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Hong Kong, a new opportunity for entrepreneurs?

November 3, 2026  | William MAK

Anthony Pho, William Mak, Christopher Lai and Hakim Hantat in front of the screen of the “One Question, Three Perspectives” panel, at Digital Village in Paris

On Friday 30 October 2026, at Digital Village in Paris, AJCF Networking Entrepreneuriat (Association des Jeunes Chinois de France) and Anthony Pho, founder of Should-R, brought together several speakers for a panel discussion entitled “One Question, Three Perspectives”: is Hong Kong a new opportunity for entrepreneurs?

Three perspectives, then: a legal one, from William Mak for MOSAIK; that of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), with Christopher Lai; and that of an entrepreneur already established in Hong Kong, Hakim Hantat, founder of Tones Garden.

William Mak of MOSAIK speaking at the AJCF panel on Hong Kong

The discussion notably highlighted Hong Kong’s highly attractive tax environment for entrepreneurs:

  • profits tax for corporations at 8.25% on the first HKD 2 million of assessable profits, and 16.5% thereafter;
  • territorial taxation: only Hong Kong-sourced profits are subject to profits tax;
  • no VAT and no capital gains tax.

However, be careful: a common mistake on the French side is failing to anticipate tax residence and the economic substance of the structure. Both are crucial to benefiting from these highly favourable regimes: a Hong Kong company without real substance, or in practice managed from France, risks seeing its profits caught by French tax.

Christopher Lai of the HKTDC speaking between Hakim Hantat and William Mak

But above all, beyond its attractive tax environment, Hong Kong remains a strategic gateway for entrepreneurs looking to expand their business across Asia.

The audience at the AJCF panel on Hong Kong, at Digital Village in Paris

MOSAIK would like to thank AJCF Networking Entrepreneuriat, Anthony Pho, Christopher Lai and Hakim Hantat for the quality of the discussion.

From its Hong Kong office, MOSAIK advises entrepreneurs between France and Hong Kong: choice of structure, international taxation and market entry.

The Digital Village stage before the “Hong Kong, a new opportunity for entrepreneurs?” panel

William Mak

Lawyer - Founder

Further reading

Related practice areas

01

Your Hong Kong lawyer in France

MOSAIK, French business law firm in Hong Kong (Central), French counsel for Hong Kong companies and law firms: trademarks, contracts, litigation.

02

International taxation

Permanent establishment, transfer pricing, Pillar Two: MOSAIK structures the international tax affairs of groups across Europe, Latin America and Asia-Pacific.

03

International expansion advisory

Subsidiaries, contracts, tax, local employment law: MOSAIK guides the international expansion of SMEs and mid-caps, notably in Mexico and Asia.