For companies looking beyond their home markets, international expansion is becoming more than a question of finding new customers. It increasingly involves building international supply chains, developing technology partnerships, adapting products and services to local markets, and managing a growing range of regulatory and operational requirements.
This was a recurring theme at the 11th Belt and Road Summit, held in Hong Kong on 9–10 September 2026. Organised by the HKSAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), this year's Summit placed a particular focus on global business expansion, new market opportunities and cross-regional cooperation. A new GoGlobal Chapter was introduced to support enterprises exploring international markets through Hong Kong.
Fidinam colleagues attended several sessions at the Summit and identified a number of practical considerations for companies planning their next stage of international growth.
Research presented by the HKTDC highlighted the scale of this trend among mainland Chinese enterprises. Based on a survey of more than 2,000 companies, 82% planned to expand their existing overseas operations, while more than 60% were preparing to explore new business opportunities. Interest in Belt and Road markets has also increased, with companies looking beyond traditional destinations to markets across ASEAN, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and Central Asia.
The sectors identified as priorities for the coming five years include manufacturing, new energy, cross-border e-commerce, logistics, consumer brands and healthcare. Companies are also looking at overseas sourcing, sales networks and technology partnerships as part of their international strategies.
For businesses considering expansion, this points to a broader definition of “going global”. Internationalisation is not necessarily about establishing a physical presence in as many countries as possible. It can involve developing a regional supply chain, accessing new technologies, finding international partners or building sales channels in selected markets.
One of the clearest messages from the discussions was that successful internationalisation requires more than transferring an existing business model to a new country.
Companies need to understand the market they are entering, including customer needs, business practices, regulations, taxation and the wider investment environment. Localisation can also be critical: products, services and operating models may need to be adapted to local circumstances rather than simply replicated from the home market.
This requires businesses to ask practical questions before entering a new market:
Due diligence and local knowledge therefore become important parts of the expansion process, particularly when entering markets with different legal, financial and regulatory frameworks.
The discussions also highlighted that cross-border expansion is rarely limited to a single tax, accounting or legal question.
Depending on the market and business model, companies may need to address areas such as intellectual property, data security, licensing, compliance, employment, governance and financing alongside their core market-entry considerations.
This is where access to professional expertise can help companies make better-informed decisions and coordinate the different aspects of an expansion.
The HKTDC survey found that 83% of mainland enterprises with expansion plans intended to make use of Hong Kong's professional services, including financial, legal, accounting and marketing services.
Rather than treating these services as a final compliance step, businesses can involve the relevant advisers earlier in the process — when assessing potential markets, considering structures and partners, and preparing for local requirements.
This also highlights one of the recurring themes of the Summit: Hong Kong's role as a connection point between mainland China and international markets.
The 2026 Summit introduced a GoGlobal Connect Zone specifically to showcase Hong Kong's professional services and provide practical support to enterprises looking to expand overseas. The wider programme also included business matching and investment projects, reflecting the importance of connecting companies with potential partners and opportunities rather than focusing solely on market information.
The sessions attended by Fidinam highlighted several aspects of this role. Hong Kong can provide access to international professional networks and expertise, while its financial infrastructure and international business environment can support companies as they establish and develop overseas operations.
The Hong Kong–Shanghai Belt and Road session provided another perspective on this connectivity. It focused on cooperation between Hong Kong and Shanghai, international business opportunities and ways for enterprises to connect with overseas markets and investment opportunities. Rather than viewing international expansion as a single-market exercise, the discussion reflected the importance of connecting businesses, capital and expertise across different locations.
Going global does not end when a company establishes its first overseas operation.
As businesses grow, they need to consider how their structures, governance, financing and compliance arrangements will support further expansion. The Summit discussions highlighted the importance of building the foundations for growth before scaling into additional markets.
For companies based in mainland China, Hong Kong can therefore play a role at different stages of the internationalisation process: from assessing potential markets and structuring an expansion, to coordinating professional requirements and supporting operations as the business grows.
The 2026 Belt and Road Summit brought together more than 6,200 participants from over 70 countries and regions, with more than 300 investment projects and over 800 one-to-one business matching meetings.
The scale of the event reflects the growing emphasis on international connectivity and practical cooperation. For businesses considering their own next step overseas, the key takeaway is perhaps a straightforward one: successful international expansion starts well before entering the market. It requires a clear understanding of the opportunity, the local environment and the practical foundations needed to operate and grow.
For companies looking to expand internationally, having the right professional support from the outset can help turn a global growth strategy into a workable market-entry plan.
Fidinam supports companies with the practical aspects of international expansion, from market entry and corporate structuring to tax, accounting, compliance and ongoing business requirements. With teams across Hong Kong, mainland China, Singapore, Vietnam and other key international markets, we help businesses assess their options, establish the right foundations and manage their cross-border operations as they grow.
Looking to expand into new markets? Contact Fidinam to discuss your international expansion plans.