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 Qatari Government, meeting senior finance, investment and trade officials as well as business leaders to deepen long-term ties between Hong Kong and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The visit matters because it reinforces Hong Kong's role as a super-connector between the Chinese Mainland and emerging markets, a priority as global supply chains and capital flows shift amid geopolitical uncertainty.
Speaking at the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) World Investment Forum session on international investment facilitation, Prof Ma presented Hong Kong as a trusted platform for global investment and trade, linking capital, enterprises and opportunities across Asia, the Middle East and Africa. He said that despite current geopolitical volatility, building relationships is essential for long-term economic development, and that Hong Kong's One Country, Two Systems arrangement combines connectivity to the mainland and global markets with a common-law business environment, free capital flow and international standards. The HKTDC's network of offices worldwide supports that mission.
Beyond the forum, Prof Ma met Qatar's Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed, Bahrain's Minister of Industry and Commerce Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro, and senior officials from Invest Qatar, the Qatar Investment Authority, Qatar National Bank, Qatar Foundation, Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Qatar Development Bank. The discussions covered investment trends and opportunities in infrastructure, logistics, technology and manufacturing, and highlighted strategic partnerships that leverage Hong Kong's role as a super-connector and super value-adder.
The visit builds on HKTDC efforts to connect Hong Kong with emerging markets through business missions led by Hong Kong's Chief Executive and senior officials, alongside enterprises from Hong Kong and the mainland. Missions to Qatar and Kuwait in 2025, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia in 2023, and Central Asia in June have shown the value of government-to-government, government-to-business and business-to-business collaboration. The HKTDC also hosted a Middle East Chapter and Zone at the September 2026 Belt and Road Summit, which drew some 6,200 business and government leaders from more than 70 countries and regions. Its conferences and international exhibitions support such engagement, while research reports offer market intelligence. For more information, see www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
