Asia, Africa and Middle East CommitteeIncoming Visitors

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!

Robert Lee, ambassador of the Embassy of the Republic of Fiji in China, called on the Chamber on 6 June. He was accompanied by Jenny Seeto, Chairman, Kamal Chetty, Chief Executive Officer, Investment Fiji, and the delegation from the Embassy. They were welcomed by Chamber Chairman Agnes Chan, Vice Chairman Pang Chun Yu, CEO Patrick Yeung, and leaders and members from the Asia, Africa & Middle East Committee.
 
Lee introduced Fiji's current direction, focusing on poverty eradication through developing culture, handicraft, and culinary industries to attract tourism. He acknowledged the need to optimize bilateral relations with China, learning from the country's successful path and seeking economic opportunities. Additionally, he suggested that Fiji could tap into China's capital markets through Shanghai and Hong Kong, recruiting talent, investment, and infrastructure projects.
 
As a previous British colony with Western cultural influences, Lee acknowledged the general bias among Fijians towards China. However, he noted the cultural affinity between Hong Kong and Fiji, built on the success of the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament, and suggested that Hong Kong could serve as a gateway to deepen Fijians' understanding of China and provide access to China under the advantage of One Country, Two Systems. Chan agreed and highlighted the ease of doing business in Hong Kong's unique position as a common law jurisdiction, providing integral connections to the Greater Bay Area ecosystem, acting as both a super-connector and value-adder.

It was a pleasure to welcome H.E. Willy Kipkorir Bett, Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to China, along with his delegation, to the Chamber on June 2. They were greeted by HKGCC CEO Patrick Yeung, Asia, Africa & Middle East Committee Chairman Dewan Saiful Alam, and SME Committee Vice Chairman Simon Hui. The parties exchanged views on Kenya’s investment opportunities and Hong Kong’s dynamic business landscape.

Strategically located along the coast, Kenya’s Mombasa Port serves as a key logistics hub for landlocked nations such as Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, and other Central African countries. Blessed with diverse terrain, Kenya is also ideal for renewable energy development—93% of its power supply comes from clean sources, primarily hydro and geothermal, while solar and wind energy are rapidly expanding.

Dubbed the "Silicon Savannah," Kenya is home to leading pan-African B2B e-commerce platforms such as AMBESA and is actively advancing digital transformation across its public and private sectors. Ambassador Bett highlighted that, with robust infrastructure development under the Belt and Road Initiative, now is an opportune time for foreign investors to explore Kenya’s vast potential. Additionally, Kenya’s preferential trade policies and memberships in the East African Community Customs Union, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Tripartite Free Trade Area, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) ensure seamless market access for investors targeting Eastern and Central Africa.