Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday sought Kuwait’s support for free trade agreements between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Gulf Cooperation Council members during his visit to Kuwait, which chairs the GCC this year.

Lee made the appeal during talks with emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and other Kuwaiti state leaders.

The GCC members — the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait — form a customs union, with a common external tariff and the free movement of goods between member states.

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The proposed free trade agreements, along with other cooperative initiatives, topped Lee’s agenda as he led a high-level delegation to explore economic and investment opportunities in the Middle East. The 50-member delegation arrived in Kuwait on Monday evening from Qatar, where they secured multiple deals during a two-day stay.

During the discussions with Kuwaiti leaders, Lee emphasized Hong Kong’s commitment to fostering high-quality development with Belt and Road Initiative partners.

He highlighted shared economic visions and complementary strengths between Hong Kong and GCC nations.

Lee added that Hong Kong could support Kuwait’s Vision 2035, which aims to establish the country as a regional financial center, as the city is ready to offer valuable expertise in law, finance, and talent development.

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He also underlined the strong potential for collaboration between Hong Kong and Kuwait City, the country’s political, economic, and cultural hub.

In a subsequent social media post, Lee invited Kuwait to explore investment opportunities in Hong Kong, suggesting that entities such as the Kuwait Investment Authority — the country’s globally influential sovereign wealth fund — consider establishing a presence in the city.

With Kuwait’s sovereign wealth fund among the world’s largest, Lee said enhanced investment from the nation will reinforce Hong Kong’s role as a gateway for Middle Eastern capital into the Chinese mainland and beyond.

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The chief executive’s Kuwait itinerary includes meetings with senior government officials, tours of businesses and cultural sites, and presiding over agreement-signing ceremonies to boost trade, investment, and financial cooperation.

Contact the writer at lilei@chinadailyhk.com