The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), headquartered in Wan Chai, Hong Kong SAR, is a statutory organization established in 1966 to promote, assist, and develop Hong Kong's trade in goods and services. With a strong international presence and a robust digital platform, HKTDC connects Hong Kong businesses—especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—with partners and markets around the world.
Core Business
As a government-funded statutory body, HKTDC’s core business lies in facilitating international trade through:
- Trade Promotion and Market Access
- Global Exhibitions and Conferences
- Online and Offline B2B Marketing
- Business Intelligence and Market Research
- Policy Advocacy and SME Support
The organization operates through a global network of over 50 offices, including 13 in Mainland China and 40 internationally.
Product and Service Offerings
HKTDC offers a wide array of services and platforms that support businesses across sectors:
Trade Fairs and Events
- HKTDC Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair
- Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring/Autumn Editions)
- HKTDC Food Expo
- Hong Kong Fashion Week
- International Tea Fair
- Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair
- CENTRESTAGE (Fashion Trade Event)
These events draw hundreds of thousands of trade buyers and exhibitors globally, establishing Hong Kong as a premier exhibition hub.
Online Services
- hktdc.com Sourcing Platform: A multilingual digital marketplace with over 130,000 registered suppliers and 2 million global buyers.
- Click2Match AI Business Matching Platform
- Digital Showcases & Virtual Fairs
Business Intelligence & Research
- HKTDC Research Portal: Offers reports, analysis, and market trend data across industries and regions.
- China Trade Research Reports
- Export Indices and SME Sentiment Surveys
SME Support Programs
- SME Export Marketing Fund
- T-box Transformation Program
- Startup Express (Pitching and Mentorship)
- Business Advisory Services
These initiatives equip SMEs with tools, financing, mentorship, and global exposure.
Specialization and Core USP
HKTDC’s unique positioning stems from:
- Hybrid Trade Facilitation: Combining offline expos with digital platforms
- Pan-Asia Market Gateway: Leveraging Hong Kong’s location and legal framework to bridge global and mainland China markets
- Support Ecosystem for SMEs: Practical tools, market access, and matchmaking support
Their platforms facilitate over 700,000 business connections annually.
Financial Performance
Although HKTDC operates as a statutory body rather than a commercial entity, performance metrics are available through:
- Annual Budget Appropriation: Over HKD 1 billion in recent fiscal years
- Event Participation: Hosting more than 30 large-scale trade fairs annually
- Digital Engagement: Over 10 million users interact with HKTDC’s online sourcing platforms
Its performance is publicly reviewed through annual reports and Legislative Council evaluations.
Export and Shipment Record
While HKTDC does not directly engage in commercial exports, it:
- Facilitates Export Transactions for thousands of Hong Kong SMEs
- Supports supply chain negotiations across Asia, Europe, and North America
- Hosts 30,000+ international buyers annually through matchmaking events
These activities directly influence the volume and value of Hong Kong’s export sector.
Target Market
HKTDC serves a wide spectrum of stakeholders:
- Hong Kong SMEs across manufacturing, service, and retail
- International buyers and importers
- Startups in tech, fashion, health, and consumer goods
- Trade associations and foreign trade ministries
Their clientele spans from early-stage startups to multinational buyers seeking suppliers in Asia.
Capabilities
- Event Infrastructure: Operates at AsiaWorld-Expo and Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre
- Digital Tech: AI-powered matching, virtual showcases, and sourcing automation
- Advisory Network: Trade consultants, legal experts, and regional specialists
- Content Development: Market reports, webinars, and digital marketing solutions
Their integrated ecosystem positions Hong Kong as a dynamic trade services capital.
Certifications and Compliance
- Operates under the Hong Kong Trade Development Council Ordinance
- Regularly audited by the Audit Commission and the Legislative Council of Hong Kong
- Compliant with international standards for trade promotion and exhibition safety
Annual reporting ensures transparency in financials, outreach, and impact.
Customer Testimonials
Numerous exhibitors and buyers praise:
- Seamless organization of hybrid events
- Business-centric approach with targeted matchmaking
- Extensive reach and marketing of exhibitors globally
Testimonials often highlight successful supplier-buyer contracts initiated through HKTDC’s platforms.
Major Achievements
- Celebrated 55+ years as Asia’s premier trade promotion body
- Created hktdc.com Sourcing with over 2 million buyer accounts
- Transitioned to hybrid expo formats amid global disruptions
- Won global recognition for CENTRESTAGE and the Electronics Fair
- Facilitated over HKD 150 billion in trade deals (est. value) through its events and platforms
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council continues to empower businesses with tools, platforms, and networks essential for global expansion, positioning Hong Kong as a vital node in the international trade ecosystem.
