A high-level business delegation led by Mr John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) visited Kuwait City from May 12 to 15, successfully concluding a five-day mission to Qatar and Kuwait.

The mission aimed to deepen partnerships and explore new opportunities between Hong Kong, the mainland and the Middle Eastern market.

Mr Lee said the delegation, comprising 50 business leaders from Hong Kong and the mainland, had been impressed by both countries’ rapid development supported by substantial investment. He observed: “As Middle Eastern countries seek diversification of risk and look to join the tide of the global economic shift towards the East, Hong Kong has boundless opportunities.”

24 memoranda of understanding and announcements with Kuwaiti organisations were delivered covering a wide range of industries and sectors including trade and investment promotion, finance, law, transport and logistics, innovation and technology (I&T), agriculture, education and sport. This came on top of 35 memoranda and announcements concluded in Qatar.

Several Hong Kong-based banks and professional service firms signed agreements while the departments of trade, industry, agriculture and customs of both governments announced cooperative measures. In addition, the chambers of commerce on both sides tied up new partnerships to facilitate two-way business development, the Hong Kong Airport Authority signed an MoU with Kuwait Airways, and City University of Hong Kong announced a memorandum with Kuwait University.

The delegation also met with the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority to gain an in-depth understanding of Kuwait’s free trade zones. The meeting explored potential cooperation opportunities in areas such as logistics, manufacturing, distribution, and technology.

Cultural exchanges were also part of the program, with the delegation visiting the Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre for insights into Kuwait’s history and achievements. A high-level business luncheon, attended by 270 key officials and industry leaders, further fostered connections.

Summing up the mission, HKTDC Chairman Dr Peter K N Lam said the meetings and visits to key projects had deepened delegates’ insights into the two countries’ development priorities as they seek to transform and diversify their economies.

He said HKTDC will continue to support Qatari and Kuwaiti businesses to leverage Hong Kong's advantages in finance, innovation, technology and professional services, and invited them to attend events such as the Belt and Road Summit in September and Asian Financial Forum in January to promote opportunities related to energy transformation and smart infrastructure.