Hong Kong is well-positioned to serve as an intermediary, matching business interests and opportunities between China and the Middle East, Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Frederick Ma says.

Mr Ma is leading a 30-strong delegation on a six-day visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to boost business co-operation in financial services and infrastructure.

On the first day, the delegation met with the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Saudi Arabia General Investment Authority and representatives of the Saudi financial and real estate sectors. Mr Ma also had a meeting with Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud.

Mr Ma said economies in the Middle East played a crucial role in the global market for their financial strengths and their increasing trade and investment activities around the world.

"As trade and investment between the Middle East and the Far East grow, there are many business opportunities ahead, and Hong Kong is well-positioned to serve as an intermediary, matching business interests and opportunities between China and the Middle East.

"During the visit, we will promote Hong Kong's strengths as an international financial centre and our quality services. At the same time, our delegation members will be able to obtain first-hand information about the latest economic development and investment opportunities there," Mr Ma said.