The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will lead a business delegation to visit Qatar and Kuwait on May 10. The visit aims to further strengthen exchanges and connections with the Middle East region in areas such as finance, trade, investment, and innovation and technology (I&T), and to promote the latest advantages and opportunities in Hong Kong to local political and business communities.
      
     Noting that the Middle East region is experiencing rapid development with abundant capital, Mr Lee said the region is actively seeking to diversify risks, particularly by channelling investments into China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region(HKSAR), aligning with the global economic shift towards the East. Qatar and Kuwait are both economically vibrant and fast-growing countries in the Middle East region. Qatar boasts the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita among the member states of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) and serves as a crucial aviation hub in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Kuwait, currently the rotating President of the GCC, ranks third in GDP per capita among GCC member states and possesses one of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds.
      
     He highlighted that this marks his first time leading Mainland enterprises in addition to leaders from industry and commerce and professional sectors of Hong Kong in an outbound mission, aiming to leverage Hong Kong's strengths under the "one country, two systems" principle in connecting the Mainland and the world. It also aims to give full play to Hong Kong's role as a "super connector" and a "super value-adder" by deepening international exchanges and co-operation, acting as a bridge to serve enterprises in going global and attracting external investment. At the same time, it also demonstrates the complementary advantages of co-operation between Mainland and Hong Kong enterprises, creating synergies and providing comprehensive supply chain services.
      
     The HKSAR Government officials joining the Business Delegation from Hong Kong and the Mainland led by the Chief Executive of the HKSAR include the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip; the Commissioner for Belt and Road, Mr Nicholas Ho; and the Director of Information Services, Mrs Apollonia Liu.
      
     Members of the delegation include more than 50 representatives from the business community of Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises. This includes over 30 leaders from industry and commerce and professional sectors of Hong Kong and over 20 entrepreneurs from Mainland provinces such as Zhejiang, Fujian, and Guangdong. The delegation spans fields including finance, industry and commerce, trade, infrastructure, I&T, energy, and transport and logistics.
      
     Mr Lee will visit Qatar on May 11 and 12 and depart for Kuwait on the evening of May 12. During the visit, he will meet with local government leaders to enhance communication and establish collaborative consensus, enabling businesses to clearly understand the policy directions of co-operation between the HKSAR Government and the governments of both countries, and leading the promotion of cultural exchanges. He will also lead the delegation to visit facilities and enterprises to gain insights into the latest developments in such areas as finance, trade, and I&T, exploring new opportunities. He will also attend exchange events to introduce Hong Kong's advantages and investment opportunities to the local business community.
      
     Mr Lee will return to Hong Kong on May 15. During his absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will be the Acting Chief Executive.

Ends/Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Issued at HKT 9:59

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