CMA President Wingco Lo Visits Bahrain to Launch Middle East Business Mission
Dr Wingco Lo, President of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong (the CMA), arrived in Bahrain today to begin a two-day visit. Following this, on 17 May (Saturday), he will lead a 20-member business delegation to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar for a seven-day mission. This aims to deepen understanding of the regional business landscape, explore investment opportunities, and strengthen economic and trade relations between Hong Kong and the Gulf region.
President Lo highlighted that all four countries on the delegation’s itinerary are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Despite differing levels of socio-economic development, each is actively pursuing economic diversification to reduce dependence on oil revenues. Their strategic focus on sectors such as finance, infrastructure, innovation and technology, renewable energy, and tourism aligns closely with Hong Kong’s existing strengths and its rapidly growing innovation-led industries—creating fertile ground for synergistic collaboration.
“With the global trade landscape undergoing rapid transformation, Hong Kong businesses are increasingly looking to tap into high-potential emerging markets,” President Lo stated. “The Middle East, while smaller in population compared to ASEAN, offers structural advantages, including a young and affluent consumer base. There is a strong and growing demand for premium products and services in the region, making it a market of immense strategic value for both Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises.”
President Lo also noted the proactive efforts by the Hong Kong SAR Government under the Belt and Road Initiative to deepen engagement with Middle Eastern economies. These efforts include the signing of investment promotion and protection agreements, the establishment of bilateral cooperation frameworks, and the development of a halal-friendly environment and certification system in Hong Kong—all of which provide a robust foundation for local businesses seeking to enter and expand within the region.
During his stay in Bahrain, President Lo will meet with key government bodies including the Bahrain Economic Development Board, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC), and the Ministry of Finance and National Economy (MOFNE). The discussions will focus on the latest policy developments and economic priorities. He will also meet with representatives from the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), multinational firm Huawei, and Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat to explore investment and collaboration opportunities.
In addition, President Lo will pay a courtesy visit to H.E. Ni Ruchi, Chinese Ambassador to Bahrain, to gain insights into the progress and prospects of Chinese enterprises operating in the country.
Commenting on the strategic importance of Bahrain, President Lo said, “The country, with its diversified economic base, strategic geographic location, progressive policies, and open business environment, is an ideal gateway for Hong Kong companies looking to establish a foothold in the Gulf region.”
President Lo highlighted that all four countries on the delegation’s itinerary are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Despite differing levels of socio-economic development, each is actively pursuing economic diversification to reduce dependence on oil revenues. Their strategic focus on sectors such as finance, infrastructure, innovation and technology, renewable energy, and tourism aligns closely with Hong Kong’s existing strengths and its rapidly growing innovation-led industries—creating fertile ground for synergistic collaboration.
“With the global trade landscape undergoing rapid transformation, Hong Kong businesses are increasingly looking to tap into high-potential emerging markets,” President Lo stated. “The Middle East, while smaller in population compared to ASEAN, offers structural advantages, including a young and affluent consumer base. There is a strong and growing demand for premium products and services in the region, making it a market of immense strategic value for both Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises.”
President Lo also noted the proactive efforts by the Hong Kong SAR Government under the Belt and Road Initiative to deepen engagement with Middle Eastern economies. These efforts include the signing of investment promotion and protection agreements, the establishment of bilateral cooperation frameworks, and the development of a halal-friendly environment and certification system in Hong Kong—all of which provide a robust foundation for local businesses seeking to enter and expand within the region.
During his stay in Bahrain, President Lo will meet with key government bodies including the Bahrain Economic Development Board, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC), and the Ministry of Finance and National Economy (MOFNE). The discussions will focus on the latest policy developments and economic priorities. He will also meet with representatives from the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), multinational firm Huawei, and Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat to explore investment and collaboration opportunities.
In addition, President Lo will pay a courtesy visit to H.E. Ni Ruchi, Chinese Ambassador to Bahrain, to gain insights into the progress and prospects of Chinese enterprises operating in the country.
Commenting on the strategic importance of Bahrain, President Lo said, “The country, with its diversified economic base, strategic geographic location, progressive policies, and open business environment, is an ideal gateway for Hong Kong companies looking to establish a foothold in the Gulf region.”
CMA President Dr Wingco Lo (Third from the left) visited the Bahrain Economic Development Board and met with HE Noor bint Ali Al Khulaif (Centre), Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board
CMA President Dr Wingo Co (Centre) met with HE Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa (Fourth from the right), Chief Executive Officer of Mumtalakat
CMA President Dr Wingco Lo visited the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry