A pivotal economic and trade cooperation event was held in Wuhan, Hubei province, on March 31, bringing together government agencies, chambers of commerce, and business representatives from Hubei, Hong Kong, and Macao, highlighting Hubei as a central hub for industry and technology in China.

Chung Wing-hei, the Chinese mainland general representative for the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, stated that with a comprehensive industrial system, strong academic resources, and abundant talent, coupled with its strategic location, Hubei is emerging as a new inland frontier for national opening-up.

Hubei's locational advantages have bolstered Hong Kong businesses' investment confidence. Yuhu Cold Chain began trial operations in Wuhan in 2025, with an annual transaction volume of around 20 billion yuan ($2.93 billion) upon reaching full capacity, creating a cold chain logistics network that covers central China and extends nationwide.

"The strategic location of Hubei maximizes cold chain transport efficiency. The integrated land, sea, air, and rail network provides crucial support for connecting domestic and international markets," said Li Yuanhua, vice-president of Yuhu Cold Chain.

Hubei's educational advantages have attracted many students from Hong Kong and Macao. Liu Kehan, a representative from Macao's Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute, noted that over 1,000 Macao residents studied in Hubei last year.

In Hankou, the Wuhan Hong Kong Center has introduced the Hong Kong Polytechnic University's Wuhan Technology and Innovation Research Institute, which serves as a landmark for technological and educational collaboration between Hubei and Hong Kong.

"We aim to further deepen cooperation with Hubei, using Hong Kong's capital and market to foster a deep integration of technology and industry, helping enterprises expand globally," said Chung Wing-hei.