KUWAIT CITY, May 7: A high-level business delegation led by John KC Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (HKSAR), and organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will visit the State of Kuwait from 13 to 15 May, 2025 to promote Hong Kong as a two-way platform between Mainland China and the world and to explore new avenues of cooperation aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative and Kuwait Vision 2035. This landmark visit, the first to involve representatives from Mainland China, underscores Hong Kong’s role as a global hub for finance, trade, investment, and cultural exchange.

The delegation – consisting of over 50 senior representatives from Hong Kong and the mainland – will engage with local chambers of commerce and key corporations to explore collaboration, investment, and mutual growth opportunities. The highlight of the visit will be the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). This three-day visit reflects Hong Kong’s efforts to promote cooperation between Hong Kong, the Mainland, and the Middle East. Additionally, the visit aims to deepen economic and trade relations and enhance cultural exchange while exploring opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) through mutually beneficial collaboration.

Delegates will explore emerging sectors such as innovation and technology, transportation, new energy, and sustainable development, in addition to traditional industries like finance, trade, logistics, and professional services. In 2024, as part of its efforts to strengthen bilateral trade, investment opportunities, and strategic alliances, Hong Kong deepened its ties with Kuwait, which ranked as its sixth-largest Middle East trading partner, and its fifth-largest export market and seventh-largest import market in the region. Dr. Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, remarked: “The inclusion of Mainland Chinese enterprise delegates in this Mission marks a new chapter in our global outreach strategy. It underscores Hong Kong’s unique role as a bridge between the mainland and the Middle East.

Through this mission, we aim to unlock new avenues of cooperation with local partners under the ambitious framework of Kuwait Vision 2035, leveraging Hong Kong’s world-class strengths in financial and professional services. At the same time, we are committed to fostering cross-regional collaboration not only in traditional sectors such as finance, trade, logistics, and professional services, but also in emerging fields, ranging from innovation and smart city development to sustainability, new energy, green buildings, and waste reduction. We believe this visit lays a strong foundation for a deeper, future-focused partnership between Hong Kong, the mainland, and the Middle East.” This mission represents a significant step in strengthening economic ties between Hong Kong and Kuwait, reinforcing shared interests and laying the groundwork for long-term strategic cooperation in alignment with global development initiatives.