CEO of Nasdaq-listed Society Pass Inc (Nasdaq: SOPA) to Speak at NXT CX Summit Indonesia in Jakarta

SINGAPORE, Feb 20, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Society Pass Incorporated ("SoPa") (Nasdaq: SOPA), Southeast Asia's (SEA) next generation, data-driven, loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem, today announces that company founder, chairman, and CEO Dennis Nguyen has been invited to serve as the keynote speaker at the 8th NXT CX Summit Indonesia to be held on Wednesday, 22 February 2023. The title of the conference is "Holistic Approach to Indonesia's Customer Transformation."

Mr. Nguyen is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of SoPa. He has been an investment banker and venture capitalist with more than 25 years of deal experience in the SEA, Greater China, US, EU, Korea and Middle East markets. He founded Society Pass in 2018 and led the company to its historical initial public offering on Nasdaq in November 2021, being the first Vietnam-based company to complete a traditional IPO outside of Vietnam. SoPa aims to transform the entire retail value chain towards a more digital future in SEA with SoPa's first-in-class loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem.

During the conference, Mr. Nguyen will talk about "Society Pass: Building the Next Generation Digital Ecosystem in Southeast Asia" at 10:45 am on Wednesday, 22 Feb 2023.

Event details:
Event: 8th NXT CX Summit Indonesia https://www.nxtcxsea.com/
Date: Wednesday, 22nd February 2023
Location: Hotel Indonesia Kempinski, Jakarta, Indonesia (In-person Conference)

About Society Pass Inc.

Founded in 2018 as a data-driven loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem in the fast-growing markets of Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, which account for more than 80% of the SEA population, and with offices located in Angeles, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Manila, and Singapore, Society Pass Incorporated (Nasdaq: SOPA) is an acquisition-focused holding company operating 6 interconnected verticals (loyalty, digital media, travel, telecoms, lifestyle, and F&B), which seamlessly connects millions of registered consumers and hundreds of thousands of registered merchants/brands across multiple product and service categories throughout SEA.

Society Pass completed an initial public offering and began trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker SOPA in November 2021. SOPA shares were added to the Russell 2000 index in December 2021.

SoPa acquires fast growing e-commerce companies and expands its user base across a robust product and service ecosystem. SoPa integrates these complementary businesses through its signature Society Pass fintech platform and circulation of its universal loyalty points or Society Points, which has entered beta testing and is expected to launch broadly at the beginning of 2023. Society Pass loyalty program members earn and redeem Society Points and receive personalised promotions based on SoPa's data capabilities and understanding of consumer shopping behaviour. SoPa has amassed more than 3.3 million registered consumers and over 205,000 registered merchants and brands. It has invested 2+ years building proprietary IT architecture to effectively scale and support its consumers, merchants, and acquisitions.

SoPa leverages technology to tailor a more personalised experience for customers in the purchase journey and to transform the entire retail value chain in SEA. SoPa operates Thoughtful Media Group, a Thailand-based, a social commerce-focused, digital advertising platform; NusaTrip, a leading Indonesia-based Online Travel Agency; Gorilla Networks, a Singapore-based, web3-enabled mobile blockchain network operator; Leflair.com, Vietnam's leading lifestyle e-commerce platform; Handycart.vn, a leading online restaurant delivery service based in Vietnam; Mangan.ph, a leading local restaurant delivery service in Philippines and Pushkart.ph, a popular grocery delivery company in Philippines.

For more information on Society Pass, please visit:
Website at https://www.thesocietypass.com or
LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/societypass or
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thesocietypass or
Twitter at https://twitter.com/society_pass or
Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/societypass/.

Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may include "forward-looking statements," within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management team, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company's management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors detailed in the Company's filings with the SEC. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are qualified in their entirety by this paragraph. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company's registration statement and prospectus relating to the Company's initial public offering filed with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

Media Contacts:
PRecious Communications
sopa@preciouscomms.com

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Director-General of Investment Promotion visits Bangkok to promote Hong Kong’s business opportunities

HONG KONG, Feb 20, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), Mr Stephen Phillips, today (February 20) started his duty visit to Bangkok as part of the latest efforts to promote Hong Kong's business opportunities.

Mr Stephen Phillips

During the visit, Mr Phillips will meet with potential start-ups and companies from fintech, transport, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing, tourism and hospitality, and consumer products sectors to discuss their plans of setting up or expanding in Hong Kong. He will also speak at the panel discussion on "Digital FDI & Innovation" at the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies Asia Pacific IPAs Investment Conference and host two briefings for Thai start-up communities with specific themes on the latest development and initiatives of virtual assets in Hong Kong and the vibrant start-up landscape and opportunities in the city respectively.

Mr Phillips said, "Hong Kong is the only place in the world where the global advantage and the China advantage come together in a single city. This unique convergence makes Hong Kong the irreplaceable connection between the Mainland and the rest of the world. The city is an ideal location for overseas and Mainland companies, as well as entrepreneurs from around the world, as a base to set up or expand their business in Hong Kong, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), China, and Asia more widely."

He added, "Hong Kong offers Thai companies a wide range of routes to growth opportunities. I look forward to sharing with representatives of companies and entrepreneurs the latest business environment in Hong Kong, and in particular, how they can use Hong Kong to seize opportunities, including those arising from the GBA."

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Hong Kong Investment Promotion Chief visits Bangkok to promote Hong Kong’s business opportunities

HONG KONG, Feb 20, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, Mr Stephen Phillips, today (February 20) started his duty visit to Bangkok as part of the latest efforts to promote Hong Kong's business opportunities.

Mr Stephen Phillips

Aneka Jaringan Shareholders Approve All Resolutions at 4th AGM

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 16, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Aneka Jaringan Holdings Berhad (Bursa: ANEKA, 0226), a basement and foundation construction specialist, announced that shareholders have approved all resolutions at the 4th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Aneka Jaringan held today on a virtual platform.

Managing Director of Aneka Jaringan, Pang Tse Fui

Shareholders received the audited financial statements for the Financial Year Ended 31 August 2022 together with the reports of the directors and auditors contained therein. Shareholder passed resolutions to re-elect Dato' Noraini binti Abdul Rahman and Wee Kee Hong to the Board of Directors and approved the payment of directors' fees and benefits of up to RM220,000 from 17 February 2023 until the conclusion of the next AGM.

Other resolutions passed included the re-appointment of Baker Tilly Monteiro Heng PLT as the Group's auditor, as well as authorising the Board of Directors to fix its remuneration. Shareholders also approved the authority for the Board of Directors to issue shares and approved the proposed new mandate for recurrent related party transactions of a revenue or trading nature.

Managing Director of Aneka Jaringan, Pang Tse Fui said, "We would like to thank shareholders for their continued support and confidence in us as the Group continues to secure new contracts in Malaysia while expanding in Indonesia. We have secured RM59.8 million in contracts in Financial Year Ended 2023 and have increased capacity in Indonesia as we seek to leverage on the country's infrastructure needs that include its new capital of Nusantara."

"The Group is cognisant of the risks and challenges that continue to affect the construction sector. Energy, labour and raw material prices remain areas of concern and the Group has taken steps to mitigate these risks such as replacing outsourced workers with newly recruited foreign workers as we have been granted a government quota of 150 workers."

Aneka Jaringan has an order book of RM145.73 million as of 31 October 2022, with Malaysian operations contributing RM138.97 million and Indonesian operations contributing RM6.76 million.

As of 31 October 2022, the Group's tender book stood at RM969.45 million, with tenders in Malaysia valued at RM873.85 million and tenders in Indonesia valued at RM95.60 million.

Aneka Jaringan Holdings Berhad: 226 [BURSA: ANEKA], http://www.anekajaringan.com/

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Registration is open for Project Finance & Project Financial Modelling Online Masterclass

Singapore, Feb 15, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Infocus International Group, a global business intelligence provider of strategic information and professional services, has launched the Project Finance & Project Financial Modelling online masterclass and it will be commencing live on 9th May 2023.

Today's project finance (PF) transactions require a higher level of expertise not only in programming more sophisticated and flexible financial models, but also in incorporating the latest risk mitigation and credit enhancement instruments. While higher standards of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) impact management are being demanded of all major capital projects worldwide, more options and models for ESG mitigation, insurance, guarantee products, and financing instruments are now available. This online course covers both the latest PF strategies, risk mitigation instruments, as well as financial modelling best practices.

The objective of this course is to provide participants with an enhanced understanding of the practical & documentation requirements of all interested parties to today's PF transaction. This programme provides participants with proven PF analytical strategies and transaction structuring techniques which will enable participants to quantitatively assess risks, resolve constraints, and reach project financial closure. This programme is also designed to enhance the check lists and benchmark metrics by which participants can reduce losses and which will be viewed favourably by both management and the regulatory community.

A past participant from Asian Development Bank shared that, "The course had a good balance of both the quantitative and qualitative factors to be considered in project finance modelling. The instructor is experienced yet approachable."

"It is a very good program for both beginners in Project Finance and as a refresher for practitioners alike," said a past participant from PE Power.

Benefits of Attending

– Limited-recourse project financing models & transaction management
– Project finance documentation management, risk analysis models & Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) mitigation options
– Sources of PPP financing: financial products, guarantee instruments, credit enhancements & bankability techniques
– Designing financial models part 1: Financial model design requirements & work plan management
– Designing financial models part 2 & 3: Programming financial statements and interpreting international accounting standards
– Designing financial models part 4: Project finance model stress-testing simulation analyses, and modelling for credit enhancements
– Summary group exercise: Evaluating a financial model for PF risk allocation, transaction closure and post-transaction economic regulation & tariff adjustment

Want to learn more?

Simply email esther@infocusevent.com or call +65 6325 0210 to obtain your FREE COPY of the event brochure. For more information, please visit www.infocusinternational.com/projectfinance-online.

About Infocus International Group

Infocus International is a global business intelligence provider of strategic information and professional services for diverse business communities. We recognise clients' needs and responds with innovative and result oriented programmes. All products are founded on high value content in diverse subject areas, and the highest level of quality is ensured through intensive and in-depth market research from local and international insights. For more information: www.infocusinternational.com

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

SCIB Terminates Indonesian Project

KUCHING, MALAYSIA, Feb 14, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Civil engineering specialist Sarawak Consolidated Industries Berhad (SCIB) today announced that the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, SCIB International (Labuan) Ltd. (SCIBILL), has issued a notice of termination to PT Cipta Multi Sarana (PTCMS) for the proposed engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) project involving earthworks for the Prabumulih-Muara Enim tolled road located in Sumatera, Indonesia valued at RM55.59 million.

Group MD and CEO of SCIB, Encik Rosland bin Othman

SCIBILL, which accepted a letter of award for the EPCC project on 18 August 2020 from PTCMS, has decided to take the necessary measures to protect its interests following the lack of progress in the project arising from uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic and in view of the initiatives being taken to review and update SCIB's order book records.

SCIBILL and PTCMS have mutually agreed to terminate the contract and unconditionally release and indefinitely discharge both parties from all claims, liens and obligations of every nature arising out of or in connection with the performance of the works and all amendments thereto, provided that the parties' obligations under a settlement agreement are fulfilled.

Group Managing Director of SCIB, Encik Rosland bin Othman said, "The termination is in the best interests of the Company as there has been no progress on the project. On the part of PTCMS, it has acknowledged that there are no penalties or liquidated ascertained damages on SCIBILL."

Sarawak Consolidated Industries Bhd: 9237 [BURSA: SCIB], http://scib.com.my

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Bintai Kinden Wins RM14.2 Million Project from TNB

PETALING JAYA, Malaysia, Feb 10, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Bintai Kinden Corporation Bhd (Bursa: BINTAI, 6998), a mechanical and electrical (M&E) engineering services specialist, is pleased to announce that the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Kejuruteraan Bintai Kindenko Sdn Bhd (KBK), has been awarded a project worth RM14.2 million by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) for the installation of two 132kV transformer bays air insulated switchgear complete with the relevant primary, secondary, cables and all associated civil works located in Pasir Besar, Negeri Sembilan.

Executive Director of Bintai Kinden, En. Azri Azerai

The project's scope of work also includes a 33kV building, two 300kVA 33/0.415kV local transformers, 33kV GIS single busbar (eight outgoing, two incomer, two local transformers and two bus-ties), 33kV CRP, 33kV RTU, 33kV SIP and 33kV MPE, neutral earthing system, earthing system extension, lightning protection system, associated secondary works (protection & telecontrol) and, associated underground cable works for power transformer, local transformer and bus-tie.

KBK, a specialist in M&E engineering services, was also awarded a project worth RM39.0 million by TNB for the installation of a 132kV underground cable double circuit in late November 2022.

Azri Azerai, Executive Director of Bintai Kinden said, "We are happy to work with TNB as both parties have a working relationship and track record going back some years. The award of the contract is also testament to our expertise and experience in M&E engineering services including design, installation and commissioning.

"Bintai Kinden has in recent years been growing our range of expertise through investments and acquisitions that leverage on our strengths and market network. The Company has mid-to-long-term plans to transform to a multidisciplinary M&E engineering services specialist that also include strategic partnerships like the one we recently inked with Sarawak Consolidated Industries Berhad."

Past TNB projects in which Bintai Kinden has been involved in include the 132kV Kuchai Lama switching station, 132kV MRT Bukit Serdang switching station, 132kV single-circuit underground cable from PMU Galloway to PMU KLCC2 and, 132kV bulk supply connection to KTMB Sentul feeder station. Total unbilled order book under M&E segment of Bintai Kinden is RM143.41 million.

Bintai Kinden Corporation Berhad: 6998 [BURSA: BKC], http://bintai.com.my/

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Hong Kong’s Middle East mission lays groundwork for new business opportunities

HONG KONG, Feb 10, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Since the recent reopening of the Hong Kong-mainland border, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) embarked on a week-long business mission to the Middle East, led by Mr John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The Hong Kong business delegation signed 13 MoUs during this trip. In this photo, HKTDC and Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed an MoUs at the Abu Dhabi-Hong Kong Business Forum on 7 February.

The Hong Kong delegation engaged with senior representatives of government, local Chambers of Commerce and key corporations via business meetings and seminars. In this photo, they are on a company visit to SABIC, the leading petrochemicals manufacturer in the Middle East.

Led by Mr John Lee, HKSAR Chief Executive, the delegation visited various companies in Saudi Arabia and the UAE to learn about the latest developments. Here, the group visit THE LINE Experience exhibition (NEOM) showcasing innovative urban designs of the futuristic city NEOM.

Mr Lee was accompanied by principal officials Mr Horace Cheung, Deputy Secretary of Justice; Mr Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and Treasury; and Mr Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development.

The signing of 13 Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) during the mission signals new collaboration opportunities between Hong Kong and Middle East companies and organisations in business, finance, innovation and technology, sustainability and transport.

Over 30 business leaders from finance, logistics, technology and professional services joined the mission to Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

By showcasing Hong Kong's strengths through business and official exchanges and proactive publicity, the mission deepened economic and trade relations and enhanced cultural exchange between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), helping Hong Kong attract investment and talent. It also solidified Hong Kong's role as the global gateway to Mainland China and a leading business and investment hub in Asia.

The Hong Kong delegation met with senior representatives of government, local Chambers of Commerce, including the Saudi Chinese Business Council, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Invest in Sharjah and Dubai Chambers, the last of which also announced the establishment of a Hong Kong office yesterday.

HKTDC Chairman Dr Peter K N Lam said, "The Middle East has an important role to play in driving the global economy and has important strategic significance in supporting the development of the Belt and Road. As Hong Kong reopens to the world, we have lost no time in organising this Hong Kong business delegation to the Middle East, led by the Chief Executive and three principal officials. Apart from presenting Hong Kong's latest incentives and policies to attract investment and talent, we also introduced new opportunities arising from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and encouraged UAE and Saudi companies to take advantage of Hong Kong's investment and business platforms."

Dr Lam added, "From our meetings and visits, we saw that Saudi Arabia and the UAE welcome deeper and broader ties with Hong Kong to support their strategic development. I am delighted that many MoUs have been signed across many sectors. These will lay a solid foundation for future long-term cooperation. With our 50 offices around the world, the HKTDC will continue to help businesses open doors and to promote Hong Kong as a global business hub."

Apart from over 30 international trade fairs and conferences in Hong Kong, the HKTDC organises large-scale overseas mega promotions, such as Think Business, Think Hong Kong, which will be held in Thailand in July to promote the Hong Kong brand together with the Hong Kong family of organisations.

The MoUs signed during this mission include:

1. Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) and Saudi Tadawul Group Holding Company
2. SenseTime and King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) (Letter of Intent)
3. Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) and Riyadh Chamber
4. Templewater Ltd, Bravo Transport Services Ltd and Wisdom Motors (Hong Kong) Ltd and Nesma Holding Ltd
5. SenseTime and Sela Company (Letter of Intent)
6. Hutchison and King Salman Energy Park (SPARK)
7. HKTDC and Dubai Chamber
8. Ho & Partners Architects, Negawatt, Masdar City, and The Catalyst
9. HKSTP and Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park
10. Hong Kong Cyberport and Dubai Future Foundation
11. HKTDC and Invest in Sharjah
12. HKTDC and Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry
13. Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI) and Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Photo Download: https://bit.ly/3DY0O2i

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC's Communications and Public Affairs Department:
Sunny Ng, Tel: +852 2584 4357, Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org
Sam Ho, Tel: +852 2584 4569, Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Former Singapore Parliamentarian’s Swiss Digital Assets Company Receives Regulatory Approval

Calvin Cheng’s Damoon Technologies has obtained membership status from the Swiss Financial Services Standard Association (‘VQF’), which is officially recognised by the Federal Financial Market Supervisory Authority (‘FINMA’)
This comes on the back of Cheng’s Web3 Company obtaining the Virtual Asset License from the Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA)
Damoon will offer crypto-fiat-crypto payment services, as well as a digital assets custodian

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, Feb 10, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Singapore investor and former parliamentarian Calvin Cheng’s Swiss company, Damoon Technologies (‘Damoon’) has been granted membership in the Swiss VQF, joining the ranks of some of the world’s leading digital assets businesses.

The latest development officially opens the door for Damoon to establish a presence in Switzerland. Thedigital assets company is building a platform for users to engage in crypto- to-fiat payments and vice versa, as well as a digital assets custody service.

VQF is the largest and oldest cross-industry Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) in the country and is officially recognised by FINMA, Switzerland’s financial services watchdog.

Damoon must now comply with Swiss anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. Thanks to this, the company is in a unique position to work with demanding clients and offer them a place that provides efficiency, security and regulatory clarity.

Calvin Cheng commented, “I believe in the future of digital assets, but this has to be done in accordance with traditional finance’s compliance standards. Switzerland is the pre- eminent global financial hub, and is the ideal place to base crypto-fiat-crypto financial services, as well as a trusted custodian.”

Recently, Damoon has also joined the Crypto Valley Association in Zug. “Crypto Valley Association are excited to welcome Damoon Technology and Mr. Calvin Cheng as members,” said a spokesperson for the organization.

Currently, Damoon is in the process of building its compliance and operational team in Zurich and Zug, Switzerland. The company expects to start operations by the end of Q2 2023.

Earlier in 2022, Cheng’s Web3 Holdings FZE was awarded the coveted provisional Virtual Asset License by VARA in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The license granted similarly promotes greater customer assurance and risk protection.

About Calvin Cheng

Calvin Cheng is currently the Chairman of Australia Stock Exchange (ASX) listed EdTech firm ReTechTechnology Co, which he led to an Initial Public Offering, together with leading investors from China.ReTech’s shareholders include several co-founders of Alibaba, as well as founders of other leading Chinese tech companies.

Cheng was a former appointed Member of Singapore’s Parliament and a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum. He is also the Republic of Serbia’s first Honorary Consul to the Republic of Singapore.

For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact:
Tang Hong Ee (Financial PR) (T) 6438-2990
(E) hongee@financialpr.com.sg

Hong Kong and UAE explore collaboration opportunities

DUBAI, Feb 9, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – A delegation of business leaders from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), led by the city's Chief Executive and principal officials and organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), is in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this week to strengthen existing business ties and develop new areas of collaboration in technology, sustainability and smart city development, in addition to traditional sectors of finance and trade.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between HKTDC and Dubai Chambers.

Panel speakers discussed the opportunities for deeper UAE-Hong Kong collaboration at the business forum before a dinner for the Dubai and Hong Kong business communities.

With Hong Kong's unrivalled access to China and Asia and the UAE's role as a gateway to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and European markets, the relationship between the two commercial centres is already providing important benefits to a range of businesses.

The arrival of the high-level business delegation, which comprises senior executives from Hong Kong's financial institutions, financial regulators as well as major players in innovation and technology (I&T), sustainability and smart city solutions, will help accelerate the commercial ties between the HKSAR and the Emirates, and support the strategic development of the UAE, Hong Kong and mainland China.

The important strategic relationships, which exist between China and the UAE, are based on a shared backing for liberal trade policies, investment in cutting-edge technology, low tax regimes and backing for pro-business regulation.

A press conference was held on 8 February in Dubai, followed by a business forum and dinner in the presence of H.E. Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, H.E. Mr Abdul-Aziz Abdulla Al Ghurair, Chairman of Dubai Chambers and H.E. Sultan Bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai International Chambers.

Hong Kong's Chief Executive Mr John Lee said: "The UAE is Hong Kong's largest trading partner in the Middle East region. We treasure this long-standing relationship, and I believe that we can now take it to a higher level. That's why I'm here, together with these business leaders from Hong Kong – some 30 strong – to tell you that our business and investment doors are wide open and welcoming for UAE companies and investors. For a world of opportunities."

"The commercial and political ties between Hong Kong and the UAE are growing ever stronger. It is clear we both approach business in the same way, backing innovation, investing in technology and looking for sustainable solutions. This business mission to the UAE shows the depth of existing commercial relationships and the potential to do a lot more."

In response, H.E. Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi stressed the strength and durability of the strategic relations between the United Arab Emirates and the People's Republic of China, which are witnessing continuous development, especially in the areas of economics and trade. The forward-looking and visionary leadership of the two countries is building a strong partnership, opening up new opportunities and broadening bilateral economic cooperation.

His Excellency added: "Strengthening investment and trade partnerships with Hong Kong supports the strategic cooperation between the UAE and China and contributes to opening new business fields, stimulating communication between the Emirati-Chinese business communities, especially in light of new economic opportunities".

His Excellency continued: "The value of foreign trade between the UAE and Hong Kong amounted to about AED32 billion (US$8.7 billion) during the first 9 months of 2022, achieving a growth of 36% compared to the same period in 2021, while Hong Kong was among the top 10 trading partners for the UAE during 2021, with a contribution of more than 2% of the UAE's total non-oil trade."

His Excellency indicated that the forum represents an important step in supporting increased trade and enhancing prospects for bilateral cooperation in a wide range of sectors, especially shipping, logistics, the service sector and air transport. It maximises benefits for Emirati companies and their counterparts in Hong Kong.

HKTDC Chairman Dr Peter K N Lam mentioned in his opening remarks that "Dubai and Hong Kong are natural partners, when it comes to creating business opportunities. The signing of three MoUs* at our event tonight shows the tremendous potential for deeper collaboration. Creating business opportunities has been the work of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council for over 55 years, and I am pleased to be part of these exciting times."

Representing the business community in Dubai, H.E. Abdul-Aziz Abdulla Al Ghurair, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, commented: "I am proud to say that the UAE is the largest trading partner for Hong Kong in the Middle East. Non-oil trade between the UAE and Hong Kong reached AED22.2 billion in the first half of 2022, registering 16.2% growth compared to the first half of 2021. With the presence of our new international office in Hong Kong, I look forward to seeing continued collaboration with our Hong Kong counterparts and seeing the relationship between our countries thrive and prosper even more."

In the trade delegation, Chief Executive Mr Lee is joined by three principal officials: Deputy Secretary of Justice Mr Horace Cheung, Secretary for Financial Services and Treasury Mr Christopher Hui and Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Mr Algernon Yau.

Other business leaders from Hong Kong and the Emirates also exchanged views at a panel discussion yesterday. Chaired by Mr Yau, panel speakers included Mr Nicolas Aguzin, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd, Dr Sunny Chai, Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries and Chairman of the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), Mr Horace Cheung, and H.E. Hussain Al Mahmoudi, Chief Executive Officer of Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park (SRTIP) and H.E. Faisal Juma Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of Dubai International Chamber.

* 3 MOUs have been signed between:
– HKTDC and Dubai Chamber
– Ho & Partners Architects, Negawatt, Masdar City, and The Catalyst
– HKSTP and Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park

Hong Kong: Ready for business

As a two-way platform between China and the world and as one of the world's top financial centres, Hong Kong has been supporting businesses and investors worldwide to tap into the vast China and Asia market as well as playing a major role in the global financial system with special connectivity to the China market.

As part of China, but operating under an international system, Hong Kong provides special access to and from the mainland in the flow of capital, goods, technology and people, as defined in the country's national 14th Five-Year Plan. Hong Kong is also a commercial hub for the Belt and Road Initiative, a global development plan initiated by China, and part of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) – an area in Southern China earmarked by the Chinese government as a powerhouse of capital, I&T and cultural exchange driving the country's development.

With the city's common law system, low tax regime, advanced infrastructure and connectivity and a long history as an international trade and business hub, Hong Kong is well-placed to support businesses from all over the world to invest and grow.

Recently, the HKSAR Chief Executive announced in his Policy Address 2022 the wide array of incentives and measures to attract international strategic enterprises and investments to Hong Kong, particularly in areas such as life sciences, health technology, artificial intelligence and data science, financial technology, advanced manufacturing and new energy technology.

Find out more about Hong Kong:

– Hong Kong: general facts https://tinyurl.com/Asias-world-city
– Hong Kong as a global financial centre https://tinyurl.com/Financial-Centre
– Hong Kong's tech and innovation https://tinyurl.com/Tech-Innovation
– Hong Kong as the commercial hub for the Belt and Road Initiative https://tinyurl.com/Belt-and-Road
– Hong Kong as part of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area https://tinyurl.com/Greater-Bay-Area
– Photo Download: https://bit.ly/40LxYMu

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn.

Media enquiries
Credo Communications:
Habib Bacha, Tel: +971 (50) 111 3799, Email: habib.bacha@credocomms.com

HKTDC:
Sunny Ng, Tel: +852 2584 4357, Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org
Sam Ho, Tel: +852 2584 4569, Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org

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