HK family office in Middle East says it's crucial to get to know the local culture
發佈日期: 2025-05-11 19:40
TVB News
A family office that has set its sights on the Middle East in recent years says it's crucial to get to know the local culture in advance.
A Hong Kong lawmaker, meanwhile, says the SAR can serve as a springboard for Middle Eastern investors to tap the China market.
Back in 2023, Chief Executive John Lee led a delegation to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in an effort to build more business ties.
So what makes the Middle East attractive?
Four of the world's top 10 largest sovereign wealth funds are based in the Middle East, with their total assets reaching 3,500 billion U.S. dollars.
One of them, the Kuwait Investment Authority, ranks fifth in the world.
Kwan Chi-man's family office tapped into the Middle East market two years ago.
He said it is crucial to understand the local culture and values when doing business with the people there.
He said small talk plays an essential role in Middle Eastern culture, and it is regarded as impolite to go straight to business in meetings.
Therefore, he set up in his office a room with Middle Eastern decor for casual conversations.
To foster business ties, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing included the financial markets of Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Dubai into its list of recognised stock exchanges in recent years.
Lawmaker Robert Lee, who represents the financial services sector, said Hong Kong is renowned for its professionalism and legal protection.
He believes the city is capable of leveraging its role as a connector to help global investors tap the China market.
