FHKI Met with the Consul General in Dubai and Concluded Its Middle East Visit

to Promote Belt and Road Development

The Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI) concluded its seven-day delegation visit (30 November to 6 December) to the Middle East last Friday (6 December). During its final stop in Dubai, the delegation had the distinct honour of being received by the China’s Consul General in Dubai Ou Boqian. They exchanged insights on deepening cooperation between Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as well as other Arab nations, across various sectors, including trade and I&T.

During the meeting with Consul General Ou Boqian, FHKI Chairman Steve Chuang highlighted the significance of this year, which marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the UAE. He emphasised the latter's strategic partnership with China and its crucial role in the Belt and Road Initiative. Chairman Chuang further noted that the delegation's visit aims to advance President Xi Jinping's important discourse on the China-Arab Community of Shared Future. He actively encouraged member enterprises to engage in the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative and to seize business opportunities in the Middle East. By emphasising Hong Kong's role as a “super-connector” and “super value-adder” in facilitating cooperation between Chinese and UAE business communities, he stated that Hong Kong can make unique contributions to national development by helping our country go global and attract foreign investment.

 

The delegation was also received by Damian Lee, the Director-General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai (ETO), and toured the Dubai Chambers, the Dubai Economic Development Company (DEDC), and the consulting services enterprise Access Group International. During these visits, the delegation engaged with local officials and business leaders to exchange views on various topics, including new industrialization, innovation and technology (I&T), food trade, professional services, and fintech. They provided insights into the latest developments in these sectors while actively exploring potential collaboration opportunities, including discussions on the future development of halal food in Hong Kong.

 

Chairman Chuang highlighted the UAE stands as Hong Kong's largest trading partner in the Middle East, with bilateral trade amounting to HKD 140 billion in 2023. Under its “Dubai’s Vision 2030”, Dubai is driving economic diversification and developing multiple emerging industries, creating substantial opportunities for Hong Kong businesses.

 

In summarising the outcomes of the seven-day visit, Chairman Chuang praised the results as highly productive: “Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have actively developed new industries, renewable energy, and healthcare, injecting fresh growth momentum into their economies.” He continued, “Through an MoU exchange and numerous fruitful meetings, this delegation has forged strategic partnerships for Hong Kong enterprises with our Middle East partners, helping them navigate the regional business landscape and seize promising opportunities. FHKI is dedicated to telling ‘good stories of Hong Kong’, showcasing the city's unique advantages and attracting investment for both the Mainland and Hong Kong.”

 

FHKI extends its sincere gratitude for the unfailing support of its partners in Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia and UAE. The delegation's success was made possible through Cathay Pacific as the exclusive airline sponsor, along with key supporting organisations (in alphabetical order): Access Group International; Belt and Road Office of the HKSAR Government; Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai; Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC); the Consulate General of the United Arab Emirates in Hong Kong; and the National Industrial Development Center (NIDC).

 

The FHKI delegation, led by Chairman Steve Chuang and co-organised by the International Affairs Committee and the Belt and Road Committee, comprises over 30 members, including FHKI Executive Deputy Chairmen Anthony Lam and Ricky Chan; FHKI Deputy Chairmen Jude Chow, Karen Chan, Gary Lau and Peter Shum; FHKI Director-General Bonnie Chan, and leaders from 15 industry groups of FHKI, including:

 

 

1. Group 1 (Hong Kong Chemical Industries Council);
2. Group 4 (Hong Kong Electrical Product Council);
3. Group 5 (Hong Kong Electronics Industry Council);
4. Group 6 (Energy and power);
5. Group 8 (Food, beverages and tobacco);
6. Group 18 (Hong Kong ProServices Council);
7. Group 19 (Hong Kong Toys Council);
8. Group 21 (Transport & Logistics Services Council);
9. Group 22 (Hong Kong Watch & Clock Council);
10. Group 25 (Hong Kong Information Technology Industry Council);
11. Group 26 (Environmental Industries Council);
12. Group 27 (Automobile, aeronautical and advance components);
13. Group 30 (Hong Kong Innovation and Creative Industries Council);
14. Group 32 (Hong Kong Automation Technology Council); and
15. Group 33 (Biotechnology and Healthcare Council).

Picture 1: The delegation mission was received by Ou Boqian, China’s Consul General in Dubai.

Picture 2: Steve Chuang (right), FHKI Chairman, presented a certificate of appreciation to Ou Boqian, China’s Consul General in Dubai (left).

Picture 3: Ou Boqian, China’s Consul General in Dubai (left 5), posed for a group photo with the FHKI leadership.

Picture 4: The FHKI leadership presented a certificate of appreciation to Damian Lee, the Director-General of the Dubai Economic and Trade Office (right 5).

Picture 5: FHKI delegation visited the Dubai Economic and Trade Office.

Picture 6: Steve Chuang (right), FHKI Chairman, presented a certificate of appreciation to Dubai Chambers.  

Picture 7: FHKI delegation met with representatives from Dubai Chambers.

Picture 8: Steve Chuang (left), FHKI Chairman, presented a certificate of appreciation to the Dubai Economic Development Company.  

Picture 9: The FHKI delegation visited the Dubai Economic Development Company.

Picture 10: Steve Chuang (right), FHKI Chairman, and Anthony Lam (left), FHKI Executive Deputy Chairman, presented a certificate of appreciation to Access Group International.  

Picture 11: FHKI delegation visited Access Group International.

 

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