Technology and talent upgrade

The city's trade and logistics sector has not kept pace with digital technology because its traditional strengths were strong. There was no pressure to embrace digitalization. The local market is also tightly regulated - unlike the mainland which can launch pilot programs in remote areas to test new logistics products and services, before adoption and regulation.

Hence, the trade and logistics players are playing catch-up in technology to move up the value chain, according to HKTDC's Tsang. "Automation robotics, internet of things, and artificial intelligence, are now widely applied to improve warehouse management."

Fung Business Intelligence's Chin said Hong Kong should strengthen basic research in the Greater Bay Area as the Pearl River Delta region is still lagging in basic research that limits its ability to develop into a scientific and technology hub. With Hong Kong's strength in basic research and the availability of world-class universities, the city can bridge this missing link of the city-cluster area, and promote demand for producer services from Hong Kong.