​Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) is delighted to announce today (September 18) that a summit held by the Investopia, the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) leading investment platform and ecosystem, concluded yesterday (September 17). Held in partnership with The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC), this was Investopia's inaugural summit in Greater China. Led by the Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Investment, Mr Mohammad Alhawi, the event brought together a distinguished delegation of senior government officials, chief executive officers, chamber representatives, and business leaders from the UAE, underscoring its commitment to deepening economic ties with Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.

     The event opened by a video speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee. The Investopia Chief Executive Officer, Dr Jean Fares, the HSBC Hong Kong Chief Executive Officer, Ms Luanne Lim, and the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau, also gave remarks. The HSBC UAE Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mohamed Al Marzooqi, hosted a panel discussion on the future of commerce, and how innovation in trade infrastructure is accelerating corridor connectivity.

     Hong Kong's strategic position as a gateway linking the Chinese Mainland, the UAE, and the wider Middle East and North Africa region was a key theme of the summit. The event highlighted the natural synergies between the economies, with Hong Kong's strengths in finance, fintech, and logistics complementing the UAE's role as a globally connected investment hub and a leading destination for Chinese capital and innovation.

     The event concluded with a high-level dialogue between the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan and Mr Mohammad Alhawi, reinforcing a shared vision for a dynamic UAE-Hong Kong partnership.

     The Hong Kong edition of Investopia summit signals a new chapter in UAE-Hong Kong collaboration, with the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) covering strategic sectors such as financial services, start-up ecosystems, logistics, trade infrastructure, and capital markets. These MOUs set practical frameworks for regulatory dialogue and market connectivity, co-investment, start-up soft landings, and talent exchanges. By aligning policy objectives with programs and pilots, these agreements aim to unlock new financing channels for high-growth companies, lower barriers to dual-market access, and accelerate innovation across priority sectors - laying the foundation for durable, mutually beneficial innovation and investment corridors between the UAE and Hong Kong.

     The signed MOUs included an agreement between the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC) and the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) of the UAE which establishes a Mutual Recognition Framework (MRF) for investment funds, enabling public funds authorised in one jurisdiction to be distributed in a streamlined approval process. The MOU was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the SFC, Ms Julia Leung, and the Chief Executive Officer of the SCA, Mr Waleed Saeed Abdul Salam Al Awadhi.

     The Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) also signed an MOU to enhance co-operation and strengthen connectivity between the capital markets of Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi. The MOU was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the HKEX, Ms Bonnie Chan and the ADX Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi.

     Hub71 signed a total of three MOUs, one with Cyberport, one with MTR Lab and one with the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park (HSITP). These deals will allow the parties to support start-ups in both Hong Kong and the UAE to establish a presence in each other's jurisdiction and fast-track access to grants. The three MOUs will help to incubate the most dynamic young companies, thereby increasing the vibrancy and dynamism of the business ecosystems in both places. The MOUs were signed by the Chief Executive Officer of Hub71, Mr Ahmad Ali Alwan and representatives from Cyberport, MTR Lab and the HSITP.

     Mr Alhawi said, "Since its founding, Investopia has stood as a catalyst for global dialogue, a bridge for opportunity, and a platform for connecting visionary investors and innovators. Our deepening partnership with Hong Kong - a dynamic financial hub that shares many of the UAE's ambitions and strengths - reflects the accelerating momentum of cross-border collaboration. This landmark event marks a pivotal moment, with strategic agreements that pave the way for transformative growth across high-impact sectors."

     Ms Lau said, "Invest Hong Kong's mission is to connect global businesses with opportunities in Hong Kong, and to promote and facilitate investment. As key links in the Belt and Road Initiative, Hong Kong and the UAE have distinct yet complementary roles, both being important international hubs. We see significant potential to deepen collaboration across green finance, fintech, family offices and cross-border investment. InvestHK is committed to supporting UAE businesses in their growth journey, providing them with the resources and expertise they need to thrive in this dynamic region."

     Mr Marzooqi said, "Investopia reminds us that the future of commerce lies in corridors, not borders. The corridors connecting Asia and the UAE are no longer just about moving goods, they are about enabling every kind of flow, including trade, capital, talent, and innovation. From securities services to digital trade and payments, HBSC is helping clients harness these flows with confidence. That's the true opportunity of the corridor, to turn connectivity into seamless growth."

     The UAE delegation included representatives from leading UAE government bodies and investment promotion agencies (such as the UAE Ministry of Investment, Abu Dhabi Investment Office, the SCA of the UAE, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, and HUB71), major financial institutions and sovereign wealth funds (including ADQ, Emirates Development Bank, and First Abu Dhabi Bank), chambers of commerce, and industry-leading enterprises such as EDGE, Al Dhow Holding, and Sunset Hospitality Group. Their participation reflects the UAE's strategic vision to foster global dialogue, enable partnerships, and facilitate the flow of capital into high-impact opportunities.

     Since its launch in 2021, Investopia has attracted over 11 500 participants from more than 70 countries, including hundreds of ministerial-level officials and over 1 000 global business executives. The platform continues to establish itself as a key force shaping global investment trends and driving forward-looking dialogues on the future of the world economy.

     To download the event photos, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720329097410.

Ends/Thursday, September 18, 2025
Issued at HKT 22:25

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