Letters | 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

Reading Time:4 minutes

Visiting Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee shakes hands with Qatar’s head of state Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on May 11 in Qatar. Photo: Hong Kong’s Information Services Department

Published: 11:30am, 16 May 2025

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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.

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