Taipei City Government Advances Global Expansion of Cultural and Creative Industries, Strengthening Hong Kong Market Through Strategic Alliances
The Taipei City Cultural and Creative Industry Support Plan, spearheaded by the Taipei City Government, continues to drive Taiwanese brands toward international markets through strategic global alliances. This year, the plan further deepens its presence in Hong Kong—not only partnering with key local retail channels and expanding points of sale, but also refining product selections based on market feedback. The initiative underscores the adaptability and competitiveness of Taiwan’s creative brands in a dynamic market landscape.
Building on the success of last year’s market entry, the 2025 program focuses on products that balance aesthetic distinctiveness and practical functionality. A curated selection of brands will participate in pop-up showcases supported by comprehensive retail collaborations aimed at strengthening consumer engagement. Three major exhibition and sales venues have been established at Eslite Spectrum Taikoo, Eslite Spectrum Tsim Sha Tsui, and Breakthrough Book Gallery in Jordan, running until October 14 (Eslite locations) and October 21 (Breakthrough). Strategically located in Hong Kong’s busiest commercial districts, these venues provide optimal testbeds for Taiwanese brands to enhance local visibility and demonstrate Taipei City’s commitment to industry internationalization.
Beyond retail showcases, the program features a series of promotional and networking activities designed to amplify brand exposure. Supported by Hong Kong consultant POPUPASIA®’s Chen Hsiao-Mai, the initiative launched with an online buyer matching event on September 11, facilitating potential collaborations between Taiwanese brands and Hong Kong partners. This was followed by the “Good to Meet You—Taipei corners: Taiwan–Hong Kong Designers Exchange” on September 25, co-hosted with the craft platform Trial and Error Lab at Breakthrough Book Gallery. The event gathered designers and artisans from both regions to exchange insights on creativity and market trends. The series culminated in the Hong Kong Market Launch Press Conference on September 26, where cultural organizations, retail representatives, and media convened to celebrate the debut of Taiwanese creative brands and the strengthening of cross-regional cooperation.
According to the project team, last year’s market study revealed Hong Kong consumers’ strong preference for products that combine cultural significance with everyday usability. Consequently, this year’s product curation emphasizes “Taiwanese cultural identity × lifestyle functionality”—featuring stationery, fragrances, and design accessories that embody the nuances of Taiwanese culture while catering to Hong Kong’s demand for aesthetic practicality.
As retail partnerships and sales networks expand, the Hong Kong market is emerging as a vital gateway for Taiwanese cultural and creative brands seeking to reach global audiences. Through diversified collaborations with Eslite Hong Kong, Breakthrough Book Gallery, Trial and Error Lab, and other cross-sector platforms, participating brands gain direct access to consumers, accumulating valuable market data and experience to support future international growth.
At the launch event, Charlene Chao, Director of Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, emphasized that the initiative goes beyond participation in trade exhibitions. It integrates strategic alliances, retail management, and market feedback mechanisms to enable brands to build sustainable growth models.
“We envision leveraging the success in Hong Kong to establish a solid foothold for Taiwanese brands across Asia,” Chao stated. “This program demonstrates Taipei City’s continued commitment to elevating the cultural and creative industries onto the global stage.”