A delegation led by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive John Lee completed its visits to Qatar and Kuwait and returned to Hong Kong yesterday (May 15).
Several Hong Kong businesspeople operating in the Middle East praised the trip as "highly productive" in exclusive interviews with Wen Wei Po, particularly highlighting the immediate benefits of visa-free entry to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for Hong Kong SAR passport holders, which saves time and money on visa applications for personnel traveling between the three places.
Several Hong Kong entrepreneurs also noted that the six major outcomes of the visit would accelerate their plans to establish new companies in Qatar and expand investments in the Middle East.
Trip to Qatar shall be very convenient soon
Environmental engineering entrepreneur and CEO of Allied Sustainability and Environmental Consultants Group Limited, Dennis Wu, set up an office in Dubai last October and is now preparing to visit Qatar to explore the possibility of establishing another base.
He praised the visa-free policy for SAR passport holders. "In the past, traveling to Qatar required spending US$69 (538) on a visa. While the fee wasn't high, it still took time to process, which was rather inconvenient for our Hong Kong visitors. Next week, when I go to Qatar, I won't need a visa at all... It's incredibly convenient! We need to thank the Chief Executive for this successful visit."
He also believes that the SAR government's success in securing visa-free access to Qatar reflects the growing recognition of the Hong Kong SAR passport and Hong Kong's international status in the Middle East, paving the way for Hong Kong businesses to develop operations there.
Opening doors to more cities
Esther Wong, Vice President of the Hong Kong Middle East Business Chamber, has been deeply involved in the Middle East's watch and jewelry industry for over a decade. She described the Chief Executive's delegation as a "major leap forward" since the visa-free policy not only reduces costs and time for business travel but also breaks down systemic barriers.
Reflecting on the challenges faced by SMEs venturing into the Middle East alone in the past, Wong admitted that solo trips to places like Dubai were both time-consuming and expensive.
"You had to establish relationships on the ground, and people there needed to understand your background—it wasn't as simple as saying, 'I got something to show you.'" Now, with John Lee leading the delegation and partnering with major mainland enterprises, it has become much easier to open doors in more Middle Eastern cities.
Strengthening value of SAR passport
Stella Lee, President of the Greater Bay Area Family Office Association (GBAFOA), noted that while visa fees were not high in the past, the cumulative time and frequency of applications still created intangible costs for all sorts of related business operations. Now, the visa-free policy will boost confidence among Hong Kong travelers and promote Hong Kong's brand.
"Beyond tourism, doing business will be much more convenient—just book a ticket and go, no need to wait for a visa."
Additionally, she also believes that the visa-free policy further enhances the value of the Hong Kong SAR passport.
"The fact that more regions are offering visa-free access proves Hong Kong's international importance."
Strategic arrangements
The Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) to facilitate trade and market study tours, helping both sides establish mutually beneficial business connections and promote trade activities.
Witnessed by John Lee, FHKI Chairman Steve Chuang and KCCI Director General Rabah A. Al-Rabah exchanged the MOU. Both parties agreed to foster business links between their members, share trade information, and support each other in organizing or participating in exhibitions, trade fairs, seminars, and other events to strengthen economic and trade cooperation.
"Global geopolitical changes are rapid, and tapping into emerging markets like the Middle East has become a major trend. Qatar and Kuwait are actively developing new industries such as smart cities and renewable energy, which align closely with Hong Kong's focus on innovation and technology," said Chuang.
Chuang added that the visit successfully enhanced mutual understanding and opened new channels for cooperation. Against the backdrop of shifting global geopolitics, the Middle East's interest in building ties with China is growing, further strengthening confidence in Hong Kong's "one country, two systems" framework. The visa-free access for Hong Kong SAR passport holders to Qatar and the UAE—allowing stays of up to 30 days—demonstrates these regions' willingness to deepen connections with Hong Kong.
To support Hong Kong businesses in exploring emerging markets like the Middle East, FHKI established a Belt and Road committee and an ASEAN division in 2023, providing practical market information and helping build local business networks.
Additionally, to promote understanding of Muslim culture and attract investment and tourism from Muslim markets, FHKI recently (on May 9) signed an MOU with the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong. Through FHKI's Hong Kong Q-Mark Council, a Halal certification system will be developed, and joint events will be held to promote sustainable growth in Hong Kong's Halal products and cultural exchanges.
(Source: Wen Wei Po; Journalist: Wenliyuan; English Editor: Darius)
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