Latest news with #businessdelegation
Malay Mail
24-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Hong Kong and Middle East: Partnering for Success
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 24 May 2025 - Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), John Lee, hailed as a "success" his recent visit to the Middle East (May 10-15), where he led a delegation of more than 50 business leaders and entrepreneurs from Hong Kong and Mainland China on a visit to Qatar and Kuwait."This Middle East visit has elevated Hong Kong's relations with Qatar and Kuwait to a new level, bringing more business opportunities to Hong Kong," Mr Lee up the trip, the Chief Executive said the delegation had achieved three key objectives: to strengthen government-to-government relations; to find new areas of collaboration; and to make friends and extend networks in the region."We share a common commitment to deepening bilateral co-operation in trade, investment and cultural exchanges," Mr Lee said, noting his roundtable discussion with senior Kuwaiti officials hosted by the Acting Prime Minister of Kuwait His Excellency Sheikh Fahad Yousuf Saud Chief Executive highlighted six particularly successful areas of the strengthening relations with the governments of Qatar and Kuwait, and building consensus for reaching a total of 59 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and agreements (35 in Qatar and 24 in Kuwait), laying a diversified foundation for multifaceted leveraging Hong Kong's strengths under "one country, two systems" as a "super connector" and "super value-adder", bridging global opportunities and linking the Mainland and the bolstering ties between Hong Kong and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. The Chief Executive, together with his previous Middle East mission to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in 2023, has visited four of the six GCC member states. "The HKSAR Government is now actively exploring a free trade agreement with the GCC to further access this vital market," Mr Lee deepening mutual understanding and strengthening business networks and connections by promoting the strengths and opportunities of Hong Kong and Mainland China to partners in Qatar and advancing cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections with GCC countries."Middle East countries are seeking diversification of risks and looking for opportunities in (Mainland) China and the HKSAR in order to join the tide of the global economic shift towards the East," Mr Lee said."In this, Hong Kong has boundless opportunities."Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #collaboration #partnering #middleeast #beltandroad #kuwait #qatar The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Zawya
24-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Hong Kong and Middle East: Partnering for Success
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 24 May 2025 - Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), John Lee, hailed as a "success" his recent visit to the Middle East (May 10-15), where he led a delegation of more than 50 business leaders and entrepreneurs from Hong Kong and Mainland China on a visit to Qatar and Kuwait. "This Middle East visit has elevated Hong Kong's relations with Qatar and Kuwait to a new level, bringing more business opportunities to Hong Kong," Mr Lee said. Summing up the trip, the Chief Executive said the delegation had achieved three key objectives: to strengthen government-to-government relations; to find new areas of collaboration; and to make friends and extend networks in the region. "We share a common commitment to deepening bilateral co-operation in trade, investment and cultural exchanges," Mr Lee said, noting his roundtable discussion with senior Kuwaiti officials hosted by the Acting Prime Minister of Kuwait His Excellency Sheikh Fahad Yousuf Saud Al-Sabah. The Chief Executive highlighted six particularly successful areas of the trip. First, strengthening relations with the governments of Qatar and Kuwait, and building consensus for collaboration. Second, reaching a total of 59 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and agreements (35 in Qatar and 24 in Kuwait), laying a diversified foundation for multifaceted co-operation. Third, leveraging Hong Kong's strengths under "one country, two systems" as a "super connector" and "super value-adder", bridging global opportunities and linking the Mainland and the world. Fourth, bolstering ties between Hong Kong and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. The Chief Executive, together with his previous Middle East mission to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in 2023, has visited four of the six GCC member states. "The HKSAR Government is now actively exploring a free trade agreement with the GCC to further access this vital market," Mr Lee said. Fifth, deepening mutual understanding and strengthening business networks and connections by promoting the strengths and opportunities of Hong Kong and Mainland China to partners in Qatar and Kuwait. Sixth, advancing cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections with GCC countries. "Middle East countries are seeking diversification of risks and looking for opportunities in (Mainland) China and the HKSAR in order to join the tide of the global economic shift towards the East," Mr Lee said. "In this, Hong Kong has boundless opportunities." Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #collaboration #partnering #middleeast #beltandroad #kuwait #qatar The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Information Services Department, Hong Kong SAR Government
South China Morning Post
16-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong strengthens role as China's gateway to the Middle East
Readers discuss the Hong Kong business delegation's trip to Qatar and Kuwait, the lessons of Victory Day, and the US crackdown on overseas students Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@ or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification As a member of Hong Kong's business delegation visiting Qatar and Kuwait this week, I am excited to share my experience of it. This mission heralds an exciting new stage in Hong Kong's evolution as China's gateway to the Middle East. I am honoured to have been a part of it. Under the leadership of Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, this mission came at a time of heightened global economic uncertainty. It was rewarding to see Hong Kong reaffirm its strategic role as a 'superconnector' to China, showing the city's vast potential as a 'super value-adder' in trade, commerce, finance and world-class professional services. The success of our trip is evident in the numbers: we witnessed the signing of over 50 agreements in key areas such as advanced manufacturing, financial markets, legal cooperation, investment and technology. It is inspiring to think how these agreements will accelerate Hong Kong-Middle East connectivity, especially with trade between Hong Kong and the Gulf Cooperation Council nations having soared by 53 per cent in the past four years. Having been on the chief executive's delegation to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates two years ago, I appreciate the unique composition of our delegation this time. With 20 top mainland entrepreneurs collaborating alongside 30 Hong Kong business leaders, we exemplified the immense advantages of 'one country, two systems'. This collaboration highlighted Hong Kong's international connectivity and openness, paving the way for new market opportunities. Our engagement with Qatar, driven by its ambitious National Vision 2030, and Kuwait, home to one of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds, opens new avenues for shared prosperity. Hong Kong's zero-tariff policy and status as a free port make us the perfect partner for Middle Eastern businesses seeking reliable trade relationships. This mission also underscored the vibrancy of Hong Kong's world-class professional services sector. Our integrated solutions in accounting, legal and financial services empower mainland enterprises to optimise their global operations and embrace important principles like environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices and the digital transformation. It's clear that Hong Kong is an indispensable conduit for Chinese companies to thrive in international markets. Newsletter Every Saturday Hong Kong Update By submitting, you consent to receiving marketing emails from SCMP. If you don't want these, tick here {{message}} Thanks for signing up for our newsletter! Please check your email to confirm your subscription. Follow us on Facebook to get our latest news. This successful delegation reinforces Hong Kong's vital role in China's national development strategy. By merging our global expertise with the mainland's industrial strength, we're creating powerful synergies that benefit everyone involved. The agreements and partnerships forged during this mission will not only enhance Hong Kong's and China's competitiveness but also open up new economic horizons. As Hong Kong continues to evolve and solidify its position as a global financial hub, I am thrilled to witness our role as a bridge between China, the Middle East and the world grow stronger than ever. Eliza C.H. Chan, member, Hong Kong's Executive Council, and senior adviser, Deloitte China US-led order has been the greatest force for peace Victory Day this year marked 80 years since World War II ended, symbolising the defeat of Nazism and fascism and the creation of the long peace sustained by the West and the United States. The carnage of the two world wars reinforced the need to defend the rules-based order maintained primarily by the US, the key guardian of democracy, freedom and stability. As US President Donald Trump stated, without American involvement, victories in both wars would not have been possible. The US-led order has been the greatest force for peace and progress. Post-World War II, it established a new system grounded in collective security, rule of law and open markets. Nuclear deterrence, democratic norms and alliances such as Nato prevented war and upheld the longest period of peace among great powers in modern history. The Western-led international order has been the first to act in cases of genocide, famine or natural disaster, securing the sanctity of life. The US system allowed demilitarised growth in Japan and Europe. Thanks to the global economic integration under US rules, the number of people living in extreme poverty worldwide dropped substantially. In 1990, more than 1.9 billion people lived under the World Bank's extreme poverty line. By 2019, that number had fallen to about 650 million. More than 1 billion people were lifted out of extreme poverty in one generation, where the stability and openness of the post-Cold War international order allowed capital and goods to reach more places, creating jobs and raising incomes. Defending this order isn't about resisting change but preserving core principles: aggression is unacceptable, laws apply to all and democracy is worth protecting. The cost of maintaining this order is real, but the cost of losing it would be catastrophic. The long peace must not be taken for granted. Collins Chong Yew Keat, foreign affairs analyst, Universiti Malaya Young people should rethink studying in the US I refer to your editorial, 'US shooting itself in foot with crackdown on overseas students' (May 12). The Trump administration's weaponisation of student visas to suppress those advocating for Palestinian rights has created an atmosphere of fear on US campuses. Students were detained simply for participating in protests supporting the Palestinian cause. These actions reflect a broader strategy to intimidate and silence dissent. The Trump administration's claim that visas are a 'privilege' that can be revoked at any time serves as a chilling reminder of how political dissent can be criminalised. It illustrates the extent to which US President Donald Trump will go to achieve his agenda, using intimidation as a tool against those who dare to speak out. The current environment is not conducive to career development or intellectual growth, particularly for those advocating for justice and equality. As the US increasingly becomes a hostile place for progressive thinkers, young people studying there should consider moving to Asia or Europe, where they may find more supportive environments for their aspirations and ideals. Stanley Ip, Sai Wan Ho
South China Morning Post
16-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong strengthens role as China's gateway to the Middle East
Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form . Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification Advertisement As a member of Hong Kong's business delegation visiting Qatar and Kuwait this week, I am excited to share my experience of it. This mission heralds an exciting new stage in Hong Kong's evolution as China's gateway to the Middle East. I am honoured to have been a part of it. Under the leadership of Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, this mission came at a time of heightened global economic uncertainty. It was rewarding to see Hong Kong reaffirm its strategic role as a 'superconnector' to China, showing the city's vast potential as a 'super value-adder' in trade, commerce, finance and world-class professional services. The success of our trip is evident in the numbers: we witnessed the signing of over 50 agreements in key areas such as advanced manufacturing, financial markets, legal cooperation, investment and technology. It is inspiring to think how these agreements will accelerate Hong Kong-Middle East connectivity, especially with trade between Hong Kong and the Gulf Cooperation Council nations having soared by 53 per cent in the past four years. Having been on the chief executive's delegation to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates two years ago, I appreciate the unique composition of our delegation this time. With 20 top mainland entrepreneurs collaborating alongside 30 Hong Kong business leaders, we exemplified the immense advantages of 'one country, two systems'. This collaboration highlighted Hong Kong's international connectivity and openness, paving the way for new market opportunities. Advertisement Our engagement with Qatar, driven by its ambitious National Vision 2030, and Kuwait, home to one of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds, opens new avenues for shared prosperity. Hong Kong's zero-tariff policy and status as a free port make us the perfect partner for Middle Eastern businesses seeking reliable trade relationships.
Jordan Times
15-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Jordanian economic delegation to visit Syria in landmark trip since regime change
Passenger vehicles wait in line to enter Syria after the Jaber/Nasib crossing between Jordan and Syria (JT file) AMMAN — A high-level Jordanian economic delegation representing the Kingdom's commercial and service sectors will make an official two-day visit to Syria starting May 26, marking the first such visit since the fall of the previous Syrian regime. The delegation, organised under the Jordan Chamber of Commerce (JCC) and in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Jordanian Embassy in Damascus, and the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce, aims to explore prospects for enhanced economic cooperation between the two countries' private sectors, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 'This is the first official commercial and service sector visit under the JCC, and it represents the largest private-sector delegation to Syria in over a decade,' said JCC President Khalil Hajj Tawfiq. The delegation will include presidents of Jordan's chambers of commerce and representatives from various sectors. During the visit, Jordanian officials will meet with Syrian ministers of economy, trade, and services, as well as prominent figures from the Syrian private sector. According to Hajj Tawfiq, discussions will focus on establishing a joint Jordanian-Syrian Business Council and organising a bilateral business forum in Amman aimed at fostering deeper economic integration. The JCC president said the visit reflects Jordan's commitment to supporting Syria's economic recovery, especially amid regional efforts to ease sanctions and reintegrate Syria into the Arab and international community. 'The Jordanian private sector stands ready to assist its Syrian counterpart in building a strong, open economy, especially one that is closely connected with Jordan,' Hajj Tawfiq noted. He underscored the need for both governments to remove trade barriers and facilitate smoother cross-border commerce. He also called for the development of investment partnerships, increased transit trade, joint business events, and the exchange of investment information. Figures from the Amman Chamber of Commerce show that Jordanian exports to Syria reached JD35.4 million in the first two months of 2025, while imports stood at JD8.3 million. DaifAllah Abu Aqouleh, president of the Association of Owners of Clearance and Transport Companies, said any concrete move to lift economic sanctions on Syria would directly benefit Jordan's logistics and transport sectors. 'Syria remains a vital transit route for Jordanian exports to Lebanon, Turkey, and Europe,' he said. 'Lifting restrictions would reduce shipping costs, boost trade via the Jaber-Nassib border crossing, and revive Jordan's freight industry.' Abu Aqouleh added that improved trade flows could create new jobs in logistics, attract investment in storage and support services, and enhance tourism between the two nations. He also pointed to the potential for increased competitiveness of Jordanian ports as regional trade routes reopen. 'Jordan can play a pivotal role in Syria's reconstruction through its logistics and transport infrastructure,' he said, calling for a joint public-private strategic plan to seize emerging opportunities. In a major development on Tuesday, former U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking from Riyadh, announced the lifting of long-standing Assad-era sanctions on Syria. Calling the sanctions 'brutal and crippling,' Trump said it was now Syria's 'time to shine,' and that easing restrictions would 'give them a chance at greatness.' The Syrian Foreign Ministry welcomed the decision, calling it a 'pivotal turning point' that would help restore stability, attract investment, and accelerate the country's reintegration into the global economy
