Hong Kong aims to leverage an upcoming visit of a government-led delegation to Kuwait and Qatar to promote itself as the premier listing hub for Middle Eastern companies, according to the chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce.

Speaking about the six-day trip beginning on Saturday, Agnes Chan, a member of the delegation which will be led by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, highlighted its strategic importance.

Kuwait and Qatar are high-income countries in the Middle East with youthful populations and strong consumer spending power, she pointed out.

“For the past decade, they have focused on the traditional oil and gas industry. Now, they are diversifying into technology and wealth management, areas in which they seek improvement. This is why a government-led visit to these countries is significant.”

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The major chambers of commerce joining the trip are hoping to play a role at business level by facilitating networking events and providing market insights for firms to exchange views on business practices, Chan added.

She underscored the importance for enterprises to develop a deep understanding of local cultures, regulatory frameworks, and investment strategies while entering foreign markets.

She also suggested increasing direct flights between Hong Kong and major Middle Eastern cities to reduce travel time and enhance exchanges.