Hong Kong plans a major conference next year to build ties with Gulf countries. Frederick Ma leads the Trade Development Council and wants stronger Middle East partnerships. Trump's changing policies worry business leaders about future trade growth. The council cut export forecasts from 4 percent to 3 percent for 2025. Ma says unpredictable American decisions slow investment around the world.
Trade between Hong Kong and Middle Eastern nations jumped over 30 percent recently. South Asian business activity also grew fast as new investors arrived. Ma remembers leading the first Hong Kong delegation to the Middle East back in 2006. The conference will bring together companies from China, Southeast Asia and Gulf states. Ma hopes the meeting creates fresh business opportunities across regions.
Exhibition space shortages hurt Hong Kong's event industry badly. New venues under the North Metropolis project need ten years to finish construction. Ma suggests using government buildings for temporary exhibitions right away. The council operates 51 offices worldwide but faces budget pressures from government deficits. Ma keeps all 13 mainland China offices because they connect local businesses with global markets.
Trade between Hong Kong and Middle Eastern nations jumped over 30 percent recently. South Asian business activity also grew fast as new investors arrived. Ma remembers leading the first Hong Kong delegation to the Middle East back in 2006. The conference will bring together companies from China, Southeast Asia and Gulf states. Ma hopes the meeting creates fresh business opportunities across regions.
Exhibition space shortages hurt Hong Kong's event industry badly. New venues under the North Metropolis project need ten years to finish construction. Ma suggests using government buildings for temporary exhibitions right away. The council operates 51 offices worldwide but faces budget pressures from government deficits. Ma keeps all 13 mainland China offices because they connect local businesses with global markets.
