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By K Raveendran The Democratic sweep of the US Congress has dramatically altered the global investment landscape, triggering a sharp repricing of oil, technology stocks and financial assets as investors reassess the prospects for an end to the Middle East conflict. Brent crude has suffered a weekly decline of 16 per cent, falling below $100 […]

The article Oil Markets May Have Turned Democratic Temporarily, But Supply Risks Persist appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

As a key supporting event under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the gathering drew statesmen, diplomats and hundreds of Chinese and foreign business participants.

Building on eight years of accumulated progress and over 140 signed projects, the forum keeps focusing on delivering outcomes from the FOCAC Beijing Summit and aligning with the 10 partnership action plans.

Once again, it shined the global spotlight on Yiwu – a city with no seacoast nor border access, yet a pivotal hub for people-to-people China-Africa trade.

Inside the Yiwu International Expo Center, a three-day China-Africa trade exhibition opened ahead of the forum. Within its 10 000-square-metre hall sit 400 well-arranged booths, bringing together 186 enterprises from 15 countries.

Import-zone shelves are stocked with Ethiopian coffee, Ghanaian shea butter and Zimbabwean handicrafts. Meanwhile, a wide array of Chinese-made goods for household use, stationery, cultural-creative products and beauty cosmetics are ready to reach households across Africa.

More than two decades ago, Chinese and African merchants had to travel far and wide to source goods and secure buyers. Today, complete warehousing, customs-declaration and cross-border logistics allow exhibits to move straight from booths onto ocean-going vessels, closing the full loop from display to delivery.

Transformations extend well beyond exhibition halls.

Twenty years ago, most African traders in Yiwu acted purely as purchasers: they would fill shipping containers with selected goods and ship them back home.

On May 1 this year, China implemented zero-tariff treatment for 53 African diplomatic partners, further reshaping Sami’s business landscape. Trade is no longer a one-way “sell-out” model. Seizing this policy dividend, he began importing local Ugandan specialties such as coffee beans and chili peppers into China. Via Yiwu’s hub, these goods are then distributed to broader markets aboard the China-Europe Yiwu-Xinjiang-Europe Railway Express.

“Zero tariffs give young Africans direct access to the Chinese market and make two-way trade far more actionable,” Ugandan businessman Sami said, hoping more African traders will leverage Yiwu as a platform to bring African products to the wider world.

Like Sami, many entrepreneurs from diverse African nations regard Yiwu as their second home and serve as living, human-scale bridges connecting the two continents.

Official statistics bear witness to this shift. Between January and September 2026, Yiwu’s exports to Africa reached 135.903 billion yuan, marking a year-on-year rise of 30.18 percent.

Historically, China-Africa trade largely featured Chinese goods flowing one-way toward Africa. Today trade chains are evolving into two-way pathways. African coffee, honey and avocados are finding growing room in China’s consumer market. At the same time, Chinese enterprises are no longer content with merely delivering cargo to African ports.

Many firms are pushing supply-chain operations deeper into African local contexts. Local Yiwu-based supply-chain operators have set-up exhibition halls and 15 000-square-metre overseas warehouses in Senegal.

Conventional export business often concluded once goods departed Chinese ports. Now, end-to-end services including bulk procurement, overseas warehousing, local distribution and brand internationalisation travel alongside merchandise into Africa.

To date, Yiwu has established 28 overseas warehouses across 12 African countries. Together with offshore sub-markets and national-buyer service centers, a network spanning procurement, warehousing and distribution is taking shape, bridging Chinese supply capacity and African consumer demand.

In Yiwu, China-Africa cooperation finds tangible expression in shipping containers, grassroots commercial orders and ordinary people’s pursuit of success.

Though land-locked, Yiwu links countless towns across the African continent. The Chinese city bears witness to China-Africa trade advancing past simple commodity transactions, entering a new era of co-built supply chains, mutual market access and people-to-people cultural bonds.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

The proposed arrangement would require unanimous approval from participating lenders and could facilitate a rights issue intended to strengthen the heavily indebted company’s finances, according to people familiar with the private negotiations.

New World is considering repaying approximately 10% of the loan principal as part of the extension, with a target of completing the arrangement before January. That would represent roughly HK$8.8 billion in repayments, although the proposed terms remain subject to negotiations.

Discussions are at an early stage, and the conditions could change before any agreement is reached. There is no certainty that the banks will approve the extension or that the company will proceed with a subsequent equity fundraising.

The negotiations follow months of efforts by the Cheng family, New World’s controlling shareholder, to develop a financial support package for the property group. A potential rights issue or share placement could be announced as early as November, provided the necessary arrangements are finalised.

A rights issue would allow existing shareholders to purchase additional shares, usually in proportion to their holdings. Such a transaction could provide fresh capital without immediately increasing the company’s borrowing, although shareholders declining to participate would face dilution.

The proposed loan extension concerns financing arranged in 2025 through one of Hong Kong’s largest corporate refinancing transactions. That agreement followed prolonged negotiations with creditors as New World sought to avert a potential default and manage substantial repayment obligations.

Under the earlier restructuring, lenders agreed to extend the maturity of approximately HK$63.4 billion in borrowings originally due in 2025 and 2026 by three years. Loans maturing from 2027 onwards retained their original repayment dates, subject to additional credit protection and collateral requirements.

A further two-year extension would give the developer additional time to manage repayments while pursuing equity financing and asset disposals. The precise maturity schedule and interest terms of any revised arrangement have not been publicly established.

New World’s latest financial disclosures underline the importance of securing lender support. Total debt stood at approximately HK$143.3 billion at the end of June 2026, down HK$2.7 billion from the previous financial year.

Net debt nevertheless increased by HK$6.2 billion to HK$126.3 billion, while the company’s net gearing ratio rose to 68.3% from 58.1%. The figures indicate that its balance sheet remains under pressure despite efforts to reduce gross borrowings.

The group reported approximately HK$17 billion in cash and bank balances and HK$15.8 billion in undrawn banking facilities at the financial year-end, giving it total capital resources of about HK$33 billion.

Those resources provide liquidity for operations and financial commitments, but they are considerably smaller than the outstanding debt burden. Access to banking facilities also remains subject to their contractual conditions.

New World’s annual revenue declined to approximately HK$20 billion from HK$27.7 billion a year earlier. However, core operating profit increased to HK$7.7 billion from approximately HK$6 billion, reflecting an improvement in underlying operating performance.

The company reported HK$2.23 billion in net profit from recurring operations, compared with a HK$1.23 billion loss in the preceding year. Gross financing costs fell 15% to HK$6.3 billion.

Its board decided against paying a final dividend for the financial year ended June 30, preserving resources as management continued its financial restructuring programme.

Alongside discussions with banks, New World has pursued exchanges of outstanding securities to lengthen its repayment profile. On October 14, the company indicated that it expected to issue approximately $189.1 million in new secured notes maturing in 2032 following the early results of a debt exchange offer.

The developer has also been restructuring property commitments. At the end of September, it announced arrangements to surrender its operating rights for the 11 SKIES commercial development near Hong Kong International Airport.

The agreement involves a HK$2.3 billion termination payment to the Airport Authority and additional works and services obligations, with the latter subject to a specified cost ceiling.

For the financial year ended June, New World recorded approximately HK$29.6 billion in attributable contracted sales from property developments and asset disposals. Hong Kong accounted for approximately HK$22.1 billion, with mainland China contributing the remaining sales.

The company also reduced capital expenditure by 6% to HK$11.8 billion during the financial year.

By Ashok Nilakantan Ayers WASHINGTON: The battle lines for America’s November 3 midterm elections are now unmistakably drawn. With barely a month remaining, President Donald Trump is turning the contest for control of Congress into a personal referendum on his presidency, urging Americans to vote as though his own name were on the ballot. For […]

The article Donald Trump Has Made November 3 Mid Term Polls As Unmistakenly Personal appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Proposed an interim dividend of HK11.0 cents per share

Highlights:

• Revenue increased to approximately HK$1,450.9 million.
• Gross profit increased to approximately HK$518.8 million.
• Profit attributable to owners of the Company amounted to approximately HK$116.2 million.
• As at 30 June 2026, the Group operated a total of 190 chain retail stores
• Basic earnings per share was approximately HK11.6 cents. The Board recommended the payment of interim dividend of HK11.0 cents per share.

Financial Highlights:

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 August 2026 – Best Mart 360 Holdings Limited (“Best Mart 360” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”; stock code: 2360.HK), a leading leisure food retailer in Hong Kong, announced its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2026 (“the Period under Review”). During the Period under Review, the revenue recorded by the Group amounted to approximately HK$1,450,897,000, representing an increase of approximately 1.0% as compared to approximately HK$1,436,576,000 for the six months ended 30 June 2025 (the “Corresponding Period Last Year”).

During the Period under Review, profit attributable to owners of the Company amounted to approximately HK$116,221,000.

For the six months ended 30 June 2026, gross profit of the Group was approximately HK$518,758,000, representing an increase of approximately 0.1%, as compared to gross profit of approximately HK$518,177,000. Gross profit margin during the period was approximately 35.8%. During the Period under Review, basic earnings per share of the Group was approximately HK11.6 cents. The Board recommended the payment of interim dividend of HK11.0 cents per share.

BUSINESS REVIEW

CHAIN RETAIL STORES

As at 30 June 2026, the Group operated a total of 190 chain retail stores, including 184 chain retail stores in Hong Kong and 6 chain retail stores in Macau, respectively. During the Period under Review, the Group continued to implement its store network optimization strategy to fully showcase its diverse product portfolio, further enhance its overall brand image and provide customers with a more comfortable shopping environment.

Since 2021, the Group has launched its brand of global wine and food stores “FoodVille”, which provides mid-to-high-end, premium food products from around the globe. These include fine wines, premium chocolates, health foods, cheese, Western sauces and ingredients from around the world, aming to cater to the market’s pursuit of a quality of life and expanding the Group’s customer base. As at 30 June 2026, the Group operated a total of 8 retail stores under the brand.

During the Period under Review, the rental expenses (on a cash basis) of the Group’s retail stores accounted for approximately 9.7% of its sales revenue.

THE PRODUCTS

During the Period under Review, the Group adhered to its global procurement strategy, sourcing high-quality products from around the world to provide customers with a diversified range of choices. During the Period under Review, the Group sold over 1,045 brands and more than 3,054 stock keeping units (“SKUs“) of products in total. The Group continuously optimised its product portfolio and actively introduced a variety of new products and flavours to meet customers’ ever-changing needs.

To enrich its product mix and maintain effective control over product quality, supply stability and profit margins, the Group continued to actively develop its private label products. During the Period under Review, sales derived from private label products amounted to approximately HK$277,194,000 (six months ended 30 June 2025: approximately HK$251,203,000), which accounted for approximately 19.1% of the Group’s total revenue for the Period under Review. The Group had a total of 12 private labels covering approximately 272 SKUs of products, including masks, canned Chinese delicacies, cereals, milk, honey, nuts and dried fruits as well as a wide range of leisure food products.

MEMBERSHIP SCHEME AND MARKETING & PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES

As at 30 June 2026, the Group had a cumulative total of approximately 2,469,754 registered fans and members (30 June 2025: approximately 2,243,198). As at 30 June 2026, the number of mobile app members reached approximately 1,374,462 (30 June 2025: approximately 1,238,775).

During the Period under Review, the Group continued to carry out a variety of marketing activities, including “Best Price”, “Instant Redemption upon Purchase” and other promotional campaigns, which provided customers with a series of special offers on selected quality products as a way to show its appreciation for their support and effectively enhance customer loyalty. The Group also launched a new brand promotion campaign, namely “Best Mart, Always a Friendly Buy”, in 2026. By integrating online and offline promotional channels, the Group further strengthened its brand image and enhanced its interaction and connection with customers.

The Group also utilised a variety of outdoor media, such as large-scale advertisements at MTR stations and truck wraps, together with marketing strategies on digital media and social platforms, to further increase its brand exposure and market penetration, thereby attracting more new customers to shop at its stores.

In addition, the Group actively fulfilled its corporate social responsibility by partnering with the charitable foundation under China Merchants Group to launch the “Care 360˚” Neighborhood Support Programme, which aids families in need, continuously promotes community care and inclusion and actively puts into practice the core principles of corporate sustainability.

EMPLOYEES

As at 30 June 2026, the Group employed a total of 1,257 full-time and part-time employees (31 December 2025: 1,227). The increase in the total number of employees was primarily due to the Group’s recruitment of additional staff for its newly opened stores. To retain talent and provide its employees with appropriate incentives to enhance their sense of belonging and loyalty, the Group regularly reviews and updates its employee remuneration packages and benefit plans, taking into account labour market supply and remuneration trends as well as individual employee performance. During the Period under Review, the staff costs of the Group (excluding emoluments of the Directors) accounted for approximately 9.6% of its total revenue (six months ended 30 June 2025: approximately 9.7%).

OUTLOOK

Global geopolitical tensions remain high, and uncertainty persists regarding the pace of the external economic recovery. Meanwhile, the active expansion of mainland Chinese e-commerce platforms into Hong Kong has driven the popularity of cross-border online shopping, further intensifying competition in the local retail market. Amid complex and increasingly competitive market conditions, the overall business environment for the retail sector is expected to remain under pressure in the second half of 2026. However, as Hong Kong hosts a series of major international events and exhibitions as well as cultural and sports activities, the number of visitors to Hong Kong and their willingness to spend are steadily recovering. At the same time, consumption of daily necessities has demonstrated strong resilience. Market demand for value-for-money globally sourced food products and healthy snacks continues to grow, presenting the Group with solid development opportunities. Looking ahead, the Group remains cautiously optimistic about its business prospects. To address intense market competition, we are committed to refining operational management, optimizing business processes, and maintaining strict cost controls.

To further strengthen its connection with consumers, the Group officially launched a rebranding campaign in June 2026, adopting “Best Mart, Always a Friendly Buy” as its new core brand value and striving to build a more welcoming, youthful, vibrant and creative brand image. Regarding its store network management, the Group will balance strategic expansion with operational optimization. On one hand, the Group will capitalise on appropriate market opportunities and continue to expand its footprint through a “dual-brand” strategy featuring “Best Mart 360˚” and “FoodVille”, aiming to precisely meet the demand for high-quality food across different customer segments. On the other hand, the Group will adhere to strict capital-return discipline by actively negotiating with landlords for more flexible and reasonable lease terms, while regularly reviewing the operational efficiency of existing stores. Through these efforts, the Group aims to comprehensively enhance the overall profitability of its network and deepen its presence in the mass retail market.

Faced with a complex, ever-changing and highly competitive market environment, the Group is comprehensively exploring and researching the application of artificial intelligence in its business processes, aiming to enhance operational efficiency through innovative technology. The Group will further deepen its online-offline integration strategy, fully leverage the advantages provided by the extensive member database of its mobile app and implement targeted marketing through big data analysis to effectively increase member engagement and overall repeat purchase rates.

In terms of online channels, the Group will strengthen its collaboration with the foodpanda mall platform to ensure a seamless shopping experience. The Group will also remain agile in our operational strategies to optimize overall sales performance.

Guided by its core brand philosophy of “Best Quality” and “Best Price”, the Group will make every effort to expand its upstream supplier network while ramping up the development of its private label products. These initiatives will solidify our competitive pricing advantage while effectively meeting the market demand for daily necessities. The Board is confident that, through prudent yet flexible strategic planning, strong brand appeal and an optimised product portfolio, the Group will successfully enhance customer loyalty. This will steadily drive the business toward sustainable growth, thus creating long-term and robust returns for shareholders.

Hashtag: #BestMart360

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Best Mart 360 Holdings Limited

Best Mart 360 Holdings Limited, mainly operates chain retail stores under the brand “Best Mart 360˚”. It offers a wide collection of imported prepackaged leisure foods and other grocery products, principally from overseas. The Group’s business objective is to offer “Best Quality” and “Best Price” products to customers through continuous efforts on global procurement with a mission to provide comfortable shopping environment and pleasurable shopping experience to customers. As at 30 June 2026, the Group operates 190 retail stores that are strategically located across 18 districts in Hong Kong and Macau. In addition, the Group’s new global gourmet store, “FoodVille”, was officially opened in September 2021, which mainly provides globally sourced medium-to-high-end quality food products.

Empowering SMEs and Working Professionals to Embrace AI and Foster Widespread AI Adoption in Hong Kong

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 August 2026 – The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) today held the Launching Ceremony of the “AI for All” Inclusive Programme, aligning with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and the “AI+” initiative, and supporting the HKSAR Government’s policies of “industries for AI, AI for industries” and “AI for All”. Coordinated by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB), the “AI for All” Inclusive Programme aims to promote the widespread adoption of AI across society. As one of the programme implementation partners, HKPC will lead the “AI with HKPC – Business Empowerment” sub-programme, focusing on practical business applications, talent development, and inclusive technology adoption. The initiative will provide targeted support to SMEs, professionals, labour groups, and underprivileged communities through a range of training courses, hands-on application programmes, and industry-academia-research collaboration, promoting AI literacy and the practical deployment of AI technologies.

Professor SUN Dong, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, officiated at the ceremony, joined by Mr Emil YU Chen-on, BBS, JP, Deputy Chairman of HKPC, and Mr Mohamed Butt, MH, Executive Director of HKPC. The event also brought together representatives from leading international and Chinese Mainland technology enterprises, chambers of commerce, and industry leaders, who shared successful case studies and practical insights, fostering collaboration across sectors to advance Hong Kong’s AI ecosystem.

Professor SUN Dong, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, said: “AI has become a key factor in global industrial upgrading and driving the development of the digital economy. Helping SMEs to achieve digital transformation and enhance competitiveness through AI is one of the focal points of the ‘AI for All’ inclusive programme. This time, HKPC as the third implementing organisation for the ‘AI for All’ inclusive programme, leverages its years of experience serving businesses to provide targeted and professional support to SMEs, helping them seize opportunities in the AI era. I hope that through the ‘AI for All’ inclusive programme, AI will not only serve as an empowering tool to enhance corporate value and competitiveness but also transform into a super dividend that benefits SMEs and the general public. Let ‘AI for All’ become Hong Kong’s vision for ‘Upgrading for All’ and ‘Opportunities for All’.”

Mr Emil YU Chen-on, BBS, JP, Deputy Chairman of HKPC, said: “AI should not be a privilege reserved for large enterprises. It should become a productivity tool that every business, every employee, and people from all walks of life can leverage. HKPC has long been committed to helping enterprises, particularly SMEs, enhance productivity, drive digital transformation, and convert innovative technologies into tangible business value. We focus on integrating AI technologies across different industries by providing practical, scalable and replicable solutions that support smart transformation. As one of the implementation organisations of the ‘AI for All’ Inclusive Programme, HKPC will centre its efforts on ‘AI with HKPC – Business Empowerment’, connecting Government, industry, academia, technology partners and social service organisations to help enterprises, SMEs, professionals and underprivileged communities acquire AI capabilities and transform AI into real productivity and business value, thereby advancing Hong Kong’s high-quality development and digital inclusion.”

“AI for All” Officially Launches with “Business Empowerment” Series to Drive Widespread AI Adoption

To advance the “AI for All” Inclusive Programme, HKPC has launched the “AI with HKPC – Business Empowerment” training series, centred on practical business applications. Through a two-year training and promotion programme, HKPC will work with technology companies, chambers of commerce, labour groups and community partners to help SMEs, professionals, working individuals, labour organisations, underprivileged groups and the general public acquire AI knowledge and application skills. The initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of AI and support digital and smart transformation across industries, sectors and communities through three key focus areas:

1. Business and Industry Upgrading: Through AI-focused programmes such as “AI+ Industry Boost Training” and “SME AI Connect”, enterprises can rapidly adopt AI technologies to enhance productivity and competitiveness. Key training topics include:

• Practical Applications of Generative AI: Learning how to use generative AI tools for content creation, data analysis, and workflow optimisation.
• AI Applications Across Industries: Exploring how AI enhances efficiency, optimises operations and drives innovation in sectors including education, healthcare, manufacturing, retail and logistics.
• AI Project Workshops: Providing hands-on experience in AI application development and implementation, enabling participants to integrate AI solutions into real business scenarios.

2. Human Resources and Leadership: HKPC will continue conducting the “Hong Kong Enterprise AI Application Trends Survey” and share insights through “AI Talent Winning Tips”, helping organisations understand AI talent management and application trends while preparing for future workforce needs. Key topics include:

• AI and Career Development: Examining the impact of AI on the future workplace and helping professionals understand emerging skills requirements.
• AI Talent Management and Application Strategies: Sharing successful corporate experiences and practical strategies for AI transformation and talent development.

3. AI for ALL: Through the free online learning platform “AI BiteClass”, HKPC will provide convenient AI learning resources for SMEs, professionals, senior citizens and underprivileged communities, enabling people from all backgrounds to access AI fundamentals and the latest application trends anytime, anywhere. Key topics include:

• Introduction to AI Fundamentals: Covering basic AI concepts, operating principles, common use cases and future trends.
• Getting Started with Generative AI: Introducing generative AI tools and their everyday applications.
• AI Ethics and Responsible Use: Building awareness of responsible AI adoption, including issues relating to data privacy, bias and transparency.

“AI BiteClass” Debuts at Launch Ceremony, Bringing Global Technology Expertise to Hong Kong

As part of the launch event, HKPC presented a live edition of the “AI BiteClass”, featuring experts from HKPC and leading global technology companies, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, Huawei Cloud, Lenovo, Samsung, Tencent Cloud and Microsoft. The sessions shared practical AI techniques and real-world application cases tailored for SMEs. Through concise yet insightful presentations, the guest speakers highlighted the best practices and implementation strategies for AI, demonstrating how businesses can leverage AI to drive growth and enhance operational efficiency.

Looking ahead, the “AI BiteClass” will introduce a range of free online courses covering popular topics such as generative AI, AI agents, workflow automation, data analytics and enterprise transformation. Members of the public will be able to access practical AI learning resources at any time through the online platform or via iAM Smart.

HKPC has long positioned itself as a “technology adopter and enabler”, committed to helping enterprises transform innovation into tangible business value. Since 2024, HKPC has organised more than 600 AI training sessions, serving over 32,000 participants, including SMEs, large enterprises, HR professionals, industry leaders, students, educators and members of the public. These efforts have played a pivotal role in fostering a more competitive AI application ecosystem in Hong Kong.

A series of “AI with HKPC – Business Empowerment” activities will be rolled out progressively. Enterprises and members of the public are welcome to register via iAM Smart and stay updated on the latest programmes. Through collaboration with global technology enterprises, industry organisations and community partners, HKPC aims to bring AI into businesses, workplaces and communities, advancing the vision of “AI for All” while empowering enterprises and co-building Hong Kong’s intelligent future. For details, please visit: https://www.hkpcacademy.org/en/aiforall/

Please download the high-res photos HERE.

Photo Captions:

1. Professor SUN Dong, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, delivers a speech at the ceremony, sharing the Government’s vision for advancing the “AI for All” Inclusive Programme, accelerating AI adoption and fostering innovation and technology development in Hong Kong.
2. Professor SUN Dong, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government (middle), Mr Emil YU Chen-on, BBS, JP, Deputy Chairman of HKPC (left), and Mr Mohamed Butt, MH, Executive Director of HKPC (right) officiate the HKPC Launching Ceremony of the “AI for All” Inclusive Programme, jointly promoting AI literacy and application.
3. Mr Emil YU Chen-on, BBS, JP, Deputy Chairman of HKPC, says HKPC will help enterprises and talent master AI technologies through the “AI with HKPC – Business Empowerment” series, supporting the transition from AI awareness to practical application.
4. The “AI for All” Inclusive Programme attracts representatives from the business and innovation and technology sectors to explore the latest AI developments and application opportunities.
5. HKPC hosts an “AI BiteClass” sharing session on the day of the Launching Ceremony, inviting technology companies and industry experts to present practical AI experiences and success stories, helping enterprises enhance productivity and competitiveness through AI.

Hashtag: #HKPC

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About the Hong Kong Productivity Council

The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is a statutory body established in 1967, dedicated to enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of Hong Kong enterprises through world-class applied R&D, innovative technology services, and integrated manufacturing solutions. As a market-oriented, international R&D organisation, HKPC leverages its deep expertise and extensive industry experience in key areas such as AI, advanced manufacturing, life and health technology, green technology and new energy to drive new industrialisation and support the growth of emerging and future industries.

HKPC focuses on addressing businesses challenges and industrial technology needs, promoting the full integration between technological and industrial innovation. Through technology transfer, product innovation, intellectual property protection and commercialisation of R&D outcomes, the Council fosters collaboration with the local business community as well as top global R&D institutions, delivering added value to industries and advancing the development of new productive forces. HKPC’s world-class R&D achievements have been widely recognised over the years, winning an array of local and overseas accolades, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as an international innovation and technology centre and a smart city.

To help enterprises capitalise on Hong Kong’s strengths in international connectivity to expand into global markets, HKPC offers comprehensive overseas expansion services tailored to critical areas including product development, technology, manufacturing, and management, enabling businesses to successfully go global from Hong Kong.

HKPC is also committed to providing timely and practical support to SMEs and startups with timely and practical , assisting them in accessing Government funding programmes. Through its FutureSkills training initiatives, HKPC helps both industry and academia stay ahead in latest digital and STEM technologies, nurturing a future-ready talent pool for Hong Kong.

For more information, please visit HKPC’s website: www.hkpc.org/en.