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Corporate Gifting in Hong Kong: A Complete Guide
1. Why Corporate Gifting Matters in Hong Kong
Corporate gifting plays a key role in Hong Kong’s business culture. Building relationships (“guanxi”) and showing respect are central to successful business interactions. Gifts express appreciation, celebrate milestones, and strengthen trust.
Major festivals like Lunar New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival are especially popular times for giving corporate gifts. A well-chosen, culturally appropriate gift can also help your company stand out in a competitive market.
2. Legal and Ethical Considerations
Before giving gifts, understand the legal and ethical boundaries.
- Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (POBO): Gifts connected to business dealings can raise legal risks if perceived as inducements. For public sector recipients, written permission is often required.
- Corporate Policies: Most companies have internal rules governing gifts — including value limits, reporting requirements, and approval processes.
- Transparency: Always ensure gifts are modest, infrequent, and have a legitimate business purpose. Avoid anything that might look like an attempt to influence a decision.
3. Cultural Etiquette
Understanding local customs helps avoid awkward situations.
| Aspect | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Symbolism of Items | Avoid clocks, sharp objects, umbrellas, pears, shoes, or handkerchiefs — these are associated with bad luck or separation. |
| Colours & Wrapping | Red and gold are auspicious. Avoid black or white wrapping, which are linked to mourning. Present gifts neatly and attractively. |
| Giving & Receiving | Offer and accept gifts with both hands. Recipients may politely refuse at first; this is a cultural sign of modesty. Don’t insist too forcefully. |
| Timing | Gift-giving is suitable at festive seasons, company milestones, and celebrations — but not during sensitive negotiations. |
4. Choosing the Right Corporate Gift
A good gift reflects quality, thoughtfulness, and respect for the recipient’s background.
Guiding principles:
- Quality over quantity
- Relevance and cultural appropriateness
- Avoid personal or overly intimate items
- Ensure gifts are easy to transport and store
- Respect dietary or religious restrictions
- Avoid cash or gift cards unless clearly allowed by policy
Popular gift ideas in Hong Kong:
- Premium teas and elegant tea sets
- Gourmet hampers featuring local or seasonal specialties (e.g. mooncakes, festive treats)
- Fine wines or spirits, if appropriate
- Stylish branded items (e.g. notebooks, pens, office accessories)
- Eco-friendly or socially responsible gifts
- Artistic or locally made products
5. Timing and Presentation
- Occasions: Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, Christmas, company anniversaries, project completions, retirements, or partnership celebrations.
- Avoid: Giving gifts during ongoing negotiations or tender processes.
- Presentation Tips:
- Use elegant wrapping or branded packaging
- Present gifts with both hands
- Include a short thank-you note or greeting card
- Don’t expect the recipient to open the gift in front of you
6. Dos and Don’ts
Do:
- Check both your own and the recipient’s corporate policies
- Keep gifts modest and culturally suitable
- Add a personal note of appreciation
- Record gifts if company policy requires it
- Give useful, professional items if unsure
Don’t:
- Offer expensive or overly personal gifts
- Choose items with negative symbolic meaning
- Give cash or equivalents unless explicitly allowed
- Ignore internal approval procedures
- Give gifts too often to the same person or company
7. Setting Up a Corporate Gifting Policy
If you’re managing a company’s gifting policy, include:
- Clear value thresholds (e.g., gifts under HK$500 can be accepted without approval)
- Defined terms: “gift,” “hospitality,” “entertainment,” “advantage”
- Reporting and record-keeping requirements
- Restrictions on gifts to government or public officials
- Cultural and ethical guidelines
- Staff training on compliance and etiquette
8. Logistics and Planning
- Budget: Account for wrapping, packaging, and delivery costs.
- Timing: Plan well before major festivals — demand and courier delays are common.
- Packaging: Use high-quality materials that reflect your brand.
- Delivery: Decide between personal delivery (preferred for key clients) or courier service.
- Sustainability: Eco-friendly packaging and locally sourced gifts are increasingly valued.
9. Examples and Scenarios
- Sending mooncakes to clients during Mid-Autumn Festival — traditional, symbolic, and well-received.
- Presenting a branded pen set to new partners, with both hands and a thank-you card.
- Delivering a gourmet hamper that reflects local flavours, while checking dietary preferences beforehand.
10. Final Tips
Corporate gifting in Hong Kong is about respect, sincerity, and awareness. A well-chosen, culturally appropriate gift will enhance relationships and reflect positively on your company’s values. Always combine generosity with discretion, professionalism, and cultural understanding.