The delegation aims to explore partnerships in finance, energy, and infrastructure, leveraging Hong Kong’s expertise in professional services and supply chain solutions.
Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee Ka-chiu, will lead a high-level delegation to Qatar and Kuwait this Saturday, May 10, marking his second official visit to the Middle East since taking office.
The trip follows his 2023 tour of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where he sought to strengthen economic and diplomatic relations.
“During the visit, I will meet with leaders of the two countries, and we will strengthen communications and liaison with the governments concerned,” Lee said at the weekly Executive Council meeting on Tuesday.
The 50-member delegation includes government officials, Hong Kong business leaders, and, for the first time, representatives from mainland Chinese enterprises.
The delegation will explore opportunities in finance, trade, and technology and will visit facilities that will offer better understanding of developments in these sectors. Doha News could not verify which facilities the delegation will visit in Qatar.
According to RTHK English News, Lee described Hong Kong’s role as a “super-connector” under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework, highlighting the synergy between mainland China and Hong Kong businesses.
Lee also noted: “The Middle East is developing rapidly. It has an abundant supply of funds and is keen on diversifying its risks. So this is part of the global trend in terms of gravitating towards the East.”
The Hong Kong government already has an Economic and Trade Office in Dubai, with plans to open another one in Saudi Arabia.
Qatar and Hong Kong
While China is a major trade and investment partner for Qatar, particularly in energy and infrastructure, Hong Kong has cultivated its own distinct relationship with Qatar, marked by financial collaboration and investment facilitation.
In 2014, Qatar established a consulate in Hong Kong, which aims to represent and safeguard Qatar’s interests, provide essential consular services, and promote trade, investment and cultural exchange in the region.
In 2019, Invest Hong Kong and the Qatar Financial Centre Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote mutual investments.
According to a 2022 Qatari embassy in Beijing media release, while China supports Qatar with large-scale infrastructure investments, including the Lusail Stadium and Hamad Port, Hong Kong supports financial and investment exchange, offering a platform for Qatar to diversify its economic engagement with Asia beyond energy.
In 2024, on behalf of the Hong Kong SAR Government, the Financial Services Development Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Qatar Financial Centre to deepen the collaboration across multiple financial services areas.
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