Asia, Africa & Middle East Committee 

Deepening Hong Kong-Pakistan Ties

Riaz Ahmed Shaikh, Consul General of Pakistan in Hong Kong, accompanied by Ali Awan, Trade Development Officer, paid a courtesy call on the Chamber on 15 July, where they were welcomed by Chamber Chairman Agnes Chan, CEO Patrick Yeung and leaders of the Asia, Africa and Middle East Committee. 

Shaikh explained that as Mainland China’s economy matured, some labour-intensive manufacturing companies were looking to relocate to cheaper production bases. Pakistan offered several advantages, including a large, young and educated workforce. He also explained that the country offered a wide range of quality agricultural produce – a lot of it organic – which Hong Kong companies could import. 

To help companies understand the wide range of foods produced in the country, he suggested that businesses visit the Food and Agriculture Expo in Karachi in August.

Chan also highlighted the need for an Islamic ecosystem in Hong Kong, given the large Muslim community and the number of tourists visiting the city each year. 

She also suggested that Islamic finance offered a lot of potential and that Pakistani investors use Hong Kong’s well-developed asset management services.

Closer Collaboration with Indonesia  

It was a pleasure to welcome Hastin Aristya Bakti Dumadi, Minister Counsellor and Coordinator of Economic Affairs Function, Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Singapore, to the Chamber on 4 July. In a meeting with Taxation Committee Chairman Wayne Lau and Asia, Africa and Middle East Committee Chairman Dewan Saiful Alam. 

Dumadi updated the Chamber about the development of Indonesia’s new capital city, Nusantara, and explained that businesses will retain their base in Jakarta. She also highlighted the country’s large population and the potential for Indonesian companies looking to expand overseas. Alam suggested that Hong Kong’s excellent education infrastructure could benefit Indonesian talent and students, especially its world-class universities.

Lau pointed out that, given the recent announcement of further liberalization of trade in services under the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) and the implementation of the Mainland Travel Card, Hong Kong could further facilitate business interactions with Indonesian firms.

Europe Committee  

Strengthening Links with Türkiye

Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in Hong Kong Kerim Sercan Evcin, together with Vice Consul Gazi Elitok, paid a courtesy call on the Chamber on 3 July. Chairman Agnes Chan, CEO Patrick Yeung and Europe Committee Vice Chairmen Stratos Pourzitakis and CK Lee welcomed the visitors, who were looking to explore ways to strengthen Hong Kong-Turkish ties and cooperation.

CG Evcin pointed out that Türkiye has evolved from a predominantly agricultural-based economy to a service-oriented one offering a wide range of investment opportunities in sectors like banking and insurance, tourism and food. He also expressed hope for Türkiye to boost exports of goods and services to Hong Kong and enhance global connections.

Both sides exchanged views on a wide range of topics, including how to enhance Turkish’s engagement in the global community through international sports events and the growing importance of the Greater Bay Area as one of the four major bay areas in the world. The CG was hopeful air connections between Türkiye and Hong Kong can be increased so both air hubs can benefit from increased connectivity.