A luncheon was held on July 7 at the Grand Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Hotel to open the Hong Kong-Middle East Business Chamber (HKMEBC), which is slated to play a significant role in bridging HK-Middle East trade and business. There were 500 guests in attendance.
Heavy-hitting figures including Dr. Bernard Chan, Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Abdullah Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Economy, Christopher Hui Ching-yu, GBS, JP, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Cheong Man Lei, Lillian, JP, Undersecretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, and Lu Feng, Deputy Director of the Economic D They attended the inauguration of the founding president, newly appointed execom members, advisers, and chair men of industrial committees together with district council members, important community elites, and members of the Chamber.
CE Hong Kong and the Middle East are the crucial connections in the Belt and Road program, John Lee stressed in his speech. World-class professional services from Hong Kong can support the Middle East's diverse economic development. He anticipated the Chamber's continued collaboration with the SAR government in the upcoming years to share the positive tales of Hong Kong and contribute to its success.
Speaking at the ceremony, Abdullah Al Saleh remarked, “This occasion marks a significant milestone in fostering economic ties between Hong Kong and the Middle East—a region of great importance for trade, investment, and cultural exchange. The establishment of this chamber serves as a testament to the shared vision and commitment of all those involved. It paves the way for enhanced collaboration, mutual understanding, and long-term partnerships between our two dynamic regions.”
President Xi Jinping's visit to the Middle East at the end of last year and CE John Lee's visit to Saudi Arabia and the UAE in February of this year served as a testament to the limitless market potential of this region actively participating in the "Belt and Road" initiative, Dr. Aaron Shum, the founding president of the Hong Kong-Middle East Economic and Trade Association, said in his speech. He thought that despite the difficulties that lie ahead, the Middle East's potential and benefits will certainly not let him down.