Deeper Middle East links on way

The eighth edition of the Belt and Road Summit, which will take place in mid-September, has set up a new Middle East forum to further strengthen connections between Hong Kong and Middle Eastern countries.

Hosted by the SAR government and Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the summit will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on September 13 and 14.

It will see about 80 government officials and business leaders from countries and regions along the "Belt and Road." The scheme is a China-led infrastructure development strategy to connect Asia with Africa and Europe since 2013.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu will deliver an opening address at the summit and this year's policy dialogue session will be expanded to see more officials from the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Europe.

Meanwhile, a new Middle East forum will feature business and investment outlook in the Middle East market, with a business session hosted by Ronnie Chan Chi-chung, chairman of Hang Lung Property.