association
    12.Financial Services Development Council (FSDC) and Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) (non-delegate)
    13.Hang Seng Indexes Company Limited and Qatar Financial Centre (QFC)
    14.MTR Corporation Limited and Qatar National Bank
    15.Belt and Road General Chamber of Commerce and Luyi Industrial Park
    16.Hong Kong Productivity Council and Shanghai Westwell Technology
    17.Hong Kong Productivity Council and EHang Intelligent Equipment (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd
    18.Bank of China (Hong Kong) and Shanghai Westwell Technology
    19.Baoye Group and Luyi Industrial Park
    20.Deloitte China and Glodon Technology Co., Ltd
    21.Deloitte China and WeBank
    22.HSBC and PCI Technology Co., Ltd
    23.HSBC and Meetsocial Group
    24.Standard Chartered and Fosun International
    25.Templewater and WeBank
    26.Center International Group Co., Limited and Luyi Industrial Development QFZ
    27.Luyi Industrial Park and Qatar Development Bank
    28.Goldford Group and WeBank and Klickl Technology L.L.C.
    29.Development Bureau and Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ of Qatar
    30.Invest Hong Kong and Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry
    31.Invest Hong Kong and Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA)
    32.Department of Justice and Ministry of Justice of the State of Qatar (Announcement)
    33.Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department and Qatar Customs (Announcement)
    34.Security Bureau (Announcement)
    35.Trade and Industry Department and Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the State of Qatar (Announcement on progress of IPPA’s negotiation)

    Photo download: https://bit.ly/4mfLVgf

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    Media enquiries

    HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:

    Snowy Chan Tel: (852) 2584 4525 Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org
    Sam Ho Tel: (852) 2584 4569 Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org

    About HKTDC
    The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.

  • Business Delegation Forges New Collaborations in Qatar

    Business Delegation Forges New Collaborations in Qatar

    – A delegation led by Mr John Lee, Chief Executive, HKSAR, visited Qatar as part of a broader high-level overseas visit to Middle East
    – Delegation comprises over 50 business leaders from Hong Kong,enterprise representatives from seven mainland provinces and cities
    – 35 MoUs and announcements were facilitated in trade and investment, financial and legal services, and innovation & technology

    Doha, Qatar, May 12, 2025 – (ACN Newswire) – A business delegation led by Mr John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) visited Doha and the second largest city in Qatar Lusail on 10-12 May. This visit includes representatives from mainland enterprises for the first time with the aim to support high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

    35 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and announcements were facilitated in trade and investment promotion, finance, transport and logistics, and innovation and technology, further strengthening collaboration between Hong Kong and the mainland, and facilitating mainland companies to partner with Hong Kong businesses to “go out” and explore opportunities in the Middle East and beyond. They also paved the way for deeper collaboration between Hong Kong, the mainland, Qatar and the broader Middle Eastern market.

    The delegation, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), comprises over 50 business leaders from Hong Kong and enterprise representatives from seven mainland provinces and cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangsu, and Hubei, covering a range of sectors including finance, professional services, construction and real estate, transport and logistics, green development, innovation and technology (I&T), energy and manufacturing.

    The delegation had meetings with business chambers, including Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) and Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI), and government bodies, including Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) and Qatar Development Bank (QDB). In these meetings, the delegates explored opportunities to enhance trade and investment and promoted Hong Kong’s advantages and opportunities.

    The delegates also conducted a site visit to Lusail City to observe how I&T integrates with urban planning and infrastructure and to explore collaboration opportunities for Hong Kong’s smart city solution providers. As the second largest city in Qatar, Lusail City is becoming one of the country’s flagship smart cities due to its ICT-focused infrastructure facilities, which are under construction and nearing completion.

    During the visit to the Qatar Foundation and its subsidiaries, the delegates discussed potential partnerships, technology transfer opportunities, and programmes for supporting tech start-ups with entities such as the Qatar National Research Fund, Qatar Science & Technology Park, and Education City. The visit provided insights into how Hong Kong’s technological advancements might align with Qatar’s strategic focus areas.

    Additionally, the delegation visited the National Museum of Qatar to gain a deeper understanding of Qatar’s history and cultural vision.

    To foster collaboration, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) and Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) organised a high-level business luncheon, which was attended by some 300 business leaders and key officials.

    At the luncheon on 12 May, Mr Lee remarked: “As both our economies diversify, co-operation becomes our greatest multiplier. Uniting Qatar’s transformative drive, Mainland China’s expertise, and Hong Kong’s connectivity will help us realise a future of diverse, and boundless, opportunities. Let’s work together. Let’s partner for success.”

    “To bring Hong Kong and Qatar together, I am pleased to announce that with immediate effect, holders of the Hong Kong SAR passport can enjoy visa-free entry into Qatar, for 30 days at a time. Nationals of Qatar can also visit Hong Kong visa-free. These initiatives will make it that much easier to create partnerships, do business and enjoy life together,”Mr Lee added.

    Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC, said: “In 2024, Qatar was Hong Kong’s 3rd largest trading partner in the Middle East. This accounted for 6.6% of Hong Kong’s total trade with the region. There is a lot of room for growth.

    “Hong Kong is the most international city in the ever-growing Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. We are also the gateway to the vast Mainland China market. Our proximity to Asian economies and half the world’s population boosts our role as a superconnector and super value-adder linking China with the world. Hong Kong is your access point to Mainland China, the wider Asia region and beyond,” he added.

    35 MoUs and announcements were delivered by the government and the following members of the delegation:

    1. Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI) and Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QCCI)
    2. Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) and Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QCCI)
    3. Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and Qatar Airways
    4. Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Invest Qatar
    5. Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA)
    6. Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QCCI)
    7. Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Qatar Financial Centre (QFC)
    8. The Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong (CMA) and Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA)
    9. The Hong Kong Associations of Bank and Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QCCI)
    10. The Law Society of Hong Kong and Qatar International Center for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA)
    11. The Law Society of Hong Kong and Qatar Lawyers Association
    12. Financial Services Development Council (FSDC) and Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) (non-delegate)
    13. Hang Seng Indexes Company Limited and Qatar Financial Centre (QFC)
    14. MTR Corporation Limited and Qatar National Bank
    15. Belt and Road General Chamber of Commerce and Luyi Industrial Park
    16. Hong Kong Productivity Council and Shanghai Westwell Technology
    17. Hong Kong Productivity Council and EHang Intelligent Equipment (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd
    18. Bank of China (Hong Kong) and Shanghai Westwell Technology
    19. Baoye Group and Luyi Industrial Park
    20. Deloitte China and Glodon Technology Co. Ltd
    21. Deloitte China and WeBank
    22. HSBC and PCI Technology Co., Ltd
    23. HSBC and Meetsocial Group
    24. Standard Chartered and Fosun International
    25. Templewater and WeBank
    26. Center International Group Co., Limited and Luyi Industrial Development QFZ
    27. Luyi Industrial Park and Qatar Development Bank
    28. Goldford Group and WeBank and Klickl Technology L.L.C
    29. Development Bureau and Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ of Qatar
    30. Invest Hong Kong and Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry
    31. Invest Hong Kong and Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA)
    32. Department of Justice and Ministry of Justice of the State of Qatar (Announcement)
    33. Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department and Qatar Customs (Announcement)
    34. Security Bureau (Announcement)
    35. Trade and Industry Department and Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the State of Qatar (Announcement on progress of IPPA’s negotiation)

    As the Belt and Road Initiative continues injecting new momentum into regional cooperation, Hong Kong, positioned as a superconnector and super value-adder with the distinctive advantages of enjoying the strong support of the mainland and being closely connected to the world, will continue to serve as a trade hub between the mainland and the Middle East.

    In September, the HKSAR Government and HKTDC will host the 10th Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong at which Qatari companies can exchange valuable insights and find ways to collaborate with other governments and businesses along the Belt and Road.

    The Hong Kong delegation’s visit to Qatar is part of a broader high-level overseas visit taking place from 10 to 15 May. This visit aims to strengthen economic and trade ties between Hong Kong, the mainland and the Middle East, building on the success of the Chief Executive’s previous missions to Saudi Arabia and the UAE in 2023.

    Photo download: https://bit.ly/44u5NG1

    The business delegation led by Mr John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), comprises over 50 business leaders from Hong Kong and enterprise representatives from seven mainland provinces and cities
    35 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and announcements were facilitated
    The delegation visited Lusail City
    The delegation visited the National Museum of Qatar
    Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman, Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Mr John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and members of the delegation took part in a roundtable meeting with the chairman and key members of the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA)


    Media enquiries

    HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:

    Snowy Chan Tel: (852) 2584 4525 Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org
    Sam Ho Tel: (852) 2584 4569 Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org

    About HKTDC

    The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.

  • ‘Think Business, Think Hong Kong’ opened doors to more fruitful, sustainable Hong Kong-Indonesia partnership

    • Some 2,000 participants explored Hong Kong’s advantages and strengths

    – 1,500+ participants attended the full-day symposium to explore the latest business opportunities across sectors and Hong Kong’s latest developments
    – Symposium facilitated 200+ business matching meetings
    – 400+ Indonesian and Hong Kong business leaders joined the gala dinner

    The Think Business, Think Hong Kong (TBTHK) mega promotion organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) was successfully held on 8 January in Jakarta, Indonesia.

    To promote bilateral trade and investment between Hong Kong and Indonesia, TBTHK attracted some 2,000 participants. Over 1,500 participants attended the full-day symposium to explore the latest business opportunities across sectors and Hong Kong’s latest developments. At the same time, over 400 leaders of the Indonesian and Hong Kong business communities joined the gala dinner for further networking and dialogue.

    Dr Peter K N Lam, HKTDC Chairman, Mr Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR Government and Dr Edi Prio Pambudi, Deputy Minister for Coordination of International Economic Cooperation, attended the opening ceremony.

    Dr Lam stated, “TBTHK is our annual flagship promotion that aims to strengthen business ties between Hong Kong and our major international partners. Indonesia has long been an important partner for Hong Kong. As we meet local government and business leaders on this visit, we look to strengthen our bilateral ties.”

    He added, “We have long been known for our strengths in traditional sectors, such as finance, trade, logistics and professional services. With the tremendous advances we have been making in newer sectors, such as innovation and sustainability, many opportunities await Indonesian businesses in our dynamic world city.”

    Mr Chan, in his speech, stated that Hong Kong enjoys the unique advantage of one country, two systems, enabling it to serve as a superconnector and super value-adder between China and the rest of the world.

    He said, “Under ‘one country’, we enjoy the full support of our motherland to develop as international financial, shipping and trade centres as well as an international hub for high-calibre talent. We also benefit from the national development strategy of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, or GBA.”

    He added, “The GBA is not just a huge consumer market. It pools together the financial and professional service capabilities of Hong Kong as well as the tech and advanced manufacturing capabilities of Shenzhen and other cities, like Dongguan and Huizhou.”

    And under “two systems”, he pointed out, “Foreign companies with a presence in Hong Kong, including Indonesian companies, can leverage the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) between the mainland and Hong Kong to gain easy and unparalleled access to the immense mainland market.”

    Dr Edi Prio Pambudi said, “We aim to achieve ambitious growth targets, as we work towards our vision of becoming an advanced economy by 2045, including a GDP growth rate of 8%, as outlined by President Prabowo. Achieving this target requires robust collaboration between Indonesia and key partners, like Hong Kong. It is imperative that we continue to seek support and engagement of Hong Kong corporations to further drive Indonesia’s economic development.”

    He added, “Hong Kong’s contributions as investors and innovators are essential to achieving our goals to create a diversified and resilient economy that will generate high-quality jobs, foster sustainable development and ensure long-term prosperity for both Indonesia and Hong Kong, while also driving Indonesia towards economic milestones that benefit not only our nation, but also the global community.”

    Notable speakers discussing opportunities in finance, smart city and sustainability
    At the symposium, leaders of the Indonesian business communities highlighted how Hong Kong plays an essential role as a superconnector and super value-adder, linking Mainland China and the rest of the world, especially the dynamic ASEAN region, for businesses across diverse sectors, including finance, smart city, sustainability, transportation, innovation and technology (I&T) and more. By showcasing these strengths, the event reinforced Hong Kong’s status as the preferred destination in Asia for international businesses, talent and investment.

    The symposium’s plenary session featured renowned speakers, including The Honourable Bernard Charnwut Chan, Chairman and President of Asia Financial Holdings Ltd, Mr Guy Bradley, Chairman of Swire Pacific Limited, Mr Kenneth Hui, Executive Director (External) of Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Mrs Shinta Widjaja Kamdani, CEO of Sintesa Group and Chairwoman of Indonesian Employer’s Association, and Mr Rex Sham Co-Founder & Chief Science Officer of Insight Robotics Limited. They discussed the global outlook, while examining opportunities for Hong Kong and Indonesian businesses to propel regional development, paving the way for sustainable growth.

    Subsequently, four thematic sessions were held. A session co-organised with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), “RMB Opportunities in International Trade and Hong Kong’s Strategic Role”, highlighted how Hong Kong played a pivotal role in the wider use of RMB in the region over the past 10-15 years. It also discussed how Mainland China and Indonesian businesses can leverage Hong Kong’s financial strengths and the multifaceted benefits of RMB use to become part of a growing economic partnership.

    A thematic session supported by Cyberport, “Building for the Future”, explored Hong Kong’s vibrant PropTech sector that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and IoT, driving efficiency and growth across mobility, living, decarbonisation and governance.

    Another session co-organised with Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), “Hong Kong – An Ideal Business Hub for Supply Chain Companies and Beyond”, highlighted Hong Kong’s strengths in multinational supply chains and providing one-stop support for international businesses. It also discussed how the global supply chain is being reshaped and how Hong Kong is well equipped to support the industry in navigating this changing landscape.

    The fourth session on “Innovations in Green Technology for a Sustainable Tomorrow” highlighted Hong Kong’s leadership in innovative green-tech solutions and discussed the groundbreaking opportunities for a more resilient and sustainable future for Indonesia and markets along the Belt and Road.

    Networking sessions for further collaboration
    The symposium brought together 22 exhibitors from diverse sectors from Hong Kong. An InnoVenture Salon exhibition with Hong Kong start-ups, including Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation, Ambit Geospatial Solution Limited, Binery Limited (Pintar Investments), Leapstack International Limited and One Energy (HK) Limited, showcased their innovative solutions. Meanwhile, business advisory bodies, including Conpak CPA Limited and InvestHK, were on-site at the Business Support Zone to offer consultations to businesses looking to set up operations in Hong Kong. The symposium also facilitated over 200 on-site business matching meetings between Indonesian and Hong Kong companies.

    The Hong Kong Tourism Board also set up a Hong Kong Café at the symposium for guests to immerse themselves in the vibrant neighbourhood of “Old Town Central”, while enjoying authentic Hong Kong snacks, such as milk tea and egg waffles, which embody the city’s unique East-meets-West spirit.

    Following the symposium, the Hong Kong Dinner was held at The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place hosting Mr Chan, Ms Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, Vice Minister of Trade, Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia, and H.E. Wang LutongAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China in Indonesia. It was attended by over 400 prominent guests from political and business circles.

    Photo Download: https://bit.ly/4fRPS6v

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    Video: http://bit.ly/3DXmYUZ

    Media enquiries
    Advo Public Relations
    Friska Rani   Tel: 081298980400     Email: friska@advo-indonesia.com

    HKTDC’s Communication & Public Affairs Department:
    Snowy Chan    Tel: (852) 2584 4525  Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org

    About HKTDC
    The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.

     

  • ‘Think Business, Think Hong Kong’ is coming to Jakarta

    • Mega promotion to spotlight benefits of partnering with Hong Kong to tap Asia opportunities

    The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is set to conduct its mega promotion campaign, Think Business, Think Hong Kong (TBTHK), in Jakarta on 8 January.

    The full-day symposium, set to take place at Shangri-La Jakarta, will bring together business leaders from Hong Kong and Indonesia. More than 20 government representatives and business leaders will speak about the latest developments and opportunities in Asia and across diverse sectors, including finance, smart city, sustainability, transportation, innovation and technology (I&T) and more. Over 1,000 participants, including Indonesian government officials and business leaders from large corporations and SMEs, are expected.

    TBTHK aims to showcase Hong Kong, a resilient business and investment hub, as an ideal springboard for Indonesian businesses to access new opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), as well as the wider China and Asia markets.

    Ronald Ho, HKTDC’s Regional Director of Southeast Asia and South Asia, said at a press conference in Jakarta, “Hong Kong’s strategic location as an international financial, fundraising and investment hub and as the gateway between Mainland China and the rest of the world presents immense opportunities for Indonesian businesses seeking to expand in the GBA and Mainland China. We look forward to connecting businesses with opportunities at TBTHK in Jakarta on 8 January.” He continued, “the Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive led a delegation organised by the HKTDC last year to ASEAN, including Indonesia, which resulted in the signing of 15 MoUs. The TBTHK promotion will build on that previous success to further promote business cooperation between Indonesia and Hong Kong.”

    Event Highlight
    In addition to the symposium, some 20 Hong Kong service providers and start-ups will feature their flagship products and solutions in the exhibition’s Business Support Zone and InnoVenture Salon to create opportunities for collaboration with Indonesian participants.

    A delegation of some 100 senior executives, innovators, start-ups and professional service providers from various service sectors – including I&T, infrastructure and transportation – will explore business opportunities in Indonesia through company visits, networking events and business matching meetings.

    A high-level gala dinner, during which Hong Kong and Indonesia business leaders will have the opportunity to further engage in dialogue and network, concludes the day’s events.

    Indonesia-Hong Kong strong ties
    As the largest country in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is an important partner for Hong Kong. Economically, Hong Kong and Indonesia have seen their trade and investment ties deepen over the past decades. In 2023, Indonesia was Hong Kong’s 6th largest trading partner among ASEAN member states.

    Regarding bilateral investment, at the end of 2023, Hong Kong was Indonesia’s 6th largest investor, after Singapore, Japan, the US, the Netherlands and Mainland China, with a total FDI stock of US$17,253 million. In the same year, Hong Kong was Indonesia’s 2nd largest source of FDI, after Singapore, with a FDI flow of US$3,769 million.

    Presenting Hong Kong as an Ideal Business Partner
    Hong Kong has consistently ranked high on economic freedom and competitiveness. Its institutional strengths, including its free trade and investment regimes, a simple and low tax system and free flow of capital and goods offer a favourable business and investment environment.

    As a major business and trading hub in Asia, the city boasts excellent connectivity to the rest of Asia, with half of the world’s population within a five-hour flight. The new three-runway system at Hong Kong International Airport will significantly enhance passenger and cargo capacity, further solidifying its status as an international aviation hub. With Mainland China at its doorstep, Hong Kong serves as a gateway to this vast market, acting as a super connector between China and the world. Home to numerous international logistics firms and experienced supply chain service providers, Hong Kong can address the needs of ASEAN businesses.

    ASEAN countries can leverage Hong Kong’s status as a premier international finance and business centre to raise funds and attract investment for developing smart cities, advancing the manufacturing sector and enhancing sustainability initiatives. As the largest offshore RMB market, the city provides robust infrastructure for efficient clearing and settlement of cross-border transactions. Its supportive regulatory environment fosters innovation and collaboration among ASEAN nations, promoting economic integration and offering diverse options for trade settlement. Through strategic partnerships with central banks, Hong Kong is ideally positioned to facilitate the growth of local currency usage, strengthening trade and investment across the region.

    With its strategic location as a finance, fundraising, and investment hub, combined with its role as superconnector, Hong Kong presents immense opportunities for Indonesian businesses seeking to expand into the GBA, Mainland China, Belt and Road countries and the wider Asia market.

    For more information, visit:
    https://thinkbusinessthinkhk.com/2025-jakarta/symposium/en/index.html

    Photo download: https://bit.ly/4iyAChi

    image

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    Media enquiries
    Advo Public Relations
    Friska Rani      Tel: 081298980400            mail: friska@advo-indonesia.com

    HKTDC’s Communication & Public Affairs Department:
    Snowy Chan       Tel.: (852) 2584 4525        Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org

    About HKTDC
    The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.

     

  • doola Launches doola Money Allowing Founders Worldwide to Start a US Business, Deposit $USD and Move Money Internationally in Minutes, All in One Go

    doola Launches doola Money Allowing Founders Worldwide to Start a US Business, Deposit $USD and Move Money Internationally in Minutes, All in One Go

    doola helps global entrepreneurs easily set up an LLC, C Corp, or DAO LLC in the U.S. (Wyoming, Delaware, and all other states) with support including EIN, U.S. address, U.S. bank account, payment gateway, and ongoing state compliance and IRS tax filings.

    doola launches fintech product for global entrepreneurs:

    doola Money

    doola Money

    • doola helps global entrepreneurs in 175+ countries start a US business with support including EIN, US address, bank account, and IRS tax filings.
    • doola Money supports founders on every continent, with no US SSN required, and no visit to the US required.
    • Business growth is at all-time highs: US monthly business applications are over 400,000 per month (on track for 5M+ in 2023) and there are 50M+ independent creators globally.

    doola announced today that they have launched a fintech product for global businesses that will allow founders to deposit $USD and move money internationally, remotely, from any continent, with no US Social Security Number required. Founders globally can now register an LLC or C Corp through doola, get an EIN (employer identification number) from the IRS with doola, and set up their initial payment stack all in one go. It doesn’t stop there: doola also provides ongoing compliance with the state and IRS to keep companies compliant, making doola an all-in-one platform for founders to launch, maintain, and grow their US businesses.

    doola’s fintech product, doola Money will include an ACH account to deposit and store funds in $USD or deposit $USD payouts from a payment processor, like Stripe or Paypal. Businesses will also be able to safely move money using international wires anywhere in the world via USD, EUR, GBP, SGD and AUD. Utilizing local payment rails globally, doola Money provides speed, savings, and simplicity; take India as an example, which has traditionally been a difficult country to send funds to from the US. doola Money plugs into a UPI in India, so when customers trigger a payout to their local INR account, it shows up in full value in a matter of minutes (vs. days) in INR for a small fee.

    “For any business, whether it’s a venture-backed SaaS startup with a Delaware C Corp or a solopreneur bootstrapping an e-commerce business, having a trustworthy, stable, and scalable banking + payments stack is critical. Through doola, international founders can seamlessly access the US financial ecosystem, including US banking, US payment solutions, US venture capital, and more,” said Jacqueline Reses, an investor in doola, Co-founder and CEO of Lead Bank.

    Arjun Mahadevan, CEO, doola, said, “From day one, we’ve known that doola is not a formation service. We’re a fintech company. Founders and creators worldwide don’t actually want a company; they want a way to accept payments globally in the US dollar, safely store those deposits and have the ability to seamlessly move that money globally. doola Money provides the best of business banking with everything you need to move money from anywhere in the world. And it makes our platform the fastest way to go from formation to accepting your first payment/deposit globally. Why? Because we do it all in-house. With the click of a button, you get a company + EIN + ACH deposit account and ongoing compliance, including state and IRS filings, taken care of. As our customers like to say, we’re a Business-in-a-Box™, and the launch of doola Money brings our day-one vision to reality.”

    About doola
    doola (YCombinator S20) helps entrepreneurs form U.S. LLCs, C Corps, and DAO LLCs by supporting customers through the incorporation process so they can confidently collect payments, build credibility, stay legal, and make more money. doola provides company formation, an EIN, a U.S. address and bank account, access to U.S. payments, a free tax consultation, U.S. tax support, a phone number, $1,000,000 in startup perks, and more. Today, thousands of companies have launched with doola, and these founders didn’t need a U.S. social security number to benefit from doola’s products and services. To date, doola has raised over $12M in venture capital from YCombinator, Nexus Venture Partners, the YC Continuity Fund and more (HQ: New York City).

    Related Links
    Website: https://www.doola.com/money
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/doolaHQ
    YouTube: https://youtube.com/@doolaHQ
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doolahq
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/doolahq

    Contact Information:
    Arjun Mahadevan
    Founder & CEO
    arjun@doola.com

    SOURCE: doola

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    View the original press release on newswire.com.

     

  • doola Raises Strategic Investment From HubSpot Ventures to Scale Support of Small Businesses Globally and Democratize Access to the US Financial Ecosystem

    doola Raises Strategic Investment From HubSpot Ventures to Scale Support of Small Businesses Globally and Democratize Access to the US Financial Ecosystem

    HubSpot Ventures joins existing investors including YCombinator and Nexus Venture Partners. doola helps global entrepreneurs easily set up an LLC, C Corp, or DAO LLC in the U.S. (Wyoming, Delaware, and all other states) with support including EIN, U.S. address, U.S. bank account, payment gateway, and ongoing state compliance and IRS tax filings.

    • doola helps global entrepreneurs start a US business with support including EIN, US address, bank account, and tax filings.
    • HubSpot Ventures joins existing investors including YCombinator and Nexus Venture Partners.
    • Business growth is at all-time highs: US monthly business applications are over 400K per month (on track for 5M+ formations in 2023 in the US), and there are 400M small businesses operating internationally.

    doola announced today that they have raised a strategic round of investment from HubSpot Ventures to scale support of the next generation of small businesses globally. The new investment comes less than one year after the company secured $8 million in series A funding. HubSpot joins a group of existing investors that includes Nexus Venture Partners, the Y Combinator Continuity Fund, Hustle Fund, Jacqueline Reses, Dharmesh Shah, Ankur Nagpal, Rohini Pandhi, Sahil Bloom, Arjun Sethi and Prasanna Sankar.

    doola + Hubspot Ventures

    doola + Hubspot Ventures

    doola’s signature Business-in-a-Box™ for LLCs simplifies the process of forming a company, along with long-term post-formation support for entrepreneurs worldwide. Business owners no longer need to piece multiple solutions together, from company formation to obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and opening and managing bank accounts; doola streamlines every step. With the innovation economy flourishing, doola supports business builders of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds in their entrepreneurial endeavors by allowing them to focus on their crafts while the platform seamlessly takes care of unsexy, yet required backend business management functions, like tax compliance and bookkeeping.

    “Our investment in doola signifies our strong belief in the potential of the small business community and our commitment to supporting its growth,” said Brandon Greer, Head of HubSpot Ventures. “doola’s mission and innovative ‘business-in-a-box’ solution aligns with our goal to empower entrepreneurs everywhere, and we look forward to working together to help global business builders grow better.”

    Arjun Mahadevan, Founder and CEO of doola, said, “As doola supports the next generation of founders, solopreneurs, and side hustlers in not just starting but running and growing their businesses, there is an immense amount to learn from HubSpot. The ability to more tightly integrate with HubSpot to help our customers increases the likelihood that they’ll succeed. At the end of the day, talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not and partnering with HubSpot allows us to scale faster towards our mission of helping 1B founders turn their dream idea into their dream business.”

    About doola

    doola (YCombinator S20) helps entrepreneurs form U.S. LLCs, C Corps, and DAO LLCs by supporting customers through the incorporation process so they can confidently collect payments, build credibility, stay legal, and make more money. doola provides company formation, an EIN, a U.S. address and bank account, access to U.S. payments, a free tax consultation, U.S. tax support, a phone number, $1,000,000 in startup perks, and more. Today, thousands of companies have launched with doola, and these founders didn’t need a U.S. social security number to benefit from doola’s products and services. To date, doola has raised $13M in venture capital from YCombinator, Nexus Venture Partners, the YC Continuity Fund and more (HQ: New York City).

    Related Links
    Website: https://www.doola.com/hubspot-million-dollar-pitch
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/doolaHQ
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@doolahq
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doolahq
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/doolahq/

    Contact Information
    Arjun Mahadevan
    Founder & CEOarjun@doola.com

    SOURCE: doola

    .

    View the original press release on newswire.com.

  • HKTDC & UOB Research: 85% of GBA businesses prioritise ASEAN sales

    HKTDC & UOB Research: 85% of GBA businesses prioritise ASEAN sales

    • Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam are top target markets

    About 85% of businesses in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) plan to maintain or grow their sales to the ASEAN bloc of countries in the next three years, according to a research report released by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and UOB today. The report – Navigating Connectivity: Exploring ASEAN Opportunities for the Greater Bay Area – also indicated that Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam were the top sales markets for expansion-minded GBA businesses, while Vietnam remained top choice for procurement and production outsourcing.

    Overall, the report shed some light on why GBA businesses found ASEAN appealing. The sheer scale of the ASEAN market was singled out by 55.9% of research respondents as a key catalyst for their expansion plans. Scale was ahead of the 49.6% accorded to government incentives and investment policies and 32.8% which cited enhanced e-commerce access.

    The HKTDC-UOB survey conducted in the third quarter of last year took the form of a questionnaire completed by 671 GBA enterprises, supplemented by in-depth interviews with a representative number of GBA businesses.

    More GBA companies plan to expand into ASEAN markets
    The survey found more than 70% of respondents planned to expand to ASEAN in the next three years, compared with 60% in a similar survey conducted in 2021. The number is even higher for those already established in ASEAN, with 96% of such businesses planning to maintain or expand operations in the next three years.

    GBA companies across the four surveyed sectors – consumer goods; business, professional and financial services; real estate, hospitality and construction; and technology, media and telecommunications – all saw Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand as having the greatest potential to thrive in. In terms of industrial goods, GBA businesses considered Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam their priority markets. Malaysia’s popularity across companies in the four sectors was considerably higher than in the 2021 survey.

    Key challenges
    GBA businesses regarded navigating local government policies and regulations (48.6%) as the key challenge to expanding their market share within ASEAN, followed by cultural or language barriers (38.7%) and difficulties in obtaining talent (26.4%). This differs notably from the 2021 survey, which identified inadequate infrastructure, difficulties in finding the right local partners and the increasing cost of doing business as the top three challenges.

    Mrs Christine Ip, CEO – Greater China, UOB, said: “UOB is dedicated to driving business connectivity between ASEAN and China. We see the a strong trend among GBA enterprises to spread their wings abroad and boost long-term growth. With our cross-border and customised financial solutions, foreign direct investment advisory services and a deep understanding of local markets, sector knowledge and partnership ecosystem, we help to reduce barriers of cross-border expansion, address supply chain risks and minimise financing costs for customers. Since the inception of the UOB Foreign Direct Investment Advisory unit in 2011, we have supported nearly 4,000 companies to successfully enter ASEAN markets. This success underscores the Bank’s commitment to doing right by our customers.”

    Hong Kong’s connectivity with GBA and ASEAN
    In another key finding, most GBA businesses had a particularly high regard for Hong Kong’s strong connectivity with both the GBA and ASEAN bloc – more than 70% of respondents accorded the city a score of seven or more out of 10. Hong Kong’s expertise in service provision was seen as essential for sustained success in the ASEAN market and also its most admired asset. Hong Kong scored highly for its expertise in legal compliance, cross-border infrastructure finance and logistics. This was seen as an endorsement of the quality of services the city provides and an indication of the massive contribution Hong Kong is set to make as the GBA continues to prosper.

    Commenting on the findings, Mr Louis Chan, Deputy Director of HKTDC Research, said: “This survey confirms both the bold and outward-looking nature of the GBA’s overall development strategy, while highlighting the essential role Hong Kong can play in ensuring this initiative reaches its full potential. It shows beyond doubt that synergy between the GBA members assures them of a better future than they could have achieved alone.”

    Mrs Ip added: “In tandem with the promotion of free trade agreements, technology empowerment and higher business plans, the findings show we stand at the crossroads of burgeoning investment opportunities between Greater China and ASEAN. Hong Kong has a unique position as a super connector and value-adder, driving financial innovation, facilitating cross-border trade and nurturing economic prosperity to shape a future where business connectivity in this dynamic region knows no boundaries.”

    Regional integration, digitalisation and cost management essential for ASEAN success
    Overall, 53.7% of GBA companies noted that geographic economic integration initiatives, particularly the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), were likely to boost their chances of success within ASEAN, followed by digitalisation (51.9%) and cost management, including moving production to lower-cost locations (40.8%).

    Most respondents credited the effectiveness of RCEP at streamlining and accelerating trade between the region’s most dynamic economies – including Mainland China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam – as the main reason for its success.

    Surveyed enterprises also believed digitalisation had been crucial for the maintenance of economic and supply chain resilience amid the unprecedented impact of the pandemic. They also viewed digitalisation as a key productivity driver, reducing operational costs and facilitating business and investment expansion in the region. In all, 23.2% of companies saw digitalisation as a priority for their business which was likely to boost their chances of successfully entering the ASEAN market.

    Related materials

    • HKTDC Research: https://research.hktdc.com/en
    • The report in Chinese – Navigating Connectivity: Exploring ASEAN Opportunities for the Greater Bay Area can be downloaded from the websites of HKTDC and UOB Hong Kong.

    Photos Download: https://bit.ly/48CTRkg
    Christine Ip, CEO – Greater China, UOB (right) and Louis Chan, Deputy Director of HKTDC Research (left), release the Navigating Connectivity: Exploring ASEAN Opportunities for the Greater Bay Area research report

    Louis Chan, Deputy Director of HKTDC Research

    Christine Ip, CEO – Greater China, UOB

    Media enquires
    HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
    Frankie Leung, Tel: (852) 2584 4298, Email: frankie.cy.leung@hktdc.org
    Clayton Lauw, Tel: (852) 2584 4472, Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org

    UOB Hong Kong:
    Susanna Liu, Tel: (852) 2123 7537, Email: susanna.liuwy@uobgroup.com
    Sarah Tsang, Tel: (852) 2123 7536, Email: sarah.tsangsw@uobgroup.com

    Yuan Tung Financial Relations:
    Agnes Yiu, Tel: (852) 3428 5690, Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk
    Hing-fung Wong, Tel: (852) 3428 3122, Email: hfwong@yuantung.com.hk

    About HKTDC
    The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

    About UOB
    UOB is a leading bank in Asia. Operating through its head office in Singapore and banking subsidiaries in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, UOB has a global network of around 500 offices in 19 countries and territories in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Since its incorporation in 1935, UOB has grown organically and through a series of strategic acquisitions. Today, UOB is rated among the world’s top banks: Aa1 by Moody’s Investors Service and AA- by both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings.

    For nearly nine decades, UOB has adopted a customer-centric approach to create long-term value by staying relevant through its enterprising spirit and doing right by its customers. UOB is focused on building the future of ASEAN – for the people and businesses within and connecting to ASEAN.

    The Bank connects businesses to opportunities in the region with its unparalleled regional footprint and leverages data and insights to innovate and create personalised banking experiences and solutions catering to each customer’s unique needs and evolving preferences. UOB is also committed to helping businesses forge a sustainable future, by fostering social inclusiveness, creating positive environmental impact and pursuing economic progress. UOB believes in being a responsible financial services provider and is steadfast in its support of art, social development of children and education, doing right by its communities and stakeholders.

  • Hong Kong Electronics and Lighting Fairs illuminate business opportunities

    The Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition), organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), and electronicAsia, organised by the HKTDC and MMI Asia Pte Ltd, will run concurrently from 13 to 16 October at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Shortly after, the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) will run at the HKCEC from 27 to 30 October and Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo from 26 to 29 October at AsiaWorld-Expo.

    Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC (centre); Steve Chuang, Chairman of the HKTDC Electronics/Electrical Appliances Industries Advisory Committee [L]; and Victor Choi, Chairman, Hong Kong Electronics & Technologies Association [R]
    The four fairs, hosting over 6,200 exhibitors from 35 countries and regions, will present a wide range of top-notch smart products and solutions, related services and information, lighting products and technologies for many industries, bringing exhibitors and buyers cross-sectoral business opportunities.

    GooVision Technology Company Limited, an EFAE exhibitor, showcases a headset that brings excellent Extended Reality (XR) experience

    Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, told the pre-event press conference: “October is the peak season for exhibitions. The four exhibitions we launch this month attract a number of innovative companies with strong potential, gathering exhibitors not just from local, but also from Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Indonesian, Malaysia, Singapore, and other countries and regions; and European countries such as Denmark, France, Germany and Switzerland; as well as the United States. It shows that the industry is actively seizing the huge opportunities brought about by innovation and technology to expand business opportunities through the fairs.”

    InnoTech Association Limited will showcase at Electronics Fair smart glasses that utilise artificial intelligence computer vision to convert text into speech for visually impaired individuals

    Three highlight zones filled with top of the range technology companies

    The Electronics Fair and electronicAsia will host nearly 3,200 exhibitors from 22 countries and regions. Themed New Tech. New Trend. New Lifestyle, the electronics show will bring together a plethora of smart home and office products, such as IoT household goods, health and beauty care products, home and office appliances, entertainment and game products and more, opening up an exciting indoor digital world for the public as artificial intelligence (AI) applications proliferate. The fair also launches outdoor products – including in-vehicle electronics and navigation systems, mobile chargers, sports, camping and outdoor goods – offering users an interesting and enjoyable outdoor life.

    The old wing of HKCEC will be dedicated to showcasing technology products and services, including products and solutions utilising deep tech. Among them, the Tech Hall will highlight the latest virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) products and robotics inventions; whereas in the Start-up Zone, technology entrepreneurs will present innovative and promising products and solutions. In addition, there are zones showcasing a diverse range of electronic products including connected home items, computer and electronic gaming products, as well as in-car devices.

    The new wing of HKCEC will primarily showcase appliances and consumer products. Among them, the Hall of Fame Zone will showcase consumer electronics products from renowned brands around the world, providing the public with a convenient and tasteful smart life; the debut Energy Storage Zone will showcase high-capacity mobile chargers.

    The fair has attracted a number of top-tier exhibitors including Italian home appliance brand LAICA, Japan’s Toshiba Lifestyle Products & Services Corporation, a Hong Kong-listed company providing IoT solutions Tuya (HK) Limited; a tech firm invested by Haier Group, Qingdao Thunderobot Technology Co.,Ltd; and Huizhou TCL Mobile Communication Company Limited.

    At electronicAsia, a wide range of electronics parts and components and related solutions will be showcased, from keyboards and switches, power supplies and photovoltaic (PV) technologies for renewable energy solutions, printed circuit boards and EMS, display technology, to test and inspection equipment. First-time participants of the fair include Amicro Semiconductor Co., Ltd., a “little giant” from Zhuhai listed as a top performer among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for its exceptional mastery of key technologies and remarkable innovation capacity. In addition, OncQue Corporation from Taiwan, a company specialising in development of technological devices such as vibration sensors and optical sensors, will also be at the fair.

    With the support of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks, IOTHK Association and Jumpstart, the Start-up Zone brings nearly 80 exhibitors with eye-opening technologies. Among them, Hong Kong enterprise Full Nature Farms revitalised industrial premises into an indoor farm, using the biomimicry farming techniques and Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) to efficiently cultivate affordable organic vegetables and edible flowers.

    Symposium on Innovation & Technology discusses key technology issues on first day
    A number of seminars and events at the fairs will examine key technology issues. The Symposium on Innovation & Technology, jointly organised by the HKTDC and Hong Kong Electronics & Technologies Association, will be held on the first day (13 October). Prof Dong SUN, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, will officiate at the event and deliver opening remarks. Themed Unlocking Possibilities: Harnessing AI for Innovation in Consumer Electronics, the forum has invited heavyweight speakers to share insights on industry-related topics, explore the applications and opportunities of generative AI, and discuss hot topics such as metaverse, VR and XR (Extended Reality), and sustainable development.

    The Hong Kong Electronic Forum, co-organised by the HKTDC, MMI Asia Pte Ltd and the Hong Kong Electronic Industries Association, will be held on the second day of the fair to explore multiple hot issues such as microelectronic ecosystems. The Reliability and Prognostics Health Management of Microelectronics Forum will be held on the closing day of the fairs.

    At other events, including the Investment Matchmaking, Hong Kong Value Creation for Technology: Pitching Competition and Meet the Mentors, start-ups will promote innovative ideas, invite support from investors and seek advice from experts on business development.

    Connected Lighting Zone launches at Autumn Lighting Fair
    Under the theme Light Up Every Opportunity, the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) and Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo will gather more than 3,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions. The 25th Autumn Lighting Fair this year introduces the Connected Lighting Zone, highlighting smart and IoT-enabled lighting solutions from renowned international companies and brands, including Leedarson, Midea, Snappy, Quectel, as well as members of DALI Alliance and Shanghai Pudong Intelligent Lighting Association. Another highlighted zone – Hall of Aurora – will also bring together premium lighting products from top-tier global brands, including Megaman, Prosperity Group and Signify. Other thematic zones include Commercial Lighting, Residential Lighting, LED Lighting, LED Essentials, Smart Lighting & Solutions.

    Outdoor and Tech Light Expo spotlights sustainable lighting design
    The Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo will present such product zones as Exterior Lighting Solutions and Systems, Horticultural Lighting, Innobuild, Outdoor Advertising Lighting, Outdoor and Public Lighting as well as Technical and Professional Lighting.

    The Lighting Fairs will feature forums and seminars including the Connected Lighting Forum at the HKCEC from 27 to 28 October, with the themes of Unlocking New Realms in Connected Lighting and Smart Lighting for Healthy Living. Seminars for Outdoor and Tech Light Expo, themed Sustainable Lighting Design and Energy Solutions for a Greener Future in Hong Kong, will also be held at AsiaWorld-Expo on 26 and 27 October.

    During the fair period, free shuttle bus service will be provided for registered exhibitors and buyers between the HKCEC and AsiaWorld-Expo.

    Under the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, exhibitors and buyers can use the Click2Match smart business matching platform to conduct online meetings, in addition to attending the physical fair, and  participants from all industries and buyers are welcome to join.

    Websites
    Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition): https://hkelectronicsfairae.hktdc.com
    electronicAsia: http://www.electronicasia.com
    Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition): https://hklightingfairae.hktdc.com
    Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo: https://hkotlexpo.hktdc.com

    Photo Download: https://rb.gy/2i5jo

    Media enquiries
    The HKTDC’s Communications and Public Affairs Department:
    Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition)
    electronicAsia
    Frankie Leung, Tel: (852) 2584 4298, Email: frankie.cy.leung@hktdc.org
    Janet Chan, Tel: (852) 2584 4369, Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.org

    Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition)
    Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo
    Snowy Chan, Tel: (852) 2584 4525, Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org

    About HKTDC
    The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

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