The round trip under BRI: How the Philippines and Hong Kong now grow off each other
For a Filipino enterprise weighing that move, the first thing Hong Kong puts on the table is access to capital.
Manila, Philippines — The round-trip relationship between the Philippines and Hong Kong has evolved significantly over the years. Filipino fast-food giant Jollibee recently acquired Tim Ho Wan, a renowned dim sum chain, which will now be stewarded by a Filipino enterprise and carried to markets around the world. This acquisition, along with Jollibee's decision to list its international unit in Hong Kong, highlights the strong ties between the two nations.
In 2025, two-way merchandise trade between the Philippines and Hong Kong grew by 12.9% to $15.7 billion, while services trade expanded nearly 20% to $2.4 billion. The Philippines is now Hong Kong's 13th-largest trading partner globally and its fifth-largest within ASEAN. Hong Kong's strategic position as a global financial hub and its commitment to ASEAN are evident in the presence of Economic and Trade Offices, Invest Hong Kong, and the newly established ASEAN Chamber of Commerce (Hong Kong).
These entities serve as bridges, facilitating connections between Filipino companies, ASEAN investors, and the Greater Bay Area's vast market of 88 million consumers. For Filipino firms, Hong Kong offers unparalleled access to capital, market opportunities, and a supportive environment for family-owned businesses. The city's tax incentives and streamlined processes for family offices make it an attractive destination for wealth management and business expansion.
This strategic alliance, fueled by capital and market access, is transforming the relationship between the Philippines and Hong Kong into a dynamic, mutually beneficial partnership.
Written by urgent.news from Philippine Star Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
