Hong Kong seeks innovation and technology partnerships in Middle East

Chief executive John Lee will lead a delegation to Qatar and Kuwait.

Chief Executive John Lee will lead a business delegation to Qatar and Kuwait on Saturday, aiming to strengthen economic links and explore cooperation in innovation and technology.

Federation of Hong Kong Industries Chairman Steve Chuang, part of the delegation, said the group intends to expand business prospects, build relationships with local chambers of commerce, and sign Memoranda of Understanding with innovation and technology enterprises in both countries.

Chuang noted that Qatar and Kuwait are seeking to diversify their economies beyond oil, citing their national development strategies—Qatar National Vision 2030 and Kuwait Vision 2035—which include goals related to innovation, smart cities, green energy, and advanced financial services.

“How to focus on smart cities, green energy, and how to provide better financial services - all of this actually is a perfect match for our expertise in Hong Kong,” Chuang said.

He also highlighted that business exchanges between Hong Kong and the two countries have been limited to date. During the visit, he plans to meet with Hong Kong enterprises operating in the region to assess their progress and better understand local business practices, including those influenced by halal culture.

This marks the Federation’s second Middle East outreach following a 2024 delegation to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Chuang said that the trip resulted in progress for Hong Kong companies, including a mobile delivery app launching operations in Dubai and preparing to enter the Saudi market, and a startup producing 3D-printed clay reef tiles that secured Saudi sovereign wealth funding.

Chuang said Hong Kong could support Middle Eastern firms in entering the Mainland China market and help Mainland companies reach global audiences. He added that amid rising global trade uncertainty, Hong Kong businesses should broaden engagement with the Global South, including the Middle East and ASEAN countries.