Prof Frederick Ma, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), visited Doha, Qatar, from 24 to 27 October at the invitation of the Government of the State of Qatar to strengthen long-term business ties between Hong Kong, Qatar and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The visit underscores Hong Kong's efforts to deepen economic partnerships in the Middle East and position itself as a global investment hub.
During the visit, Prof Ma met with senior officials including Qatar's Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed, and Bahrain's Minister of Industry and Commerce Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro. He also held discussions with senior officials from Invest Qatar and Qatar Investment Authority, and leaders from Qatar National Bank, Qatar Foundation, Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Qatar Development Bank. The meetings focused on exchanging views on economic trends and investment opportunities in infrastructure, logistics, technology and manufacturing, while highlighting potential strategic partnerships leveraging Hong Kong's role as a super-connector and super value-adder.
Speaking at the UNCTAD World Investment Forum session titled "International Investment Facilitation Policies: Creating Partnerships for Sustainable Development," Prof Ma emphasized Hong Kong's position as a trusted platform for global investment and trade. "Despite current geopolitical volatility, I believe it is important to reach out and build important relationships to ensure long-term economic development around the world," he said. "Hong Kong, under the unique One Country, Two Systems arrangement, combines connectivity to the Chinese Mainland and global markets with an international business environment based on common law, the free flow of capital and global standards, is an effective platform to deepen relationships across regions to facilitate more business and investment."
The visit builds on HKTDC's ongoing efforts to promote business connectivity between Hong Kong and emerging markets. Recent business missions to Qatar and Kuwait in 2025, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia in 2023, and Central Asia in June have demonstrated the value of government-to-government, government-to-business and business-to-business collaboration. The HKTDC also featured a special Middle East Chapter and a Middle East Zone at the Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong in September 2026, which was attended by some 6,200 business and government leaders from over 70 countries and regions.
For businesses and investors, the strengthened ties could open new avenues for trade and investment between Hong Kong and the GCC, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, logistics, technology and manufacturing. Hong Kong's unique advantages under One Country, Two Systems make it an attractive gateway for Gulf businesses seeking to access Chinese Mainland and Asian markets, and for mainland companies looking to expand into the Middle East. The HKTDC's global network of 51 offices worldwide helps connect people around the world to create business success, as noted by Prof Ma.
The HKTDC, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. It organizes international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. It also provides market insights through research reports and digital news channels. For more information, visit www.hktdc.com/aboutus. The original release is available on www.newmediawire.com.
