The Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, will lead a business delegation to the Middle East tomorrow (November 5) to explore emerging business opportunities in the Middle East markets, and to strengthen co-operation with the governments and business sector in the region in seizing the massive opportunities under the Belt and Road Initiative.

     He will visit Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on November 6 and 7. Apart from meeting with senior government officials of the UAE, he and the business delegation will attend a number of trade promotional activities. Mr Tsang will also officiate at the "Lifestyle Expo in Dubai 2016" co-organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province, and visit the latest facilities and infrastructure of Dubai.

     Mr Tsang will visit Tehran, Iran, on November 8 and 9. While in Tehran, he will call on a number of senior government officials of Iran, and deliver a keynote speech at the Iran-Hong Kong Business Cooperation Forum organised by the HKTDC, the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture and the Iran-China Chamber of Commerce and Industries. He will also on behalf of Hong Kong sign the memorandum of understanding on economic co-operation between Iran and Hong Kong.

     Mr Tsang will return to Hong Kong in the early morning on November 11. In his absence, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, will act as Financial Secretary.

Ends/Friday, November 4, 2016
Issued at HKT 15:00

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