Why Irish Companies Should Choose Hong Kong
- Kristina Coluccia
- Jan 31
- 3 min read
In an increasingly complex global landscape, Irish businesses seeking growth in Asia need more than just a market—they need a launchpad. That launchpad is still Hong Kong.
Despite shifting geopolitics and global competition, Hong Kong remains one of the most dynamic and efficient gateways to Asia, particularly for Irish SMEs looking to access Mainland China, ASEAN, and beyond. With its unique position, legal transparency, and international business culture, Hong Kong continues to offer a distinct edge in 2025.
Strategic Location: The Bridge to Mainland China and ASEAN
Hong Kong sits at the heart of Asia, both geographically and economically. It provides seamless access to:
Mainland China through the Greater Bay Area (GBA), a region of 86 million people and a combined GDP larger than that of South Korea.
Southeast Asia (ASEAN), one of the fastest-growing economic blocs globally, with which Hong Kong has a free trade agreement through China’s FTA network.
For Irish companies, this means:
Selling into Mainland China without navigating the full complexity of operating there
Using Hong Kong as a regional headquarters for ASEAN expansion
Tapping into supply chains, distributors, and partners across Asia from a single hub
Legal and Regulatory Confidence: A Common Law Jurisdiction
Irish businesses feel immediately at home in Hong Kong’s legal framework. As a Common Law jurisdiction, Hong Kong offers:
Strong rule of law
Independent judiciary
Transparent contract enforcement and commercial arbitration
These legal norms are closely aligned with Ireland’s, reducing risk and giving Irish companies confidence in doing business.
Add to that its business-friendly policies:
100% foreign ownership permitted
Low corporate tax rate (16.5%)
No VAT, capital gains, or withholding taxes
And you have a jurisdiction that actively welcomes and protects international businesses.
Financial Freedom: Free Capital Flow and Strong IP Protection
Unlike many regional hubs, Hong Kong imposes no restrictions on foreign exchange or capital movement. This is critical for Irish companies engaging in:
Cross-border transactions
Dividend repatriation
Regional financing or fundraising
In parallel, intellectual property protection is robust and internationally recognized. Hong Kong ranks among the top in Asia for IP enforcement, a vital consideration for Irish medtech, software, and design-driven firms.
Sector-Specific Opportunities for Irish Companies
Hong Kong’s sector strengths line up neatly with Ireland’s global expertise:
Financial Services & Fintech
Hong Kong is Asia’s premier asset management and fintech hub
Irish fintechs can plug into mature banking infrastructure and cross-border payment networks
Regulatory sandboxes and access to investors create innovation-friendly conditions
Medtech & Life Sciences
As a regional healthcare leader, Hong Kong imports cutting-edge medical devices and diagnostics
Ireland’s medtech sector is well-positioned to serve ageing populations and growing health demand in the GBA
Food & Beverage
High demand for premium food, dairy, and alcohol
Irish F&B brands benefit from the “clean, green, high-quality” perception
HKTDC trade shows and buyer connections support export scaling
Sustainability & Green Tech
As Hong Kong pursues carbon neutrality by 2050, opportunities abound in green finance, clean energy, and environmental technologies
Despite Global Shifts, Hong Kong Holds Its Ground
It’s no secret that the global business environment has changed. But so has Hong Kong—by doubling down on innovation, infrastructure, and integration with the Mainland while keeping its international business DNA intact.
The recent revitalisation of global events like Asian Financial Forum, Belt and Road Summit, and Food Expo demonstrates Hong Kong’s continued openness and strategic relevance.
Why This Matters to Irish SMEs
For Irish companies with global ambitions, Hong Kong still delivers where it counts:
Strategic access to Asia’s largest and fastest-growing markets
Legal and financial predictability
Sector-specific synergies with Irish strengths
Strong trade and consular support
Woodburn Accountants & Advisors is one of China’s most trusted business setup advisory firms.
Woodburn Accountants & Advisors is specialized in inbound investment to China and Hong Kong. We focus on eliminating the complexities of corporate services and compliance administration. We help clients with services ranging from trademark registration and company incorporation to the full outsourcing solution for accounting, tax, and human resource services. Our advisory services can be tailor-made based on the companies’ objectives, goals and needs which vary depending on the stage they are at on their journey.