Zhejiang and Hong Kong have deepened ties in professional services and maritime collaboration, with new momentum for innovation, capital, and cross-border growth.
The Second Zhejiang-Hong Kong Professional Services Cooperation Conference was held in Ningbo on July 26, bringing together over 500 participants across more than 20 sectors. Among the attendees were representatives from Hong Kong's professional bodies, chambers of commerce, and industry associations, alongside Zhejiang entrepreneurs, innovation leaders, and companies eyeing public listings in Hong Kong.
In his keynote speech during the opening ceremony, Nan Cunhui, chairman of the Zhejiang Federation of Industry and Commerce, pointed to a new wave of interest in Zhejiang firms among global investors.
"The recent buzz around Hangzhou's 'Six Little Dragons' - led by tech pioneers like DeepSeek and Unitree Robotics - has raised international capital's expectations for Zhejiang and mainland companies listing in Hong Kong," Nan said.
He added that Zhejiang, with its strong presence in the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and green energy, will increasingly require international expertise in IPO advisory, legal compliance, intellectual property, and high-end consulting services.
Jonathan Choi, chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce of Hong Kong, stressed the importance of boosting innovation ties.
"Zhejiang and Hong Kong have much to gain by deepening cooperation in science and technology," he said, "We should connect universities and research platforms across both regions. Hong Kong can offer globally recognized standards in research management, risk control, and commercialization, along with legal, accounting, and listing services - all essential for building an innovation ecosystem with international reach."
The conference saw agreements for 34 projects signed on-site, with total commitments exceeding 8.7 billion yuan ($1.21 billion). Agreements spanned 13 sectors, including digital tech, trade, asset management, and cultural services.
Momentum for deeper partnerships continued with a special session on port and maritime services in Ningbo during the event. Officials and business leaders from both sides gathered to explore synergies in shipping and logistics - a sector where Ningbo and Hong Kong share both history and strategic opportunity.
"We're shifting from a traditional model dominated by shipowners and cargo terminals to a smart maritime center built on premium maritime services," said Hing Chao, chairman of the Hong Kong Chamber of Shipping.
Hong Kong's role in global shipping is well-established. Four of the world's top 10 ship management firms are headquartered in the city, and Hong Kong-registered vessels rank fourth globally in terms of gross tonnage. Ningbo, meanwhile, is growing its soft power to complement its world-class port infrastructure.
"Ningbo-based shipbid.net is China's first ship trading platform to exceed 10 billion yuan in annual transactions," said Chen Ming, president of the Ningbo Shipping Enterprises Association. "LNG bunkering at Ningbo-Zhoushan Port has surpassed 50,000 metric tons, placing us firmly in the national top three."
He added, "As local firms expand, they'll need easier access to overseas financing, insurance, arbitration, and risk services, which creates new space for Hong Kong-Ningbo cooperation."
One emerging frontier is green shipping. "International marine fuel bunkering is still in its infancy in China. By combining Ningbo-Zhoushan Port's technical base with Hong Kong's alignment with International Maritime Organization regulations, we can jointly set benchmarks for LNG operations and safety," said Hu Bo, general manager of CNOOC Zhejiang New Energy Co Ltd.
Shipbuilding is another area ripe for collaboration. "Zhejiang has a strong and cost-efficient shipbuilding sector that's making real progress in large LNG carriers," said Chen Jun, chairman of Zhejiang Seaport Financial Leasing Co Ltd, "We could help connect Hong Kong-based shipowners with Ningbo shipyards, and let those shipyards reach global markets via Hong Kong, breaking down information barriers and creating win-win results."
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