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, aiming to strengthen long-term business ties between Hong Kong, Qatar and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The visit underscores Hong Kong's role as a global financial centre and its efforts to connect with emerging markets.
During the visit, Prof Ma met with senior Qatari officials, including Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari and Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed, as well as Bahrain's Minister of Industry and Commerce Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro. He also held discussions with leaders from Invest Qatar, Qatar Investment Authority, Qatar National Bank, Qatar Foundation, Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and Qatar Development Bank. The meetings focused on economic trends and investment opportunities in infrastructure, logistics, technology, and manufacturing, highlighting potential for strategic partnerships leveraging Hong Kong's role as a super-connector and super value-adder.
Speaking at the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) World Investment Forum, Prof Ma emphasised Hong Kong's advantages. "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." He noted that the HKTDC's network of 51 offices worldwide helps connect people around the world to create business success.
The visit is part of HKTDC's broader efforts to promote business connectivity between Hong Kong and emerging markets. Recent business missions to Qatar and Kuwait in 2025, the UAE 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 Middle East Chapter and Zone at the Belt and Road Summit in September 2026, attended by some 6,200 business and government leaders from over 70 countries and regions.
For businesses, the strengthened ties could open new avenues for trade and investment, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure and technology. Hong Kong's position as a trusted platform for global investment is reinforced by its unique legal and financial systems, making it an attractive gateway for GCC companies looking to expand into Asia and beyond. The HKTDC provides up-to-date market insights through its research reports and organizes international exhibitions and business missions to create opportunities, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. With over 50 offices globally, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The council also disseminates information via digital news channels and trade publications.
This visit is significant as it reinforces Hong Kong's commitment to deepening economic partnerships with the Middle East, a region of growing importance for global trade. Amid geopolitical uncertainties, such high-level engagements can foster stability and open new markets for businesses in both regions. For readers, this means potential opportunities in emerging sectors and a stronger network for international expansion.
