Past Events

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.