https://www.scmp.com/rss/514848/feed Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee is leading a 30-strong delegation on a week-long work trip to the Middle East to forge close economic ties with Gulf states. The high-level visit comes two months after Chinese President Xi Jinping’s trip to Saudi Arabia for the China-Gulf summit with leaders in the region. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Beneath the brouhaha over a Dubai prince’s high-profile plan to open a family office in Hong Kong is the city’s steely resolve to look for new economic drivers amid growing tensions between China and the West. Before the headlines – over inauguration delays for Sheikh Ali Rashed Ali Saeed Al Maktoum’s US$500 million family office and his reported alter ego as singer-songwriter Alira – threw a spotlight on Hong Kong’s ambitions, there were two years of careful economic planning by Chief Executive... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3259229/dubai-prince-saga-shows-hong-kongs-middle-east-campaign-needs-work?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3259229/dubai-prince-saga-shows-hong-kongs-middle-east-campaign-needs-work?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Apr 2024 21:30:15 +0000 Middle Eastern countries are eager to invest in Hong Kong mega projects such as the Northern Metropolis, while more time is needed to further explain opportunities available in mainland Chinese and other East Asian markets, the city’s finance chief has said. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po told the Post that efforts to woo Gulf countries were beginning to bear fruit, pointing to a decision by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund to start hosting one of its leading investment summits in Hong... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3244453/middle-eastern-states-eager-invest-hong-kong-mega-projects-such-northern-metropolis-finance-chief?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3244453/middle-eastern-states-eager-invest-hong-kong-mega-projects-such-northern-metropolis-finance-chief?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 Dec 2023 13:31:14 +0000 The Hong Kong government is on a drive to tap into the wealthy Middle Eastern market and diversify the city’s economy after three years of pandemic devastation and strained US-China relations. In the second of a two-part series, Natalie Wong talks to Hongkongers who are already in the market. The first part can be found here. Long before the Hong Kong government thought about going to the Middle East in search of the proverbial pot of gold, entrepreneurs like Aaron Shum and James Law were... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3243629/hongkongers-blazing-trail-middle-east-seizing-creative-ideas-learning-arabic-and-beating-desert-heat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3243629/hongkongers-blazing-trail-middle-east-seizing-creative-ideas-learning-arabic-and-beating-desert-heat?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Dec 2023 00:30:19 +0000 The Hong Kong government is on a drive to tap into the wealthy Middle Eastern market to diversify the city’s economy after three years of pandemic curbs and strained US-China ties. In the first of a two-part series, Natalie Wong looks at challenges local firms face and how they can press ahead. The second part can be found here. A plastic “ghost”, a cutlery “maniac” and an old clothes “imp” are among a cast of characters Arthur Lam feels fondly about when he talks about his mobile app to gamify... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3243589/hong-kongs-middle-east-adventure-will-there-be-gold-or-just-heartache-over-cultural-obstacles-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3243589/hong-kongs-middle-east-adventure-will-there-be-gold-or-just-heartache-over-cultural-obstacles-and?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 02 Dec 2023 00:30:10 +0000 A growing number of wealthy families from the Middle East, Europe and Asia are considering using Hong Kong to invest their riches after the government and wealth managers have increased their promotional efforts this year, according to industry players. “Traditionally, Middle East investors tend to use London to invest their international portfolio,” said Eleanor Wan, the outgoing CEO of BEA Union Investment Management. “However, after the many roadshows by Hong Kong government officials and the... https://www.scmp.com/business/markets/article/3236500/incentives-are-prompting-wealthy-families-middle-east-europe-eye-hong-kong-managing-their-wealth?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/markets/article/3236500/incentives-are-prompting-wealthy-families-middle-east-europe-eye-hong-kong-managing-their-wealth?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Oct 2023 07:00:09 +0000 The Belt and Road Summit that Hong Kong is hosting in September will feature a new session dedicated to the Middle East, as well as a record number of speakers and investment projects from the region. The development was announced Thursday as the city continued efforts to forge stronger links with emerging economies amid a shifting geopolitical situation. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, who will address the summit’s opening session, made two trips earlier this year to foster closer... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3233002/hong-kong-belt-and-road-summit-feature-new-session-devoted-middle-east-and-largest-number-delegates?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3233002/hong-kong-belt-and-road-summit-feature-new-session-devoted-middle-east-and-largest-number-delegates?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 31 Aug 2023 14:10:33 +0000 Hong Kong will have to create a talent pool with expertise in the Middle East and Islamic finance if it wants to attract wealthy families and companies from the region to invest in the city, according to a veteran banker. “Hong Kong needs to have a long-term training programme or import talent to bring Middle East investors to the city,” said Derrick Tan, a private banker who has been servicing wealthy clients in Asia for more than two decades. Hong Kong will also have to make it convenient for... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3229410/hong-kong-needs-banking-talent-arabic-islamic-finance-skills-woo-middle-east-wealth-expert-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3229410/hong-kong-needs-banking-talent-arabic-islamic-finance-skills-woo-middle-east-wealth-expert-says?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 31 Jul 2023 00:30:08 +0000 Over the weekend, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu marked his first year in office. It is time for his annual report card. In my view, he has performed well over the past 12 months: I can recall several clear successes, and only one area where I think he could have done better. Let us review his performance and also take a look at the key issues confronting him in the next few months. First, he has the unique achievement of dealing smoothly with two civil service pay awards inside a year, after... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3226106/hong-kong-leader-john-lee-deserves-b-his-first-year-many-challenges-lie-ahead?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3226106/hong-kong-leader-john-lee-deserves-b-his-first-year-many-challenges-lie-ahead?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Jul 2023 22:15:19 +0000 Hong Kong architectural firm Leigh & Orange is on the brink of confirming major projects in the Middle East, thanks to its experience designing prefabricated Covid-19 quarantine facilities in the city. Managing director Ivy Lee Siu-wing told the Post the company had recently closed two deals on “multifaceted giga-projects” in Saudi Arabia and was in the final stages of concluding one in Qatar. Her firm is among the Hong Kong businesses that have begun to reap the fruits of Chief Executive John... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3222093/3-months-after-john-lees-visit-saudi-arabia-have-hong-kong-firms-made-inroads-pre-fab-buildings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3222093/3-months-after-john-lees-visit-saudi-arabia-have-hong-kong-firms-made-inroads-pre-fab-buildings?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 May 2023 02:30:11 +0000 For decades, mainland China, the United States, Europe and major Asean countries have been the preferred investment destinations for Hong Kong businesses. But amid escalating China-US rivalry and intensifying geopolitical complexity, traditional market wisdom is being challenged. Hong Kong has come to realise the investment potential in a vast, yet less-explored, new world: the Middle East, with especially the fast-changing kingdom of Saudi Arabia in focus. That provided the backdrop for when I... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3221177/warmer-ever-china-saudi-ties-offer-hong-kong-golden-opportunity-if-city-does-its-homework?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3221177/warmer-ever-china-saudi-ties-offer-hong-kong-golden-opportunity-if-city-does-its-homework?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 May 2023 02:30:11 +0000 Former Hong Kong commerce minister Gregory So Kam-leung believes the city has what it takes to help bridge two markets with enormous potential, the Middle East and China’s Greater Bay Area. “Investors in the Gulf Cooperation Council [GCC] pay a lot of attention to Hong Kong. They are very curious about how they can invest in Greater China, particularly the Greater Bay Area, which they see as a high-growth market,” So said in a rare interview. The council comprises Saudi Arabia, the United Arab... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3216560/bright-prospects-hong-kong-bridge-between-middle-east-and-greater-bay-area-says-former-minister?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3216560/bright-prospects-hong-kong-bridge-between-middle-east-and-greater-bay-area-says-former-minister?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Apr 2023 02:30:16 +0000 Emirates, the biggest carrier in the Middle East, is banking on a swift recovery in the aviation industry as Covid-19 travel restrictions are dismantled, with an eye on restoring its daily flight frequency from Hong Kong. The Dubai-based carrier currently operates one daily flight from the city after cutting down from four during the pandemic, according to Nasser Bahlooq, its newly-appointed area manager in Hong Kong. Recent efforts to strengthen the city’s ties with the Middle East are expected... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3211097/emirates-eyes-return-pre-covid-19-flight-frequency-hong-kong-aviation-recovery-gains-momentum-area?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3211097/emirates-eyes-return-pre-covid-19-flight-frequency-hong-kong-aviation-recovery-gains-momentum-area?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Feb 2023 00:30:14 +0000 Sovereign wealth funds in the Middle East are keen to allocate more capital to mainland China as part of diversification efforts but lack awareness of investment tools Hong Kong offers to tap into the mainland market, a veteran banker has said after meeting top executives during a tour of the region. “While many hoped to gain access to China’s capital pool, some have not even heard of [cross-boundary investment] channels in Hong Kong that could help them tap into China’s population of 1.4... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3210089/middle-eastern-investors-keen-put-more-assets-mainland-china-lack-awareness-conduits-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3210089/middle-eastern-investors-keen-put-more-assets-mainland-china-lack-awareness-conduits-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Feb 2023 23:00:16 +0000 On Saturday, I returned home from a week-long visit to the Middle East. That day, the South China Morning Post ran an editorial with the headline, “More work to be done as Hong Kong leader’s Mideast trip hints at better times ahead.” I couldn’t agree more. The government’s work has just begun. And, yes, the week-long visit to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates “hints at better times ahead”. But, more than “hints” at it, I’m confident it “heralds” better times for the economy, and the... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3209941/middle-east-visit-heralds-better-times-hong-kongs-economy-and-people?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3209941/middle-east-visit-heralds-better-times-hong-kongs-economy-and-people?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Feb 2023 00:00:11 +0000 The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is ramping up efforts to lure businesses from the Middle East to issue local bonds and invest in mainland China through the city, with its deputy head saying Gulf state operators have a need to diversify from the West amid geopolitical tensions. “We have all kinds of investment vehicles here. What we need to do now is to catch their eyes. They can come to Hong Kong, not necessarily Europe or the US,” Darryl Chan Wai-man, deputy chief executive of Hong... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3209930/bye-west-hong-kong-monetary-authority-eyes-middle-east-bonds-and-investment-banks-gulf-states-need?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3209930/bye-west-hong-kong-monetary-authority-eyes-middle-east-bonds-and-investment-banks-gulf-states-need?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Feb 2023 23:00:14 +0000 The lights are not turned on during the daytime in Chris Wan Chi-lon’s office in Abu Dhabi, yet there is no glare from the scorching Arabian Desert outside. Treating the glass windows halfway up with ceramic frit, a glaze made from a mix of materials, allows the optimal amount of light to enter the building in Masdar City, the United Arab Emirates’ showcase smart city. “This daylighting solution is glare-free and also cost saving,” said the architect, pleased to show off the design. “For every... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3209888/desert-dream-becomes-reality-hong-kong-architect-chris-wan-blazes-trail-abu-dhabis-showcase-smart?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3209888/desert-dream-becomes-reality-hong-kong-architect-chris-wan-blazes-trail-abu-dhabis-showcase-smart?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Feb 2023 02:00:11 +0000 Hong Kong’s leader is expected to visit the Greater Bay Area to connect Guangdong cities with SMEs from the Middle East “very soon”, the Post has learned, after he summed up his trip to the Gulf region and said talks to attract oil giant Saudi Aramco into listing locally had gone well. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Friday said he had met executives of Aramco under “a very positive atmosphere” but did not reveal the extent of talks to lure the Saudi Arabian company into listing locally, as... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3209759/hong-kongs-john-lee-says-he-met-oil-giant-saudi-aramco-bigwigs-under-very-positive-atmosphere-he?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3209759/hong-kongs-john-lee-says-he-met-oil-giant-saudi-aramco-bigwigs-under-very-positive-atmosphere-he?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Feb 2023 08:16:51 +0000 Hong Kong’s deputy justice minister has said Middle Eastern businessmen had “cast no doubt” on the Beijing-imposed national security law the West claims has eroded investor confidence in the financial hub, saying they were not “easily misled by inaccurate narratives”. Horace Cheung Kwok-kwan told the Post that many investors he met while accompanying city leader John Lee Ka-chiu on his week-long visit to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had expressed interest in arbitration... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3209690/middle-eastern-businessmen-shrug-western-concerns-over-hong-kongs-national-security-law-citys-deputy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3209690/middle-eastern-businessmen-shrug-western-concerns-over-hong-kongs-national-security-law-citys-deputy?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Feb 2023 23:00:13 +0000 A bilateral free-trade agreement will be the “logical next step” for Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to boost investment ties, the city’s leader has said during his visit to Dubai. But the UAE government has yet to commence formal discussions with its Hong Kong counterparts over a possible agreement, the Post has learned. Memorandums of understanding (MOUs), meanwhile, have been signed between the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and its counterpart in the UAE, as... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3209568/hong-kong-and-united-arab-emirates-set-commence-talks-bilateral-free-trade-agreement-city-leader?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3209568/hong-kong-and-united-arab-emirates-set-commence-talks-bilateral-free-trade-agreement-city-leader?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Feb 2023 01:22:45 +0000 Hong Kong leader John Lee Ka-chiu or his ministers have gone on 13 overseas visits in the seven months since he took office, mainly to countries in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Observers have said the promotion efforts are reasonable amid ongoing tensions between China and the West, but add that the city still has to maintain relations with its existing markets. Mideast visit heralds better times for Hong Kong’s economy and people A count by the Post found that Lee and his ministers made... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3209138/john-lee-jetting-middle-east-southeast-asia-stopgap-measure-not-solution-hong-kongs-economic-woes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3209138/john-lee-jetting-middle-east-southeast-asia-stopgap-measure-not-solution-hong-kongs-economic-woes?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Feb 2023 00:00:10 +0000 Hong Kong’s leader has met the head of a sovereign wealth fund in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that plays a crucial role in diversifying the economy of the oil-rich state in the hopes of creating new opportunities for collaboration with the city’s firms. The government on Wednesday said Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and his 30-strong delegation had visited the Abu Dhabi offices of the Mubadala Investment Company, which earlier indicated interest in doing business in China, on the second... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3209491/hong-kong-leader-john-lee-confident-netting-high-powered-uae-sovereign-wealth-fund-local?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3209491/hong-kong-leader-john-lee-confident-netting-high-powered-uae-sovereign-wealth-fund-local?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Feb 2023 07:21:55 +0000 At a flagship technology conference in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh, petite Hong Kong nurse Grace, with her kind eyes and pleasant smile, was often the centre of attention. But she is not human. The ultra-realistic robot was among displays at the four-day LEAP conference, which kicked off on Monday. A few years ago, Grace’s “sister” Sophia took the world by storm after receiving Saudi Arabian citizenship, becoming the first robot with such status in any country. Both robots were on display by Hong... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3209317/hong-kongs-john-lee-wraps-saudi-arabia-stop-middle-east-trip-technology-conference-marking-citys?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3209317/hong-kongs-john-lee-wraps-saudi-arabia-stop-middle-east-trip-technology-conference-marking-citys?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Feb 2023 01:22:16 +0000 The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the stock exchange operators of Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia could pave the way for more companies to list their shares for trading in the Asian city, giving one of Asia’s financial hubs a leg up in the race to host initial public offerings (IPOs), analysts said. Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) signed an accord with Saudi Tadawul Group Holding over the weekend to work together on cross listings, fintech, environmental, social and corporate... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3209267/hkexs-accord-tadawul-may-pave-way-aramcos-hong-kong-listing-making-stock-available-chinas-investors?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3209267/hkexs-accord-tadawul-may-pave-way-aramcos-hong-kong-listing-making-stock-available-chinas-investors?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Feb 2023 00:00:19 +0000 Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s first official visit to the Middle East underscores Hong Kong’s efforts to compete for investment and talent in the financial services, technology and logistics sectors. He is accompanied by 30 big hitters from those fields on his weeklong trip to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, according to a list provided by sources who did not wish to be identified. They include the Hong Kong stock exchange’s boss, Nicolas Aguzin, China International Capital... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3209281/chief-executive-john-lees-middle-east-delegation-comprises-30-heavyweights-finance-tech-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3209281/chief-executive-john-lees-middle-east-delegation-comprises-30-heavyweights-finance-tech-and?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Feb 2023 12:15:31 +0000 Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia have signed six bilateral agreements designed to forge closer ties between their stock exchanges, business associations and technology firms, and the city’s leader vowed the two economies were “entering a new level of cooperation”. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Monday was also seen by the Post meeting state oil giant Aramco’s president and CEO Amin Nasser at a flagship technology conference in the Saudi capital Riyadh. But Lee stopped short of reporting... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3209190/hong-kong-saudi-arabia-sign-6-bilateral-deals-forge-closer-economic-ties-john-lee-vows-new-level?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3209190/hong-kong-saudi-arabia-sign-6-bilateral-deals-forge-closer-economic-ties-john-lee-vows-new-level?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Feb 2023 00:25:46 +0000 Hong Kong’s leader has said he will encourage Saudi Arabian oil giant Aramco and its subsidiaries to invest and list in the city during his visit to the kingdom, while announcing the two regions will soon launch talks on a deal to enhance mutual investment flows. Confirming a Post report, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Sunday revealed after arriving in Saudi capital Riyadh that he would meet top executives of the state-owned oil company during the first part of his weeklong trip to the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3209144/hong-kong-leader-john-lee-reveals-plans-lure-oil-giant-aramco-invest-and-list-city-he-arrives-saudi?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3209144/hong-kong-leader-john-lee-reveals-plans-lure-oil-giant-aramco-invest-and-list-city-he-arrives-saudi?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Feb 2023 05:38:23 +0000 Hong Kong’s leader will meet senior Saudi Arabian officials and top executives of state oil giant Aramco in the hope of luring it to the city’s bourse for a listing, the Post has learned, as he expressed optimism about securing investment and development opportunities in the Middle East before setting off on Saturday. Sources said the high-level closed-door meetings between Saudi officials, executives of the world’s largest oil company and Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu were scheduled for... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3209104/hong-kong-leader-john-lee-upbeat-about-securing-investment-and-development-opportunities-during?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3209104/hong-kong-leader-john-lee-upbeat-about-securing-investment-and-development-opportunities-during?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Feb 2023 09:51:06 +0000 Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu will waste no time in his mission to “tell good stories of Hong Kong” when he arrives in Riyadh, the political heart of oil-rich Saudi Arabia this weekend. On the first night of his week-long visit to the Middle East, he will lead a 30-strong high-level team at an investment forum on Sunday to promote the city to Arab political and business leaders. Hong Kong authorities hope to lure the world’s largest oil company, Saudi Aramco, for a secondary listing on its... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3209070/hong-kongs-john-lee-heading-middle-east-boost-business-links-drive-too-little-too-late-capitalise?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3209070/hong-kongs-john-lee-heading-middle-east-boost-business-links-drive-too-little-too-late-capitalise?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Feb 2023 02:00:16 +0000 Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has lauded the city’s efforts to maintain extensive ties with the international community, while urging junior colleagues chosen to work at UN offices overseas to spread the word about Hong Kong’s return to “centre stage” amid unprecedented challenges. Lee on Monday took the chance while sending off 12 civil servants on overseas exchanges to promote the city’s efforts, a day after Beijing’s new liaison office director Zheng Yanxiong tasked Hong Kong with... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3207026/hong-kong-leader-john-lee-lauds-citys-push-maintain-global-ties-calls-un-bound-officials-spread-word?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3207026/hong-kong-leader-john-lee-lauds-citys-push-maintain-global-ties-calls-un-bound-officials-spread-word?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Jan 2023 13:37:22 +0000 Hong Kong’s leader is planning to visit the Middle East in the coming months to forge close economic ties with Gulf states as part of a push that also includes catching up with Singapore, with the chief executive conceding the island nation has “an advantage” over the city because of its earlier reopening to the world. The city’s finance chief also separately said on Sunday he was “cautiously optimistic” about economic growth in 2023, adding the momentum of recovery for exports, tourism and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3205225/hong-kongs-john-lee-visit-middle-east-forge-economic-ties-says-he-racing-against-clock-business-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3205225/hong-kongs-john-lee-visit-middle-east-forge-economic-ties-says-he-racing-against-clock-business-and?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Jan 2023 05:11:14 +0000