Asia, Africa and Middle East CommitteeIncoming Visitors

We were honoured to welcome Ferial Mostofi, First Vice-Chairman, Tehran Chamber of Commerce Industries, Mines and Agriculture (TCCIMA), to the Chamber on 25 August for talks on strengthening economic ties between Iran and Hong Kong. She was accompanied by Mostafa Shabanipour, Consul, Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Hong Kong and Macao, and Reza Ghotb, Managing Director, K.D.D. Group.

Mostofi highlighted promising areas for expanding trade and investment, such as energy, agriculture, technology and manufacturing. She noted that Iranian companies were well-positioned to meet the growing demand in Chinese markets by enhancing both quality and capacity. 
 

It was a pleasure to welcome Haruyuki Yada, Director-General, Planning Department, JETRO Headquarters along with his colleagues, to the Chamber on July 7. They were greeted by Chamber CEO Patrick Yeung, General Committee member Edmond Yue, and Asia, Africa & Middle East Committee Chairman Dewan Saiful Alam, who shared views on current investment landscape and business environment for foreign companies in Hong Kong.

The visitors were eager to get an in-depth analysis of the Hong Kong economy, along with the GBA, given the imposition of tariffs and other protective measures by the U.S. and how it is affecting business sentiment. Hong Kong has been diversifying its markets by expanding into emerging markets. Finance and professional business services are relatively unaffected by protectionism and continue to grow.

U.S. companies continue to maintain a strong presence in Hong Kong, with the number of their offices increasing steadily since 2022 to rank third -- behind only those from mainland China and Japan. Alam emphasized Hong Kong’s pivotal role within the Greater Bay Area, where businesses can benefit from streamlined processes, access to top-tier talent, favourable regulations, and an advantageous tax system. Additionally, the implementation of CEPA 2.0 in March 2025 provides foreign companies in Hong Kong with further opportunities to access preferential policies and expand into the mainland Chinese market.

It was a pleasure to welcome so many distinguished Consuls General of the Asian, African, and Middle Eastern regions at our latest cocktail reception at Hong Kong Club on 19 June.

Chamber Chairman Agnes Chan, BBS highlighted in her speech that the evening was more than just a gathering – it was a celebration of partnerships, opportunities, and shared aspirations.

Right now, the world’s fastest-growing economies are in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, she told the full-house. “These regions aren’t just rising -- they’re redefining global trade, innovation, and investment. And with the incredible network in this room -- our visionary Consuls General, dynamic business leaders, and pioneering members -- we’re not just watching this growth; we’re shaping it together,” she said.

A big thank you to everyone who joined us in fostering these meaningful connections. Here’s to stronger collaboration and a brighter future!