Hong Kong, October 28, 2026: Frederick Ma, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), visited Doha, Qatar from October 24 to 27 to reinforce business relations between Hong Kong, Qatar and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), following an invitation from the Government of the State of Qatar.
During his visit, Prof Ma engaged with senior officials, including ministers responsible for finance, investment and trade, as well as leaders from business organisations and financial institutions, aiming to deepen economic cooperation. He also addressed the UN Conference Trade and Development (UNCTAD) World Investment Forum 2026.
UNCTAD World Investment Forum address
At the World Investment Forum, Prof Ma participated in a session titled “International Investment Facilitation Policies: Creating Partnerships for Sustainable Development,” where he highlighted Hong Kong’s role as an international financial centre and investment hub. He emphasised Hong Kong’s position as a platform connecting capital and enterprises across Asia, the Middle East, Africa and beyond, and outlined the city’s advantages under the One Country, Two Systems arrangement.
“Despite current geopolitical volatility, I believe it is important to reach out and build important relationships to ensure long-term economic development around the world,” Prof Ma said. “The World Investment Forum presented an ideal occasion to promote the advantages of Hong Kong as the world’s leading international financial centre and investment hub.”
Meetings with senior officials and business leaders
Prof Ma held meetings with Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of Finance of Qatar; Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade; Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Bahrain; as well as senior representatives from Invest Qatar, Qatar Investment Authority, Qatar National Bank, Qatar Foundation, Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and Qatar Development Bank. Discussions focused on economic trends and investment opportunities in infrastructure, logistics, technology and manufacturing, and explored potential for strategic partnerships leveraging Hong Kong’s role as a connector for global business.
Ongoing business engagement with the Middle East
The HKTDC has been promoting business connectivity between Hong Kong and emerging markets through business missions led by the Chief Executive and senior Hong Kong SAR Government officials. These missions have included visits to Qatar and Kuwait in 2025, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia in 2023, and Central Asia in June 2026. In September 2026, the HKTDC organised a Middle East Chapter and Middle East Zone at the Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong, attended by approximately 6,200 business and government leaders from over 70 countries and regions.
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote Hong Kong’s trade, with over 50 offices worldwide, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland.
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