World Brand Day 2026: Hong Kong Positioned as a Global Brand Hub Supporting Corporate Internationalization

(Hongkong, 10 May 2026) 

European Expert: Chinese Brands Gain Global Trust

Gerhard Hrebicek, a leading figure in global brand rating standardization and Chairman of the European Brand Research and Rating Committee, believes that Chinese brands are on the rise, with their long-term five-year plans focusing on improving the quality of "Made in China." Hrebicek also noted that brand value is proportional to GDP. According to research, there is approximately a 92% correlation between the two—meaning the higher the brand value in a region, the higher its GDP.

Hrebicek stated, "Chinese brands have gone through four development stages." Before 2010, Chinese enterprises adopted a global factory model focused on output, scale, and efficiency. The second stage was "Made in China," during the period from 2010 to 2020, when Chinese enterprises showed ambition in innovation, patent applications, R&D investment, and quality to build brands. The third stage is "Chinese Brands," starting from 2020 to 2025, during which brands like Alibaba (09988), Huawei (0121), and BYD (01211) gained trust in the global market. The fourth stage is after 2026, where Chinese brands gain trust in the global market. Hrebicek stressed that trust is the cornerstone of relationship growth. Building lasting trust requires consistency and transparency, which must be achieved through consistency, adherence to international standards, and the establishment of sincere relationships.

Hong Kong Builds World Brand Center to Help Mainland Companies Go Global

John Lee: Continuously Optimize the Trademark Registration System to Enable Brands to Innovate and Expand Markets with Confidence

Significant Milestone

The "2nd World Brand Conference and World Brand Sunset Hong Kong Gala" was held yesterday. Chief Executive John Lee stated in a video address at the summit that the global economy is rapidly moving towards a development model centered on creativity, technology, and innovation, and protecting intellectual property (IP) has become the key to corporate competitiveness and economic growth. Under the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, Hong Kong possesses the unique advantage of "leaning on the motherland while connecting with the world," serving as a crucial platform for national enterprises and brands to go global. Under a sound and transparent institutional environment, Hong Kong brands can shine on regional and international stages. Cai Guanshen, Chairman of the International Academy of Brand Science, pointed out that Hong Kong, with its unparalleled advantages and truly deserved status as a super hub, is the pinnacle of excellence for hosting such a world-class brand event.

Hong Kong's IP System Recognized, Providing Comprehensive Protection

Lee said that as the global economy rapidly moves towards a development model centered on creativity, technology, and innovation, protecting IP has become a priority for corporate competition and economic growth. Under "One Country, Two Systems," Hong Kong holds the unique advantage of "leaning on the motherland and connecting with the world," consistently serving as a vital platform for domestic and foreign enterprises' innovation and growth. The protection of IP rights in Hong Kong is widely recognized internationally, providing comprehensive safeguards for brand creation, management, and commercialization.

The SAR government continues to simplify the trademark registration system and crack down on infringement, safeguarding brand reputation and consumer confidence, while promoting a culture of respecting IP among the public. Under a sound and transparent institutional environment, Hong Kong brands can innovate with confidence, expand their markets, enhance their value, and further shine on regional and international stages.

The SAR government actively supports mainland enterprises and brands in going global. Last year, the Mainland Enterprises Service Office was established to assist mainland enterprises and brands in expanding overseas through Hong Kong's international platform. As the business capital of Asia, Hong Kong offers mainland brands more high-quality market aggregation and display opportunities.

Cai Guanshen: Adding Momentum to China's National Brand Power Strategy

Cai stated that the World Brand Sunset Hong Kong is both an honor and a mission. As a world-renowned international financial, trade, and shipping hub, Hong Kong, with the unique advantages of "One Country, Two Systems," boasts massive professional service capabilities and a super-hub status connecting China and the world, making it a well-deserved host for a world-class brand event.

Cai emphasized that Hong Kong has topped the list as the world's freest economy. Moreover, it injects strong new momentum into China's strategy of building a nation of powerful brands. For the world, this marks the formation of a new, more open, diverse, and inclusive platform for global brand evaluation and exchange, which will surely accelerate the formation of a new pattern of global brand cooperation.

The 2nd World Brand Conference was hosted by the International Academy of Brand Science, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Entrepreneurs Alliance, and the International Brand Strategy Association.

Formulating Management System Standards to Consolidate the Foundation for Development

Only by doing so can the core of brand development be truly implemented. He believes that rapid product innovation, excellent performance, and good corporate governance in brand management are the true foundations for building a great brand. Basically, to create a brand, one must define standards. This is done through the ISO 20671 standard. This standard is not just a slogan or a label; it represents the very foundation behind a brand.

Achieving Enhanced Influence

Li Tienan stated that over the past few days, he has discussed with international experts how to formulate brand management system standards under the framework of ISO/TC 289, introducing management concepts and closed-loop management into the field of brand management to give enterprises a voice. Taking Anker as an example, after receiving its international certification license, the company was able to enhance its influence on the Amazon platform, thereby boosting its sales performance.