The
Trade Development Council (TDC) has opened a new regional office in Dubai to
help expand Hong Kong's trading activities in the Middle East.
The new office is an upgrade of the Council's presence in the region, dating back to the past two decades. Replacing the former consultant office, it serves a wider territorial remit of 15 Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Iran.
Speaking at the opening ceremony last Saturday (27 May), the TDC's Executive Director, Mr Michael C C Sze, said business potential in the region has prompted the establishment of the new office.
He said: "Our decision underlies the importance we place on the enormous business potential in the Middle East, and our recognition of the pivotal role of Dubai in the region.
"Dubai is the gateway to the Gulf, North and East Africa, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Indian sub-continent and Central Asia. Together these represent a huge market of 1.4 billion consumers. This region is one of the most stable and attractive emerging markets in the world."
The new TDC regional office now offers fully-fledged services to companies planning to do business with Hong Kong.
Joining Mr Sze to cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony were the President of Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mr Hassan Mohammed bin Al Shaikh; the Director General of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mr Abdul Rahman G Al Mutaiwee, and the Consul-General of the People's Republic of China in Dubai, Mr Li Zhiguo.
Bi-lateral trade between Hong Kong and the Middle East exceeded HK$27 billion in 1999, and has shown double-digit growth (24 per cent) in the first quarter of this year. Last year Hong Kong exports to the region amounted to HK$17.5 billion.
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For press enquiries, please contact Justina Shum of the TDC's Media & Corporate Communications at 2584 4333.
