Speech by CE at Investopia Global - Hong Kong 2025 (English only) (with video)
******************************************************************************
Your Excellency Minister Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri (Minister of Economy of United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Chairman of Investopia), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It is my great pleasure to be part of the Investopia Global Hong Kong today. I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to the United Arab Emirates, for bringing this forward-looking platform to Hong Kong. I would also like to extend a very warm welcome to our friends from the UAE and around the globe.
Since its launch in 2021, Investopia has developed into a remarkable global network. It connects investors, entrepreneurs and policymakers, fostering dialogue and creating opportunities across regions. Staging this platform in Hong Kong, for the first time, is testament to the deepening partnership between Hong Kong and the UAE.
The UAE is now Hong Kong's largest trading partner in the Middle East, and Hong Kong the UAE's seventh largest trading partner in the world. Our growing economic and trade ties are built on shared values of openness and fairness, and our vision of sustainable development.
In 2023, I had the honour of leading a high-level business delegation to visit the beautiful country of UAE. More than its friendly hospitality, I was impressed by the ambition, energy and drive of the country's booming economy.
During the visit, we concluded seven co-operation agreements between Hong Kong and the UAE. Apart from formal agreements, we have also built a strong friendship with our counterparts in the UAE, unleashing tremendous potential of our co-operation. And today's gathering, I'm pleased to say, is another big step forward in unleashing that potential.
Both Hong Kong and the UAE stand as global business hubs in strategic locations. Whereas Hong Kong connects investors with China, our country, and the Asia-Pacific, the UAE links the world with the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Together, we can form an alliance of commerce that spans continents to generate investment synergy.
Under the unique "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong is the only world city that enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage. We are the freest economy in the world, and one of the world's three most competitive economies. Our long tradition of the rule of law, and a common law system that dovetails with most global financial hubs, provide key assurances to a world of investors.
As an international financial, shipping and trade centre, Hong Kong has the infrastructure and services that provide key support to the international trade order. Our advanced ports, airports and logistics systems enhance efficiency in trade flows, supporting cross-border e-commerce and building supply chains that are fit for the future. And with the strengthened co-operation between Hong Kong and the UAE, I am confident that we will continue to witness more dual listings, increased cross-border capital flows and collaboration in green and sustainable finance.
Hong Kong offers business-friendly policies to foreign enterprises, those from the UAE very much included. By setting up your offices here, your companies can enjoy more flexibility and convenience when doing business on the Mainland, under the updated Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement. Our proximity to the Mainland and various travel facilitation schemes also means that it is easy to visit your business partners on the Mainland for meetings, conferences, or simply a cup of coffee.
Innovation is another promising area. Both our economies invest heavily in start-ups, global talent and ecosystems that inspire innovation and creativity. In Hong Kong, our expanding green technology sector and science parks are building momentum. These efforts connect well with the UAE's Hub71 and other accelerators.
With this shared commitment to excellence, it comes as no surprise that in the latest World Talent Ranking, both Hong Kong and the UAE soared to their highest-ever positions. Hong Kong climbed 12 positions in two years to come fourth in the ranking, while the UAE took a whopping 12-place leap over two years to come ninth.
Published by the International Institute for Management Development last week, the report recognised the outstanding performance of both the UAE and Hong Kong, stating that our targeted reforms and investment have resulted in significant gains in talent competitiveness over time.
Ladies and gentlemen, as we chart the path ahead, Hong Kong will continue to serve as both a "super connector" and "super value-adder" for investors from the UAE and the world. Together with the UAE, we will build deeper connections and create greater values for businesses, investors and entrepreneurs around the world in times of global economic uncertainty.
I look forward to welcoming more overseas enterprises and capital to Hong Kong in the years ahead, transforming opportunities into lasting success.
I wish you all the best of business and every success here and beyond. Thank you.
Ends/Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Issued at HKT 10:00
Issued at HKT 10:00
NNNN
Audio / Video
Speech by CE at Investopia Global - Hong Kong 2025