What Hong Kong Trade Development Council does

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory trade promotion body established by the Hong Kong SAR Government in 1966, currently employing 1,001-5,000 people across 51 global offices. The organization serves as Hong Kong's official international trade facilitator, organizing flagship exhibitions, conferences, and trade missions while positioning the city as a "superconnector" between mainland Chinese enterprises and global markets. It supports Hong Kong SMEs, startups, and international companies seeking to access Chinese and regional supply chains.

HKTDC's core product ecosystem centers on the HKTDC Sourcing Platform (a digital B2B marketplace spanning 10+ product categories including electronics, fashion, food, jewellery, and industrial machinery), the EXHIBITION+ hybrid exhibition model integrating physical shows with AI-powered Click2Match and Scan2Match digital business matching tools, and a portfolio of 30+ flagship events including the Hong Kong Book Fair (770+ exhibitors from ~30 countries), Food Expo, FILMART (790 exhibitors from 38 countries, expanded AI Hub), the Asian Financial Forum (4,000+ leaders from 60+ countries), and recent launches including the RoboPark humanoid robotics showcase and Hong Kong Web3 Festival 2026. Supporting programs include T-box (free 3-month SME transformation), Start-up Express (entrepreneurship development), HKStartup Society, GoGBA (Greater Bay Area market entry), and the Hong Kong Design Gallery.

The business model combines fee-based exhibition services (booth rentals, sponsorships, business matching), government appropriations, and free SME support programs. Revenue is not publicly disclosed given HKTDC's statutory nature. Go-to-market is event-driven with enterprise field sales through global offices and channel partnerships (HKSTP, Cyberport, Bank of China). Customer segments include mainland Chinese enterprises, Hong Kong SMEs and startups, publishing and cultural industries, film and entertainment, and healthcare/biotech sectors.

Name

Hong Kong Trade Development Council

Legal name

Hong Kong Trade Development Council

Website

https://hktdc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1966

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

HKTDC is a Hong Kong SAR Government statutory body founded in 1966 that organizes 30+ flagship trade exhibitions annually across 51 global offices, operating digital B2B sourcing and AI-powered business matching platforms to connect mainland Chinese firms, Hong Kong SMEs, and international buyers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Wan Chai

HQ country

Hong Kong SAR China

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Exhibition and Event Services: HKTDC organizes and hosts major trade exhibitions and conferences in Hong Kong and internationally, facilitating trade connections and business matching between exhibitors and buyers from global markets
2. Trade Promotion and Advisory Services: Provides advisory support, market intelligence, and business matching services to help SMEs and mainland Chinese firms expand internationally through its global office network
3. Research and Market Intelligence: Publishes market research reports including Export Confidence Index, silver economy surveys, and industry analysis through HKTDC Research portal

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory trade promotion body that organizes international exhibitions, conferences, business missions and trade fairs to create business opportunities for companies. It operates a digital B2B sourcing marketplace connecting global buyers with suppliers, offers AI-powered business matching tools (Click2Match, Scan2Match, EXHIBITION+), and provides SME support programs including T-box, Start-up Express, and HKStartup Society.

Product overview

Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) operates as a statutory trade promotion body offering a comprehensive platform ecosystem for international trade and business development. The core offering centers on the HKTDC Sourcing Platform (hktdc.com/sourcing) — a digital B2B marketplace enabling global buyers to source products across 10+ categories including electronics, fashion, food, gifts, health, housewares, jewellery, and industrial machinery. This platform is enhanced by AI-powered digital matching tools Click2Match and Scan2Match, which are part of the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model that extends physical exhibitions to online business matching. Supporting services include SME support programs (T-box Programme for transformation, Start-up Express for entrepreneurs, HKStartup Society community), GoGBA for Greater Bay Area market entry, and the Hong Kong Design Gallery for creative industry support. HKTDC's flagship events include the Hong Kong Book Fair, Food Expo series (public and PRO trade versions), Beauty & Wellness Expo, Home Delights Expo, Sports and Leisure Expo, and World of Snacks, collectively attracting thousands of exhibitors and buyers annually. The organization also provides market research through HKTDC Research and facilitates business connections via its Business Matching Service.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• HKTDC Sourcing Platform Digital B2B marketplace and sourcing platform enabling global buyers to search, connect with, and procure products from suppliers across multiple categories including electronics, fashion, food, gifts, health, housewares, industrial machinery, jewellery, and printing & packaging.
• EXHIBITION+ Hybrid exhibition model integrating online-and-offline trade show formats, extending face-to-face interactions from world-class exhibitions in Hong Kong to an online smart business matching platform.
• T-box Programme (Transformation Sandbox) Free 3-month SME transformation support program helping small and medium enterprises achieve goals in branding, digital transformation, manufacturing and supply chain solutions, new markets, and sustainability.
• Start-up Express Entrepreneurship development program offering exposure, mentorship, and global market access through pitching and networking events for startups.
• HKStartup Society Community platform connecting startups for collaboration and resource sharing, fostering peer learning and brand visibility.
• GoGBA One-stop platform providing market intelligence, travel tools, workshops, and advisory services for businesses navigating Greater Bay Area opportunities.
• Hong Kong Design Gallery Platform showcasing Hong Kong design brands through physical stores and online presence, connecting designers with international buyers.
• Hong Kong Book Fair Flagship annual cultural event uniting publishers, authors, and readers to promote reading culture, expected to draw over 770 exhibitors from approximately 30 countries, featuring an International Publishing Forum focused on AI integration.
• HKTDC Food Expo Major food and beverage trade exhibition featuring international pavilions, gourmet zones, and business matching opportunities. Includes concurrent public and trade events.
• HKTDC Food Expo PRO Trade-focused food and beverage exhibition with B2B matching, featuring specialized zones including Food Science and Technology, Halal products, and Coffee, with international pavilions.
• HKTDC Beauty & Wellness Expo Public exhibition showcasing beauty and wellness products, featuring health testing services, brand showcases, and concurrent wellness activities.
• HKTDC Home Delights Expo Public exhibition featuring home décor, furnishings, interior design, and household products with exhibitor success stories and sales outcomes.
• HKTDC Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo Public exhibition showcasing sports and leisure brands, products, and experiences with interactive summer activities for all ages.
• HKTDC World of Snacks Public exhibition featuring snacks and treats from around the world, organized into zones including Chocolate and Sweet Factory, Travel Delight, Oldie Snacks, and Yummy & Healthy.
• International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products Professional conference focusing on traditional Chinese medicine modernization and health products, featuring research presentations, industry collaboration, and regulatory updates.
• HKTDC Research Comprehensive market research and intelligence platform providing research reports, export confidence indices, and business opportunity analysis.
• Business Matching Service Digital matching and business connection service facilitating introductions between suppliers and buyers globally.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 800 one-on-one business matching meetings at 19th Asian Financial Forum between investors and projects
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability6 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Bank of ChinacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 June 2026Strategic alliance between HKTDC and Bank of China to position Hong Kong as a 'superconnector' for mainland Chinese companies venturing overseas. The partnership leverages Bank of China's financial services capabilities with HKTDC's trade promotion expertise.
• Hong Kong Special Administrative Region GovernmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 May 2026Joint organization of 5th International Healthcare Week featuring 6th Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH) and 17th Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair, positioning Hong Kong as Asia's hub for healthcare innovation and investment.
• CyberportcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 April 2026Strategic alliance for Hong Kong Web3 Festival 2026, bringing together over 100 partners to cover crypto finance, AI + Web3, and Real World Assets (RWAs). Festival featured prominent speakers including Vitalik Buterin, Yi He, and Justin Sun.
• Hong Kong SAR GovernmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 January 2026Joint organization of 19th Asian Financial Forum attracting over 4,000 global leaders from 60+ countries, featuring inaugural Global Business Summit and deal-making sessions facilitating over 800 one-on-one meetings between investors and projects.
• Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint organization of Hong Kong Tech Pavilion at major international events including CES 2026 (61 companies), MWC 2026 (21 companies), and VivaTech 2026. Partnership aims to showcase Hong Kong's innovation ecosystem and facilitate international market access for tech companies.
• Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations WorldwidecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organization of the 26th Hong Kong Forum attracting over 320 participants from 33 countries, focusing on leveraging Hong Kong's advantages for international expansion and collaboration between Chinese Mainland and global markets.
• Bouygues ConstructionmajorTechnology or IntegrationPartnership expanded at VivaTech 2026 enabling Hong Kong startups to access Bouygues Construction's 'Scale One' program for prototyping and commercialisation in Europe.
• AlgreenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMoU signed between Algreen and ForNatures (South Korea) at VivaTech 2026 as part of HKSTP's Asia-Europe Innovation Gateway initiative.
• RobocoreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMoU between Robocore and ARCHTYP (Slovenia), plus robot supply deal with JCDecaux (France) signed at VivaTech 2026 as part of HKSTP delegation outcomes.
• HSBC EgyptminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership to boost garment and textiles trade corridor between Hong Kong and Egypt, hosting business missions in Cairo connecting Hong Kong apparel companies with Egypt's manufacturing sector advantages.
• JCDecauxminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRobot supply deal signed between Robocore (Hong Kong startup) and JCDecaux (France) at VivaTech 2026, demonstrating Hong Kong tech company capability in international markets.
• Greater Bay AirlinesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAgreement between HKTDC and Greater Bay Airlines to promote Hong Kong as a global trade and tourism hub, signed during 15th Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference.
• Shanghai Gold ExchangemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation agreement signed between Hong Kong's Financial Services and Treasury Bureau and Shanghai Gold Exchange to strengthen Hong Kong's role as an international gold trading hub.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Messe Frankfurt: One of the world's largest private trade fair organizers, operating flagship exhibitions across consumer goods, textiles, lighting, and technology. Highly comparable to HKTDC's multi-vertical exhibition portfolio and similar target buyer base of international trade professionals.
• Informa: Global B2B events, exhibitions, and intelligence group operating hundreds of trade shows worldwide (including Informa Markets). Closest large-cap public peer to HKTDC's combination of trade exhibitions, conferences, and market research.
• Reed Exhibitions (RX, part of RELX): Operates over 400 trade exhibitions across 30+ countries, overlapping with HKTDC's flagship fair categories (electronics, gifts, luxury, healthcare). Closely comparable in business model — physical exhibitions as core monetization engine.
• Global Sources: Hong Kong-headquartered B2B sourcing media company running Global Sources exhibitions and online marketplaces. Direct competitor to HKTDC Sourcing and to HKTDC's electronics/gifts fairs, particularly for cross-border China-to-world sourcing.
• Messe München (Messe Muenchen): Major German exhibition organizer running world-leading B2B trade fairs (Bauma, IFAT, drinktec). Comparable multi-vertical exhibition model serving international buyers, particularly relevant for HKTDC's high-tech and industrial fairs.

Broad incumbents

• Alibaba Group: Operates Alibaba.com, the world's largest B2B cross-border sourcing platform. While not an exhibition organizer, it competes directly with HKTDC's digital sourcing platform and EXHIBITION+ tools by offering always-on AI-powered supplier-buyer matching.
• China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT): Mainland China's national foreign trade promotion body, running its own trade fairs and overseas missions. Closest government-trade-promotion analog to HKTDC, with overlapping mandate to promote Chinese firms going global.

Regional players

• Singapore EXPO / Constellar: Singapore's flagship MICE venue and event organizer, increasingly positioned as a regional alternative to Hong Kong for international trade exhibitions. Comparable in venue-based exhibition business model and ASEAN trade flow focus.

Others

• UFI (Global Association of the Exhibition Industry): Global trade association representing exhibition organizers, venue operators, and service providers. Not a direct competitor but the industry body that sets standards HKTDC's events are benchmarked against, providing comparable peer benchmarking data.
• Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC): Managed venue that hosts the majority of HKTDC's flagship exhibitions including FILMART, Book Fair, and Asian Financial Forum. While not a peer in exhibition organizing, HKTDC's event economics are tightly coupled to HKCEC's venue capacity and pricing.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/hktdc
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/HKTDC
• Facebookfacebook.com/174754955870846
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hong-kong-trade-development-council

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hong Kong Trade Development Council