Hong Kong, Kuwait Deepen Economic Cooperation, Sign 35 Accords

Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu is leading a delegation of over 50 business leaders from Hong Kong and Mainland China on a historic visit to Qatar and Kuwait, aiming to deepen economic and trade relations with the Middle East. During the Kuwait visit, Hong Kong and Kuwait agreed on 24 concrete deliverables covering a broad range of sectors including trade, financial services, investment promotion, aviation, maritime industries, education, legal professions, and sports, highlighting Hong Kong's role as a trusted partner and a global financial hub. Kuwait expressed strong interest in strengthening cooperation with Hong Kong, particularly under the Belt and Road Initiative, leveraging Hong Kong's status as a super-connector and value-adder between Mainland China and the world. The visit also emphasizes Hong Kong's strategy to promote itself as a primary listing hub for Middle Eastern firms, exemplified by the Kuwait Investment Authority's role as a cornerstone investor in the large Hong Kong listing of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL). Both sides recognize the importance of expanding supply chains, investment, and connectivity between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, with Hong Kong seeking to open a second trade office in the Gulf Cooperation Council region and work towards a free trade agreement with Kuwait. This diplomatic and business engagement underscores Hong Kong's commitment to multilateral, rules-based global economic cooperation amid geopolitical challenges.