Gulf States Attraction Strategy: Hong Kong Trade Organization Arranges 2026 Conference to Entice Gulf Nations
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Hong Kong's cargo development council aspires to forge partnerships with Gulf nations, announces its new director. Amid US President Donald Trump's uncertain policies, the council anticipates adjustments to its export forecast for the city.
Frederick Ma Si-hang, who took office on June 1, shared this information in a recent interview. Ma is planning a 10-day business expedition commencing next week to establish international connections, while senior Invest Hong Kong management prepares to showcase the city's biotech sector in the US during the upcoming week.
Ma added that recent global investment growth has slowed due to the unpredictable nature of United States presidential policies, potentially necessitating more tweaks to the council's export projections. The Hong Kong trade body initially predicted a 4% growth for Hong Kong's 2025 exports, a forecast they subsequently reduced to 3%.
Recalling his past endeavors, Ma expressed his belief that Hong Kong should revive and strengthen its historical trading connections. He also pointed out that he was the first Hong Kong official to lead a delegation to the Middle East back in 2006.
He noted a significant surge in Hong Kong's trade with countries in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The region's investors have increasingly become major players, according to Ma.
Enrichment Data Insights:Hong Kong's export growth in 2025 has exhibited robust performance despite global uncertainties. April 2025 export volumes showed a 12.3% increase year-on-year, and over the initial four months of 2025, exports grew by 9.6% compared to the same period in 2024[1][5]. The value of merchandise exports for January–April 2025 similarly expanded by 11.9% year-on-year, signifying a positive trend in the volatile global trade environment[2][4].
Although the exact export projections for Hong Kong haven't considered the unpredictable US policies explicitly, the trade statistics suggest that Hong Kong's export sector has been relatively resilient. The government and trade bodies continue to assess geopolitical risks, but the current data demonstrates robust growth across Asia and other markets, cushioning potential setbacks in US-related trade.
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council plays a significant role in diversifying Hong Kong's trade relationships to mitigate risks from volatile US policy. While recent reports lack specific new initiatives targeting the Gulf states, the council historically promotes events and business partnerships in fast-growing regions to open new export channels and decrease over-reliance on specific markets, including the US.
- The Hong Kong Trade Development Council, in alignment with the city's government, is investing in a 10-day expedition to forge partnerships with Gulf nations. This strategic move is part of an effort to diversify Hong Kong's trade relationships and mitigate risks from volatility in US policies.
- Amidst the unpredictable nature of US presidential policies, the Hong Kong cargo development council is revising its export forecast for the city. The council recognizes the importance of maintaining a diverse portfolio in the face of global uncertainties, with an emphasis on industry sectors such as finance, business, and trade.
