HKGCC Survey Highlights Significant Growth Potential and Cross-Border Opportunities in the Silver Economy

Over 70% of Surveyed Businesses Have Yet to Capitalise on this Expanding Market

For Immediate Release

As Hong Kong enters a new era of longevity, a staggering 70% of surveyed businesses have yet to offer products or services tailored to the silver economy, revealing a significant untapped market. According to the Silver Economy Survey conducted by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC), businesses recognise an unprecedented macroeconomic shift on the horizon but remain constrained by funding gaps and cross-border hurdles.

While the demographic shift presents lucrative opportunities, translating corporate interest into market participation remains challenging. Locally, 46.2% of respondents cited a lack of funding incentives as the primary barrier to scaling silver offerings. This was followed by internal talent and expertise shortages (29.8%) and high operating costs with unclear returns on investment (27.9%).

When asked about the main barriers preventing businesses from exploring or scaling their offerings across the border, 50.0% of respondents cited restrictions or practical difficulties in cross-border capital and fund flows as their primary challenge. This was followed by differences in regulatory, licensing, certification or product-approval requirements (32.7%) and data privacy, transfer or information-sharing requirements (31.7%).

Despite these barriers, outlook is highly positive, driven by Hong Kong’s unique institutional strengths. Businesses identified Hong Kong’s internationally recognised legal, regulatory and consumer-protection standards (66.3%) and the high quality, safety and reliability of its products (60.6%) as the city’s top competitive advantages. This is consistent with businesses’ views on consumer priorities when considering Chinese Mainland products or services, with 71.2% of respondents identifying quality, safety and reliability as an important consideration for customers seeking cross-border silver economy services.

Looking ahead, more than seven in 10 respondents (71.1%) believed that sustainability, innovation, and consumption will act as the core drivers for new business models. Companies have strategically pinpointed three priority growth areas: senior-focused consumption (26.9%), innovative technology for seniors (25.0%), and real estate and age-friendly built environments (23.1%).

“To confidently navigate the silver economy and translate untapped potential into active participation, businesses are looking for structural support”, said Patrick Yeung, CEO of HKGCC. “Our survey highlights a clear mandate for the Chamber: a majority of our members are requesting actionable research and best practices, targeted business matching, and dedicated policy and funding seminars. HKGCC is fully committed to delivering these crucial resources to help businesses translate interest into real economic growth.”

About the Survey

The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce conducted its first Silver Economy Survey to assess members’ views on business opportunities, challenges, and support needs in this rapidly evolving sector. The survey collected 104 valid responses between 15 September and 2 October 2026, comprising of respondents from SMEs (45.2%) and large enterprises (54.8%) across professional services, logistics, finance, and other key sectors.

About HKGCC Silver Economy Summit

The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce will host the HKGCC Silver Economy Summit: Reimagining Silver Innovation for Global Opportunities on 14 October 2026. Gathering senior executives, investors, and policymakers, the Summit will bring together business leaders, investors and innovators to explore how businesses can unlock new growth, capture new possibilities and shape the next phase of this fast-evolving ecosystem in Hong Kong, the GBA and beyond.

About Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC)

For 165 years, the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce has been the voice of business, growing together with Hong Kong and the business community. Our mission is to promote, represent and safeguard the interests of the business community in Hong Kong, and at the same time provide support, networks, training and business services to help the business community grow. For more details, please visit www.chamber.org.hk.

Media inquiries: Please contact Mr Jonathan Man at 2823-1229 / [email protected]