A delegation of over 50 business leaders from Hong Kong and Mainland China, led by John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), recently completed a successful visit to Kuwait. The visit resulted in several bilateral agreements and opened new pathways for closer relations between Hong Kong and the Middle East.
Mr. Lee told nearly 300 local business leaders at a luncheon that the purpose of the visit was to explore business and investment opportunities in Kuwait. The event was titled “Partnering for Success – Hong Kong as a ‘Super Connector’ and ‘Super Value-Adder’.” He emphasized the goal of working together to create long-term benefits for Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Kuwait.
During the luncheon, government bodies, companies, and organizations from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Kuwait exchanged 24 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and cooperation agreements. These covered a wide range of areas, including economy and trade, investment, financial services, technology, legal cooperation, cargo clearance and flow, aviation, post-secondary education, and sports. Among the agreements was a new MOU between the Airport Authority Hong Kong and Kuwait Airways. This agreement aims to improve aviation connectivity between the two regions.
Mr. Lee also announced that starting May 15, the United Arab Emirates will grant Hong Kong residents visa-free access for 30 days. Additionally, Oman will extend its visa-free period from 10 to 14 days.
Hong Kong is working to build stronger ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), of which Kuwait currently holds the presidency. Mr. Lee said Kuwait plays a key role in the region’s development.
“Hong Kong’s trade with the GCC reached nearly US$20 billion last year. This is a 53 percent increase over the past four years,” Mr. Lee said. “This strong growth shows our shared commitment to advancing trade relations. I believe this growing cooperation could lead to a free trade agreement between Hong Kong and the GCC.”
Earlier in the visit, Mr. Lee met with Kuwait’s top leaders, including Amir His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, and Acting Prime Minister His Excellency Sheikh Fahad Yousuf Saud Al-Sabah. They discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in finance, trade, innovation, and technology.
Mr. Lee highlighted Hong Kong’s unique position to connect China with the world under the “one country, two systems” framework. He encouraged the Kuwaiti government and businesses to use Hong Kong as a “super connector” and “super value-adder.” He also invited them to explore new opportunities through the Belt and Road Initiative for mutual benefit.
During the visit, Mr. Lee and the delegation toured several Kuwaiti companies. They visited Bukhamseen Group Holding Company, where Mr. Lee introduced Hong Kong’s business environment, emphasizing its international outlook and professional services.
The delegation also visited Zain Group, a leading telecommunications company. They discussed innovative technologies like drones, artificial intelligence, and smart city development.
On the cultural side, Mr. Lee visited the Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre to learn about Kuwait’s arts and cultural projects. He noted that both Hong Kong and Kuwait value arts and culture. He expressed hope to deepen cultural exchanges between the two places in the future.
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