The Hong Kong economy expanded robustly in the second quarter of 2026, growing by 4.3% over a year earlier, driving by buoyant external trade and resilient domestic demand. The Government revised up the real GDP growth forecast for 2026 to 3.5% to 4.5%.

Economic and Trade Information: Hong Kong

CENTRESTAGE, Asia’s annual premier fashion event and a flagship programme of the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest, is held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 2-5 September 2026. Organised by the HKTDC and sponsored by CCIDA of the Hong Kong SAR Government, this year's CENTRESTAGE has attracted a record-breaking convergence of some 270 international brands from 24 countries and regions. This vibrant tapestry of style encompasses renowned labels, emerging designers, and industry elites, showcasing the pinnacle of fashion trends and creative ingenuity. 

The 45th Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the 14th Salon de TIME, jointly organised by the HKTDC, Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Limited and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Limited, is held at the HKCEC on 1-5 September under the theme “Sparkling Moments Through Time”. The twin fairs have attracted more than 630 exhibitors from 16 countries and regions, creating the world's largest one-stop watch and clock marketplace.

CENTRESTAGE, Asia’s annual premier fashion event and a flagship programme of the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest, is held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 2-5 September 202...

CENTRESTAGE, Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME 2026

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has announced plans to open an office in Cairo and has unveiled an organisational restructuring to enhance efficiency and drive innovation.
These were among the initiatives set out at a media briefing on 24 July covering the trade body&rsquo;s recent achievements and its priorities for the year ahead by HKTDC Chairman Prof Frederick Ma and Executive Director Sophia Chong.
<h3>Network optimisation</h3>
Reviewing the Council&rsquo;s global 51-office footprint, Prof Ma said&nbsp;<a href="https://hkmb.hktdc.com/en/Z5PQmRWy/article/hktdc-organised-delegation-forges-stronger-links-with-central-asia">the HKTDC-organised business mission to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in June&nbsp;</a>had generated significant opportunities and that the resulting follow-up work underscored the need to bolster the resources of the present office in Almaty.
He added that the decision to open a consultant office in Cairo was aimed at capitalising on opportunities emerging in the Central Asia, Middle East and Africa economic corridor and had been informed by a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://hkmb.hktdc.com/en/UkKQ26z0/article/forging-new-trade-frontiers">garment and textile mission to Dubai and Cairo</a>. In the Middle East, the HKTDC will strengthen its Riyadh office to support its growing activities and business development in the region.
In South America, the Council will boost the capabilities of its offices in&nbsp;S&atilde;o Paulo and Santiago with a view to capturing opportunities arising from the Global South, he said.
Prof Ma&nbsp;added that the HKTDC will enhance its promotional efforts and business support capabilities in&nbsp;Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines,&nbsp;while bolstering operations in&nbsp;Istanbul&nbsp;and&nbsp;Warsaw.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
In traditional markets, the HKTDC will continue to deepen trade and investment ties in North America. Concurrently, the Council will step up efforts to promote economic collaboration and cultural exchange across Asia, Europe and Africa, while broadening the role of its London office to support market development and promotional initiatives in the Nordic countries.
Together, these changes are expected to help businesses capture opportunities in high-growth markets and new economic corridors amid a gradual shift in trade momentum towards emerging markets and a growing trend among companies to pursue international expansion.
<h3>Optimising corporate structure</h3>
Turning to organisational capabilities, Ms Chong announced that the HKTDC&rsquo;s structure had been reorganised around six sector clusters, namely: Finance and Professional Services, Global Network and Supply Chain, Technology and Digital Innovation, Wellness and Creative Industries, Consumer Goods and Lifestyle and Corporate Development.
Explaining the rationale behind the reorganisation, she said the cluster approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also improves the sector knowledge and reach of the organisation, enabling staff to deliver more comprehensive and integrated solutions.
&ldquo;Whether companies seek market intelligence, participate in local or international exhibitions, conferences and overseas missions, connect with investors, expand their production lines or tap new markets, they can access our one-stop support through a single point of contact,&rdquo; she noted.
Summing up how the new initiatives will empower the organisation to respond to future challenges and opportunities, Prof Frederick Ma said: &ldquo;By&nbsp;optimising our&nbsp;corporate structure and resource allocation around the world, we are adopting a&nbsp;customer-centric, industry-focused approach to target high-growth emerging markets.&rdquo;
&ldquo;This will enable us to provide enterprises with more comprehensive and integrated global solutions to support their promotional strategies, while leveraging the city&rsquo;s unique role in connecting the Mainland with the world, aligning with Hong Kong&rsquo;s first Five-Year Plan and contributing to our country&rsquo;s development."

Strategy to enhance global reach and customer-centric approach.

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Economic and Trade Information: Hong Kong

The Hong Kong economy expanded robustly in the second quarter of 2026, growing by 4.3% over a year earlier, driving by buoyant external trade and resilient domestic demand. The Government revised up the real GDP growth forecast for 2026 to 3.5% to 4.5%.

CENTRESTAGE, Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME 2026

CENTRESTAGE, Asia’s annual premier fashion event and a flagship programme of the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest, is held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 2-5 September 202...

HKTDC strengthens network for a changing trade landscape

Strategy to enhance global reach and customer-centric approach.

Most popular

Discover the content loved most by others

Economic and Trade Information: Hong Kong

The Hong Kong economy expanded robustly in the second quarter of 2026, growing by 4.3% over a year earlier, driving by buoyant external trade and resilient domestic demand. The Government revised up the real GDP growth forecast for 2026 to 3.5% to 4.5%.

CENTRESTAGE, Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME 2026

CENTRESTAGE, Asia’s annual premier fashion event and a flagship programme of the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest, is held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 2-5 September 202...

HKTDC strengthens network for a changing trade landscape

Strategy to enhance global reach and customer-centric approach.