Two years since our last catch-up with Caterina Bernardini de Pace,the General Manager of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong & Macao (ICC), The Beat Asia sat down in the Chamber’s new office and event space- espresso in hand, to dive into our rebounding economy and a bright future ahead for Italy-Asia relations.
Following successful Italian National Day celebrations in June, the Chamber is gearing up for an eventful calendar, including their upcoming Annual Gala 2025 at Regent Hong Kong and Italy’s partnership with Hong Kong's Business of Design Week. Looking ahead towards the introduction of more in-depth professional services, business missions, and focused events for not just Italian business owners, but the wider ecosystem of those interested in trade between the Greater Bay Area and Italy, Caterina shares exciting insights on ICC.
Hi Caterina! It’s been two years since our last catchup, what are some of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macao’s recent accomplishments you’d like to highlight for our readers?
Wow, two years already! It feels like yesterday. In 2023, you caught me at a challenging time, just coming out of the pandemic. We worked hard, not only in Hong Kong but especially in Italy, highlighting Hong Kong’s opportunities and unique role as a gateway to the GBA [Greater Bay Area]. In recent years, we have focused on rebuilding the city’s image and our services. The Chamber’s focus has shifted from primarily hosting events to emphasizing B2B: business matching and commercial missions.
We completed three business missions in the past year alone, focusing on electronics, logistics, and innovation, with great success. That’s why we’re pushing these initiatives forward. Of course, last year’s Gala at the Regent Hotel was fantastic, and we also launched the first edition of our Business Awards.
Can you elaborate on the realignments the Chamber has made to its mission in 2025?
There’s a perception of 'golden years'—2018 and 2019, when we had many events, which were wonderful for member engagement. But after COVID, we realized we couldn’t sustain ourselves on events alone. Networking and marketing remain crucial, but we’re now committed to delivering more value through diverse services.
Did you know we offer translation, site visits, HR services, and business matching? We connect Italian companies with the best partners we can find. We introduced a special membership discount for restaurants, recognizing F&B’s challenges during COVID. We aim to build a robust network of Italian restaurants and lend our support. Engaging young talent is another priority; students or workers, and Italians returning to Hong Kong, are welcome to intern or start their careers with us. Startups benefit from our employment and marketing services, and we recently introduced marketing services for China.
Can you elaborate more on Hong Kong being a unique entry point for Italian businesses looking to expand to China and Asia?
Hong Kong is exceptional for business setup thanks to its efficiency. You can establish a company in a day or two, with minimal requirements. Strategically, it’s a gateway to China; now with high-speed rail, you can reach Shenzhen in less than 30 minutes. That connectivity is invaluable for businesses exploring Asian markets.
What’s a surprising fact about Italy-Hong Kong relations/Italian people in Hong Kong that most people wouldn’t know?
2025 marks 55 years of Italy-China diplomatic relations, a significant milestone. This year, we hosted several key visits: the President of the Republic of Italy, the President of the Senate, and our Prime Minister.
Despite differences, our cultures share many values, especially the importance of family. And wherever you go in the world, you’ll always find a pizza place and a Chinese restaurant—food truly brings us together.
In addition to business-focused events, what are some of the community initiatives the Chamber drives or takes part in?
For the first time, the Chamber took part in HOFEX this May, Asia’s leading food and hospitality tradeshow. Hosting a dedicated booth, we represented four distinguished Italian companies, providing them with a high-visibility platform to showcase Italian products, network with regional buyers, and foster business partnerships. Our participation in HOFEX marked an important milestone, strengthening the presence of Italian cuisine, beverages, and innovation within the Hong Kong market and beyond. This involvement highlights our commitment to supporting members’ growth and advocacy in major industry events.
What exciting events do you have coming up for the rest of the year?
Our signature event is the Gala in November, the culmination of our busy year. Seeing 400 guests enjoying themselves is always a rewarding experience. We welcome not only Italian organizations but any company interested in experiencing a bit of Italian style.
Italy will also partner with the Hong Kong Design Centre’s 'Business of Design Week' in December. We'll collaborate with the Italian Consul General to bring installations and large-scale design projects to Hong Kong for both November and December.
For a Hong Kong person looking to travel to Italy for the first time, which city would you recommend first time?
Now that direct flights are available, I’d certainly recommend Rome! It’s our beautiful capital, rich in history and sights. I’m from Milan, which also now has daily flights, and the city is thriving and blooming, especially in spring.
Any closing words for the community?
Trust in the work of chambers. We devote tremendous effort and have a fantastic team ready to help with any business matters. We’re here for everyone, not just Italians!
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Learn more about the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong & Macao here, and follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for more updates!
