Latest news with #businessdelegation
Khaleej Times
09-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
New German chancellor set for first China visit later this year
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to make his first visit to China towards the end of this year with a delegation of top business executives, a person with direct knowledge of the matter said. The visit from the head of Europe's biggest economy and one of China's largest trading partners would be symbolically important in underpinning relations between the two, amid friction with the United States over trade tariffs. Chinese companies hope to invest more in Germany and Merz's visit could be used to repair relations after earlier tensions with Berlin, a source told Reuters. The trip, which could come as soon as October, is yet to be finalised and details could change. A spokesperson for the German chancellery declined to comment. "Currently, the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Germany is developing well. Since the formation of the new German government, the two sides have maintained frequent and close interactions," China's foreign ministry said in response to Reuters questions. "China is willing to engage in close high-level exchanges with Germany, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote the sustained, healthy and stable development of China-Germany relations." Merz's planned trip follows a visit to Berlin earlier this month by China's foreign minister, Wang Yi, on a European tour seeking to lay the groundwork for a summit between European Union and Chinese leaders later this month. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the two foreign ministers had discussed Russia's attack on Ukraine, Taiwan and the crisis in the Middle East. China and Germany are closely interwoven, not least by German carmakers' dependence on China, the world's biggest auto market, in making and buying their cars. Relations faltered under the previous German government, where then Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock repeatedly criticised Beijing, describing President Xi Jinping as a "dictator", and China as a rival. Points of friction remain. Germany summoned the Chinese ambassador to the foreign ministry on Tuesday after saying China's military had laser targeted a German aircraft in the Red Sea. So far, Merz has also taken a tough public line on China, while avoiding a full-blown standoff. Earlier this year, he underscored worries about China's closeness to Russia while pledging to reduce Germany's reliance on the world's second largest economy. Xi, meantime, called on Merz to deepen cooperation and jointly promote economic globalisation.
Zawya
16-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Brazil-Oman Economic Forum strengthens business ties
MUSCAT: The Brazilian delegation of 15 business people visited Oman for the second Brazil-Oman Economic Forum and delivered presentations at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Muscat. It was an opportunity for the delegation to introduce them and showcase the potential of their ventures to the Omani business community. Key sectors such as health, construction and entertainment were explored during the forum. The Marcelo Lucas Law Firm, the event organiser, also gave an institutional presentation, highlighting its legal expertise and emphasising Brazil's strategic role as a global power with much to offer the Sultanate of Oman across multiple sectors. 'It is an honour to be here at the Chamber doing business with our brothers,' said Marcelo Lucas. Following the presentations, B2B meetings were held between businesspeople and regional investors. A luncheon was hosted as a reception for the delegation. The Brazilian Embassy in Oman remains the only Latin American representation in the country, just as the Embassy of Oman in Brasília is the only one in Latin America — signifying a strong and exclusive diplomatic partnership. The second forum concluded with meaningful connections, new partnerships and tangible opportunities for cooperation between Brazil and Oman.
Malay Mail
24-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Hong Kong and Middle East: Partnering for Success
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 24 May 2025 - Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), John Lee, hailed as a "success" his recent visit to the Middle East (May 10-15), where he led a delegation of more than 50 business leaders and entrepreneurs from Hong Kong and Mainland China on a visit to Qatar and Kuwait."This Middle East visit has elevated Hong Kong's relations with Qatar and Kuwait to a new level, bringing more business opportunities to Hong Kong," Mr Lee up the trip, the Chief Executive said the delegation had achieved three key objectives: to strengthen government-to-government relations; to find new areas of collaboration; and to make friends and extend networks in the region."We share a common commitment to deepening bilateral co-operation in trade, investment and cultural exchanges," Mr Lee said, noting his roundtable discussion with senior Kuwaiti officials hosted by the Acting Prime Minister of Kuwait His Excellency Sheikh Fahad Yousuf Saud Chief Executive highlighted six particularly successful areas of the strengthening relations with the governments of Qatar and Kuwait, and building consensus for reaching a total of 59 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and agreements (35 in Qatar and 24 in Kuwait), laying a diversified foundation for multifaceted leveraging Hong Kong's strengths under "one country, two systems" as a "super connector" and "super value-adder", bridging global opportunities and linking the Mainland and the bolstering ties between Hong Kong and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. The Chief Executive, together with his previous Middle East mission to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in 2023, has visited four of the six GCC member states. "The HKSAR Government is now actively exploring a free trade agreement with the GCC to further access this vital market," Mr Lee deepening mutual understanding and strengthening business networks and connections by promoting the strengths and opportunities of Hong Kong and Mainland China to partners in Qatar and advancing cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections with GCC countries."Middle East countries are seeking diversification of risks and looking for opportunities in (Mainland) China and the HKSAR in order to join the tide of the global economic shift towards the East," Mr Lee said."In this, Hong Kong has boundless opportunities."Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #collaboration #partnering #middleeast #beltandroad #kuwait #qatar The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Zawya
24-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Hong Kong and Middle East: Partnering for Success
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 24 May 2025 - Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), John Lee, hailed as a "success" his recent visit to the Middle East (May 10-15), where he led a delegation of more than 50 business leaders and entrepreneurs from Hong Kong and Mainland China on a visit to Qatar and Kuwait. "This Middle East visit has elevated Hong Kong's relations with Qatar and Kuwait to a new level, bringing more business opportunities to Hong Kong," Mr Lee said. Summing up the trip, the Chief Executive said the delegation had achieved three key objectives: to strengthen government-to-government relations; to find new areas of collaboration; and to make friends and extend networks in the region. "We share a common commitment to deepening bilateral co-operation in trade, investment and cultural exchanges," Mr Lee said, noting his roundtable discussion with senior Kuwaiti officials hosted by the Acting Prime Minister of Kuwait His Excellency Sheikh Fahad Yousuf Saud Al-Sabah. The Chief Executive highlighted six particularly successful areas of the trip. First, strengthening relations with the governments of Qatar and Kuwait, and building consensus for collaboration. Second, reaching a total of 59 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and agreements (35 in Qatar and 24 in Kuwait), laying a diversified foundation for multifaceted co-operation. Third, leveraging Hong Kong's strengths under "one country, two systems" as a "super connector" and "super value-adder", bridging global opportunities and linking the Mainland and the world. Fourth, bolstering ties between Hong Kong and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. The Chief Executive, together with his previous Middle East mission to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in 2023, has visited four of the six GCC member states. "The HKSAR Government is now actively exploring a free trade agreement with the GCC to further access this vital market," Mr Lee said. Fifth, deepening mutual understanding and strengthening business networks and connections by promoting the strengths and opportunities of Hong Kong and Mainland China to partners in Qatar and Kuwait. Sixth, advancing cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections with GCC countries. "Middle East countries are seeking diversification of risks and looking for opportunities in (Mainland) China and the HKSAR in order to join the tide of the global economic shift towards the East," Mr Lee said. "In this, Hong Kong has boundless opportunities." Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #collaboration #partnering #middleeast #beltandroad #kuwait #qatar The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Information Services Department, Hong Kong SAR Government
South China Morning Post
16-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong strengthens role as China's gateway to the Middle East
Readers discuss the Hong Kong business delegation's trip to Qatar and Kuwait, the lessons of Victory Day, and the US crackdown on overseas students Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@ or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification As a member of Hong Kong's business delegation visiting Qatar and Kuwait this week, I am excited to share my experience of it. This mission heralds an exciting new stage in Hong Kong's evolution as China's gateway to the Middle East. I am honoured to have been a part of it. Under the leadership of Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, this mission came at a time of heightened global economic uncertainty. It was rewarding to see Hong Kong reaffirm its strategic role as a 'superconnector' to China, showing the city's vast potential as a 'super value-adder' in trade, commerce, finance and world-class professional services. The success of our trip is evident in the numbers: we witnessed the signing of over 50 agreements in key areas such as advanced manufacturing, financial markets, legal cooperation, investment and technology. It is inspiring to think how these agreements will accelerate Hong Kong-Middle East connectivity, especially with trade between Hong Kong and the Gulf Cooperation Council nations having soared by 53 per cent in the past four years. Having been on the chief executive's delegation to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates two years ago, I appreciate the unique composition of our delegation this time. With 20 top mainland entrepreneurs collaborating alongside 30 Hong Kong business leaders, we exemplified the immense advantages of 'one country, two systems'. This collaboration highlighted Hong Kong's international connectivity and openness, paving the way for new market opportunities. Our engagement with Qatar, driven by its ambitious National Vision 2030, and Kuwait, home to one of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds, opens new avenues for shared prosperity. Hong Kong's zero-tariff policy and status as a free port make us the perfect partner for Middle Eastern businesses seeking reliable trade relationships. This mission also underscored the vibrancy of Hong Kong's world-class professional services sector. Our integrated solutions in accounting, legal and financial services empower mainland enterprises to optimise their global operations and embrace important principles like environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices and the digital transformation. It's clear that Hong Kong is an indispensable conduit for Chinese companies to thrive in international markets. Newsletter Every Saturday Hong Kong Update By submitting, you consent to receiving marketing emails from SCMP. If you don't want these, tick here {{message}} Thanks for signing up for our newsletter! Please check your email to confirm your subscription. Follow us on Facebook to get our latest news. This successful delegation reinforces Hong Kong's vital role in China's national development strategy. By merging our global expertise with the mainland's industrial strength, we're creating powerful synergies that benefit everyone involved. The agreements and partnerships forged during this mission will not only enhance Hong Kong's and China's competitiveness but also open up new economic horizons. As Hong Kong continues to evolve and solidify its position as a global financial hub, I am thrilled to witness our role as a bridge between China, the Middle East and the world grow stronger than ever. Eliza C.H. Chan, member, Hong Kong's Executive Council, and senior adviser, Deloitte China US-led order has been the greatest force for peace Victory Day this year marked 80 years since World War II ended, symbolising the defeat of Nazism and fascism and the creation of the long peace sustained by the West and the United States. The carnage of the two world wars reinforced the need to defend the rules-based order maintained primarily by the US, the key guardian of democracy, freedom and stability. As US President Donald Trump stated, without American involvement, victories in both wars would not have been possible. The US-led order has been the greatest force for peace and progress. Post-World War II, it established a new system grounded in collective security, rule of law and open markets. Nuclear deterrence, democratic norms and alliances such as Nato prevented war and upheld the longest period of peace among great powers in modern history. The Western-led international order has been the first to act in cases of genocide, famine or natural disaster, securing the sanctity of life. The US system allowed demilitarised growth in Japan and Europe. Thanks to the global economic integration under US rules, the number of people living in extreme poverty worldwide dropped substantially. In 1990, more than 1.9 billion people lived under the World Bank's extreme poverty line. By 2019, that number had fallen to about 650 million. More than 1 billion people were lifted out of extreme poverty in one generation, where the stability and openness of the post-Cold War international order allowed capital and goods to reach more places, creating jobs and raising incomes. Defending this order isn't about resisting change but preserving core principles: aggression is unacceptable, laws apply to all and democracy is worth protecting. The cost of maintaining this order is real, but the cost of losing it would be catastrophic. The long peace must not be taken for granted. Collins Chong Yew Keat, foreign affairs analyst, Universiti Malaya Young people should rethink studying in the US I refer to your editorial, 'US shooting itself in foot with crackdown on overseas students' (May 12). The Trump administration's weaponisation of student visas to suppress those advocating for Palestinian rights has created an atmosphere of fear on US campuses. Students were detained simply for participating in protests supporting the Palestinian cause. These actions reflect a broader strategy to intimidate and silence dissent. The Trump administration's claim that visas are a 'privilege' that can be revoked at any time serves as a chilling reminder of how political dissent can be criminalised. It illustrates the extent to which US President Donald Trump will go to achieve his agenda, using intimidation as a tool against those who dare to speak out. The current environment is not conducive to career development or intellectual growth, particularly for those advocating for justice and equality. As the US increasingly becomes a hostile place for progressive thinkers, young people studying there should consider moving to Asia or Europe, where they may find more supportive environments for their aspirations and ideals. Stanley Ip, Sai Wan Ho
