Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Gregory So today met with the local consulate representatives of the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to boost trade ties.
They also discussed how the Middle East and Hong Kong can work together to capitalise on the opportunities emerging from the Central Government's new Belt & Road initiatives.
Mr So told the representatives that Middle East countries are an integral part of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road where the land and sea Silk Roads merge.
"Hong Kong has a clear competitive edge in becoming a major platform for China and the countries along the Belt & Road in the areas of fund-raising, investment and financing, trading and logistics, supply of professional services, tourism development and new and creative industries, as well as establishing people-to-people bonds. We encourage businesses from the Middle East economies to make full use of Hong Kong's advantage when they venture into China as well as other markets along the Belt & Road," Mr So said.
He also said the trade ties between Hong Kong and the five countries are encouraging, and took the opportunity to thank the consulates for their efforts in promoting stronger two-way relations.
Attending the meeting were United Arab Emirates Consul-General in Hong Kong Ahmed Naser Alkhaja, Kuwait's Consul-General in Hong Kong Khaled Bader Al-Mutairi, Qatar's Consul-General in Hong Kong Sultan Bin Ali Yousif Al-Khater, Saudi Arabia's Vice Consul in Hong Kong Fahd Mnikhr, and Bahrain's Honorary Vice Consul in Hong Kong Ivan Tam.
