With more Mainland China businesses increasingly looking to go global, Hong Kong can help them realise their global ambitions.

Our city’s fundamental strengths, coupled with our role as a gateway linking the mainland to the rest of the world, ensure we are their go-to platform for international expansion.

Founded in Shanghai in 2016, Westwell Technology leveraged Hong Kong’s dynamic platform to grow its business worldwide. Specialising in autonomous vehicles and solutions for the logistics industry, the company bolstered its international reach after opening its international headquarters and an overseas R&D centre in Hong Kong last year.

The tech innovator pledged to invest HK$300 million (~US$38 million) to create around 500 jobs at its Hong Kong operations before 2030, including 350 posts devoted to R&D.

The Hong Kong platform

The company was among the first batch of firms recruited by the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES).

With teams operating around the word, OASES helps firms set up or expand in Hong Kong, with a particular focus on strategically important sectors.

“Settling in Hong Kong is an important strategy for the company’s global expansion,” explained Chairman and Founder Tan Limin.

The company serves more than 200 customers in 28 countries and regions worldwide, including Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North Africa and Latin America.

“Hong Kong’s unique role as a superconnector and super value-adder provides all-round support for Westwell Technology to expand its global business.”

The city’s position as a renowned international business platform and supply chain management centre helped connect Westwell with a large number of potential customers, Mr Tan remarked.

“At the same time, Hong Kong’s deep talent pool in professional services – across compliance, finance, IP protection and legal services – also supported Westwell’s overseas growth, while boosting confidence in the company’s products.”

Hong Kong is ranked third in the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2025, which was published in June by Switzerland’s International Institute for Management Development.

The report affirmed our city’s first-rate commercial environment and reflected the business community’s confidence in Hong Kong's competitiveness.

Hong Kong’s fundamental strengths – from the rule of law and a simple, low-tax regime to the free flow of capital, information, goods and people – remain robust.

HKTDC support

In support of the Hong Kong SAR Government’s efforts, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has long promoted Hong Kong’s advantages in regional supply chain management (SCM) and helped mainland companies go global.

Among others, the Asian, Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC), the HKTDC’s long-running flagship event for the logistics sector, brings together senior stakeholders in Hong Kong each year to exchange insights, map out the industry’s growth trajectory and facilitate important industry collaborations.

Year-round deal-making around the world involving Hong Kong, Mainland China and overseas businesses has opened doors for companies, enhanced regional supply chains and strengthened Hong Kong’s role as a leading SCM hub.

In the midst of a rapidly changing landscape for global trade, the HKTDC is committed to connecting mainland companies with international opportunities though its events, missions and overseas promotions.

Westwell was one of the more than 20 mainland firms that took part in last month’s mission to Qatar and Kuwait, which was led by Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee and organised by the HKTDC.

As part of the delegation, Mr Tan met senior political and business leaders from Hong Kong and the Middle East, while exploring growth and collaboration opportunities in these emerging markets, key destinations in Westwell’s growth plans.

While energy and finance remain major pillars of economies in the Middle East, demand for AI services in the region’s manufacturing and services industries is growing rapidly, Mr Tan observed.

“Westwell Technology’s electric driverless vehicles and AI systems meet global ESG and carbon reduction requirements,” he added. “The market potential is huge.”

Earlier this month, Westwell also joined Europe’s biggest start-up and tech event, Viva Technology (VivaTech), which is held each year in Paris.

The HKTDC-organised Hong Kong Tech Pavilion at the trade show enabled Westwell to make all-important business connections and seize collaboration opportunities to accelerate its growth ambitions.

Westwell also participated in the China International Import Expo, where the HKTDC has been a long-time participant. It was connected to key new business contacts at one of the country’s leading trade fairs, thanks to the HKTDC.

“HKTDC’s platforms can substantially benefit business expansion by increasing a company’s brand exposure and enhancing its international reputation,” Mr Tan concluded.