Asia, Africa and Middle East CommitteeIncoming Visitors

Abdul Aziz Abdulla Al Ghurair, Chairman of Mashreq in the United Arab Emirates, and his colleagues visited the Chamber on 8 April to learn more about the development and application of innovation and advanced technologies in Hong Kong. Chamber Chairman Agnes Chan, CEO Patrick Yeung, and leaders from the Asia, Africa & Middle East and Innovation Data & Communication committees welcomed the guests.

Al Ghurair highlighted Mashreq Group's significant presence in the MENA region and South Asia, with a strong track record of over 40 years in Hong Kong. Leveraging its expertise in these regions, Mashreq is well-positioned to complement international banking institutions focused on traditional markets, aligning with Hong Kong's strategy to tap into the emerging market economy. 

Tarek El Nahas, Head of International Banking at Mashreq Group, emphasized the crucial role of local partners in facilitating overseas expansion. He noted the underrepresentation of Chinese brands in the Middle East and proposed that Mashreq's reputation and support could provide liquidity when establishing a new branch.

Chan concurred on the importance of local partners in market familiarization, citing the Government's initiative on regional collaboration during the CPPCC Standing Committee Session. Timothy Tam, Vice Chairman of the Innovation Data & Communication Committee, shared the interests of start-ups and green technologies partners in the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and suggested opportunities for collaboration.

It was a pleasure to welcome Orumbayeva Asel, Advisor to the Group’s President, Fincraft Group Ltd, along with her colleagues, to the Chamber on March 24. They were greeted by HKGCC CEO Patrick Yeung, Belt and Road Convenor Edmond Yue, Asia, Africa & Middle East Committee Chairman Dewan Saiful Alam, and Vice Chairman Zaman Minhas Qamar, who exchange views on the business landscape in Kazakhstan, and investment opportunities in Hong Kong.

As one of the largest mining and metallurgy firms in Kazakhstan, Fincraft Group is diversifying its business beyond oil and gas production, with exports mainly to China. The group is shifting towards more sustainable practices, including the development of a full-cycle facility for gas processing, depositing of rare earth materials for electric vehicles and renewable energy, as well as providing venture opportunities for foreign investors.

Kanatuly Azamat, Head of the Investment Office, Fincraft Group Ltd, highlighted that as a full member of the Eurasian Economic Union, Kazakhstan is currently experiencing accelerated economic growth, with access to Western Europe and Asia under the Belt and Road Initiative. Patrick Yeung agreed on the potential of businesses in Kazakhstan and encouraged Fincraft Group to leverage the recently agreed trilateral cooperation between Kazakhstan, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), and Hong Kong to expand its business into ASEAN through Hong Kong.

It was an education to speak with Donald P Kaberuka, Chairman and Managing Partner of SouthBridge, a Pan-African financial advisory during his visit to the Chamber on 10 March. He was the 7th President of the African Development Bank Group and is credited for expanding the reach and impact of AfDB, Africa’s Premier financial institution.

Chamber CEO Patrick Yeung and members welcomed Donald, who was accompanied by Rose Kay, COO, Standard Chartered Bank. He was eager to hear members’ experiences about doing business and investing in Africa and where they could improve. He also explained that demand for financial, digital, and professional business services is highly dynamic on the continent, driven by a young population moving to urban areas. This population is very tech-savvy and has been leapfrogging in their use of mobile digital services in both daily life and business. The Mainland has been assisting in upgrading Africa’s infrastructure, including railways and ports, to support economic development. As direct flights between Hong Kong and African countries are limited, Donald hopes that more airlines will begin offering direct flights