Visa-free travel arrangement and 35 bilateral accords signed

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 May 2025 – Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)’s Chief Executive John Lee is leading a delegation of over 50 business leaders from Hong Kong and Mainland China to Qatar and Kuwait to forge closer connections and promote the city’s advantages to the Middle East. This historic visit marks the first time that Mainland entrepreneurs have joined an official overseas Hong Kong delegation.

Dash to CartDash to Cart

“The composition of the delegation demonstrates Hong Kong’s unique role as a ‘super connector’ and ‘super value-adder’ under the principle of ‘one country, two systems'”, Mr Lee said. “Hong Kong is dedicated to capitalising on its connectivity with both Mainland China and the world, collaborating and synergising with economies and enterprises that are eager to pursue high-quality development with us.”

The first stop in Qatar (May 10-12) yielded significant results, including the signing and announcement of 35 bilateral accords covering areas such as economic co-operation, investment, finance, legal collaboration and innovation and technology (I&T). These included a tripartite agreement among organisations from Hong Kong, Mainland China and Qatar focusing on fintech collaboration, showcasing Hong Kong’s bridging role between different economies.

In addition to Hong Kong-Qatar co-operation, two agreements were reached between enterprises from Mainland China and Qatar, fostering co-operation in financial services and high-end manufacturing.

Hong Kong and Qatar: Partnering for Success - AlvinologyHong Kong and Qatar: Partnering for Success - Alvinology
HKSAR’s Chief Executive John Lee (seventh right) witnesses agreements signed between government department, enterprises, and institutions from Hong Kong, Mainland China and Qatar.

Speaking at a business luncheon in Doha (May 12) themed “Partnering for Success – Hong Kong as a ‘Super Connector’ and ‘Super Value-Adder’, Mr Lee unveiled a new arrangement allowing HKSAR passport holders to visit Qatar visa-free for up to 30 days. He also said that Hong Kong and Qatar have substantially concluded the negotiations on an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement.

On arriving in Qatar (May 11), Mr Lee met the Amir of the State of Qatar, High Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, His Excellency Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, to exchange views on strengthening bilateral relations and economic co-operation between Hong Kong and Qatar.

Mr Lee meets the Amir of the State of Qatar, High Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (right).

Qatar is Hong Kong’s third-largest trading partner in the Middle East with bilateral trade in goods worth US$1.6 billion last year. Mr Lee said that there is plenty of room for further growth in trade and business between the two places.

During a visit to the Qatar Investment Authority, Mr Lee was briefed on the operation and investment strategies of the sovereign wealth fund, and explored with the Qatar Investment Authority the development and co-operation opportunities for both sides in finance and the economy.

With I&T being an area of great potential for bilateral collaboration, Mr Lee and other delegation members visited Lusail City, one of the country’s flagship smart cities, to understand how the city integrates I&T with urban planning and infrastructure development. Mr Lee highlighted that both Hong Kong and Qatar attach great importance to technological development and regard artificial intelligence as an engine of new economic development.

Mr Lee tours Lusail City in Qatar.

Delegation members also toured the National Museum of Qatar to learn about the country’s history and rich cultural heritage.

Before departing for Kuwait, Mr Lee took the chance to visit an autonomous vehicle project at Doha Hamad International Airport. The project is designed by a Mainland Chinese tech firm with its international headquarters in Hong Kong, and first piloted at Hong Kong International Airport. “This exemplifies our role as a launchpad for global innovation,” Mr Lee said.
Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #collaboration #partnering #Qatar #beltandroad

https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-hong-kong/
https://x.com/Brand_HK/
https://www.facebook.com/brandhk.isd
https://www.instagram.com/brandhongkong

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Adlena Wong

Recent Posts

Lazada Run 2025 Returns: Shop, Sweat, and Celebrate at Singapore’s Ultimate Race Fiesta

Lazada Run 2025 is racing back into Singapore on Sunday, 27 July 2025, promising a…

44 mins ago

Martell Unveils Ultra-Rare 60-Year-Old Cognac to Commemorate Singapore’s 60th National Day

In a grand tribute to 150 years of enduring connection with Singapore, Maison Martell is…

3 hours ago

Bruno Gallery Singapore Celebrates 15 Years of Art, Colour, and Cultural Connection

Bruno Gallery Singapore marks a major milestone this year as it celebrates 15 vibrant years…

16 hours ago

Kylie Cosmetics Unveils Glossy Lip Kits in Singapore — A New Spin on the Iconic Classic

As Kylie Cosmetics celebrates nearly a decade of beauty innovation, the brand is reimagining the…

19 hours ago

From Singapore to Tokyo: Alchemist Coffee Makes Japanese Debut with Flagship Cafés in Aoyama and Asakusa

Singapore’s beloved specialty coffee brand Alchemist has officially arrived in Japan, opening its first two…

22 hours ago

Step into the Past with Singapore Odyssea: A Time-Travel Adventure at the National Museum

This SG60, the National Museum of Singapore unveils its spectacular new signature experience: Singapore Odyssea…

1 day ago