Regional links enhanced and 24 bilateral accords reached
Hong Kong SAR–(Newsfile Corp. – May 15, 2025) – A delegation of more than 50 business leaders from Hong Kong and Mainland China, led by Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) John Lee, concluded a fruitful visit to Kuwait yesterday (May 14), reaching a raft of bilateral accords and paving the way for closer links between Hong Kong and Middle East.
“We are here to better understand the opportunities of Kuwaiti business and investment. To explore how Hong Kong, Mainland China and Kuwait, working together, can create long-term mutual opportunities,” Mr Lee told nearly 300 local business leaders attending a luncheon themed “Partnering for Success – Hong Kong as a ‘Super Connector’ and ‘Super Value-Adder'”.
At the luncheon, government departments, enterprises, and organisations from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Kuwait exchanged and announced 24 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and co-operation agreements, covering areas such as economy and trade, investment, financial services, technology, legal co-operation, cargo clearance and flow, aviation, post-secondary education and sports. These include a new MOU signed between the Airport Authority Hong Kong and Kuwait Airways, aimed at enhancing aviation connectivity between the two regions.
HKSAR’s Chief Executive John Lee (third left) witnesses exchange of agreements reached between government departments, enterprises, and institutions from Hong Kong, Mainland China and Kuwait.
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Mr Lee further announced that, from today (May 15) the United Arab Emirates will grant Hong Kong 30-day visa-free access, while Oman will extend its visa-free period from 10 to 14 days.
Hong Kong is exploring closer ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes Kuwait currently holding presidency. Mr Lee said the country wields significant influence in the region’s development.
“Hong Kong’s trade with the GCC last year reached nearly US$20 billion, up 53 per cent over the past four years. And that robust growth is underpinned by our mutual will to advance trade ties,” Mr Lee said. “Indeed, our burgeoning trade and investment co-operation, I believe, could well add momentum to the possibility of a free trade agreement between Hong Kong and the GCC.”
Earlier (May 13), Mr Lee met with the Amir of the State of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, and Acting Prime Minister His Excellency Sheikh Fahad Yousuf Saud Al-Sabah, to exchange views on strengthening co-operation between Hong Kong and Kuwait including areas such as finance, trade, and innovation and technology.
