HK bridges cross-border finance and tech ties with Middle East: Paul Chan

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po has highlighted the city’s push to deepen financial and innovation partnerships with the Middle East during a high-profile visit to Saudi Arabia. 

Leading a business delegation, Chan emphasized that amid rising global tensions, economic bonds between Asia, especially China, and the Middle East are growing stronger—and Hong Kong is stepping up as a key bridge.

Speaking at a breakfast session of the Future Investment Initiative, Chan shared his vision for enhanced trade, investment, and financial cooperation. 

He positioned Hong Kong as a vital gateway, helping mainland Chinese firms expand overseas while providing Middle Eastern companies with access to capital, expertise, and Asian markets. 

The city is also promoting flexible infrastructure financing and supporting cross-border investment flows.

Throughout the day, the delegation engaged with top Saudi leaders. A meeting with senior executives at Saudi National Bank focused on linking Hong Kong businesses with local investors and institutions to unlock new opportunities. 

Chan stressed Hong Kong’s active role in channeling capital between the two regions.

The group also visited the Digital Cooperation Organization, where its leader expressed enthusiasm for connecting startups from member countries with Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem.

At The Garage, a tech incubation hub under Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, both sides explored collaboration in startup support, talent development, and joint research.

Beyond business, the delegation toured Diriyah and the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif district to study Saudi Arabia’s approach to urban renewal and cultural preservation, drawing inspiration for sustainable city development.

The visit concluded with a networking dinner hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, bringing together Chinese and Saudi business communities to foster closer ties.