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Hong Kong’s investment promotion agency announced today that its director-general will visit Türkiye as part of a strategic tour to bolster economic partnerships along the Belt and Road Initiative and position the city as the premier gateway to Asian markets.

Alpha Lau, Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK, will arrive in Istanbul tomorrow to engage with Turkish companies interested in using Hong Kong as a springboard for expansion into mainland China and the Asia-Pacific region.

Building on growing trade relationship

In 2024, Türkiye ranked as Hong Kong’s 30th largest trading partner, with bilateral merchandise trade between the two places amounting to HK$16.6 billion.

The economic relationship received a significant boost from the Hong Kong–Türkiye comprehensive avoidance of double taxation agreement signed in 2024, which enhances tax certainty and facilitates cross-border transactions.

“Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a global financial hub and Asia’s business launchpad make it the perfect partner for enterprises from Türkiye in expanding into the Mainland, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) markets, and further in Asia and beyond,” Lau said.

“Anchored in the Belt and Road Initiative, we look forward to fostering collaboration and showcasing how Hong Kong can drive its success across the region.”

Expanding investment promotion footprint in Türkiye

In a move signaling Hong Kong’s commitment to the Turkish market, InvestHK established a second office in Izmir in January 2025, complementing its existing presence in the country. The expansion aims to promote opportunities that Hong Kong offers to Turkish companies seeking regional growth.

During her visit, Lau will speak at multiple high-profile events, including an Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Business Seminar and a Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye Business Seminar. She will also meet with Turkish media to highlight Hong Kong’s business-friendly environment.

Supporting cross-market expansion efforts

Türkiye’s inclusion in Hong Kong’s Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales has already supported Hong Kong companies expanding into the Turkish market.

Meanwhile, Turkish businesses are being encouraged to leverage Hong Kong’s access to mainland China and ASEAN markets through initiatives such as the Greater Bay Area.

Lau emphasized that Hong Kong offers unmatched regional access through its free trade agreement with ASEAN, along with advantages that include free capital movement and a robust innovation and technology ecosystem that hosts nearly 10,000 companies from overseas and the mainland and close to 4,700 start-ups.

Following her visit to Türkiye, Lau will continue her Belt and Road tour with stops in Budapest, Hungary, on May 13, and Cairo, Egypt, on May 17.

May 10, 2025 12:36 PM GMT+03:00