HKTDC makes Middle East top priority

This news highlights the importance of the Middle East to Chinese exporters who increasingly see Hong Kong as their gateway to the region. And the announcement was made in the same week that the HKTDC invested several million dollars in the lavish Hong Kong in Style exhibition and gala evening in Dubai.

Hong Kong in Style

This year's Hong Kong in Style exhibition built on the success of the first event last year, and attracted participation from 230 companies of whom 90% were new participants. The Council purposely selected electronics, hotel supplies, fashion and lifestyle goods that it felt most appropriate to the region.

HSBC chairman and chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce David Eldon commented:

'Dubai is growing quickly, it serves as a centre not just for the Middle East but clearly for the Middle East as a region. It takes in everywhere from India, through to Iran to Africa and is developing a huge hinterland for its business.'

The Council also held a meeting with Dubai Holding and is now looking at the financial, construction and healthcare sectors as areas where Hong Kong companies could fulfill a useful role. And the Council is to return to Dubai with a trade delegation in February to examine options.

$1bn trading partners

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong in Style show runs until November 10 and is particularly strong on jewelry, watches and fashion this year. However, there seems no doubt that with trade between Hong Kong and Dubai approaching $1 billion a year next year's event will be even bigger and more comprehensive.

For Hong Kong is a gateway to China much in the way that Dubai is a gateway to the markets of the wider Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran and Iraq. And the partnership between Dubai and Hong Kong looks set to prosper.