UAE-Hong Kong Summit Fosters Economic Ties with Five Key MOUs Signed for Strategic Collaboration.

UAE's global investment platform Investopia staged in Hong Kong for first time testifies to deepening partnership between two places

​Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) is delighted to announce today (September 18) that a summit held by the Investopia, the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) leading investment platform and ecosystem, concluded yesterday (September 17). Held in partnership with The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC), this was Investopia's inaugural summit in Greater China. Led by the Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Investment, Mr Mohammad Alhawi, the event brought together a distinguished delegation of senior government officials, chief executive officers, chamber representatives, and business leaders from the UAE, underscoring its commitment to deepening economic ties with Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.

The event opened by a video speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee. The Investopia Chief Executive Officer, Dr Jean Fares, the HSBC Hong Kong Chief Executive Officer, Ms Luanne Lim, and the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau, also gave remarks. The HSBC UAE Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mohamed Al Marzooqi, hosted a panel discussion on the future of commerce, and how innovation in trade infrastructure is accelerating corridor connectivity.

Hong Kong's strategic position as a gateway linking the Chinese Mainland, the UAE, and the wider Middle East and North Africa region was a key theme of the summit. The event highlighted the natural synergies between the economies, with Hong Kong's strengths in finance, fintech, and logistics complementing the UAE's role as a globally connected investment hub and a leading destination for Chinese capital and innovation.

The event concluded with a high-level dialogue between the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan and Mr Mohammad Alhawi, reinforcing a shared vision for a dynamic UAE-Hong Kong partnership.

The Hong Kong edition of Investopia summit signals a new chapter in UAE-Hong Kong collaboration, with the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) covering strategic sectors such as financial services, start-up ecosystems, logistics, trade infrastructure, and capital markets. These MOUs set practical frameworks for regulatory dialogue and market connectivity, co-investment, start-up soft landings, and talent exchanges. By aligning policy objectives with programs and pilots, these agreements aim to unlock new financing channels for high-growth companies, lower barriers to dual-market access, and accelerate innovation across priority sectors - laying the foundation for durable, mutually beneficial innovation and investment corridors between the UAE and Hong Kong.

The signed MOUs included an agreement between the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC) and the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) of the UAE which establishes a Mutual Recognition Framework (MRF) for investment funds, enabling public funds authorised in one jurisdiction to be distributed in a streamlined approval process. The MOU was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the SFC, Ms Julia Leung, and the Chief Executive Officer of the SCA, Mr Waleed Saeed Abdul Salam Al Awadhi.

The Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) also signed an MOU to enhance co-operation and strengthen connectivity between the capital markets of Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi. The MOU was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the HKEX, Ms Bonnie Chan and the ADX Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi.

Hub71 signed a total of three MOUs, one with Cyberport, one with MTR Lab and one with the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park (HSITP). These deals will allow the parties to support start-ups in both Hong Kong and the UAE to establish a presence in each other's jurisdiction and fast-track access to grants. The three MOUs will help to incubate the most dynamic young companies, thereby increasing the vibrancy and dynamism of the business ecosystems in both places. The MOUs were signed by the Chief Executive Officer of Hub71, Mr Ahmad Ali Alwan and representatives from Cyberport, MTR Lab and the HSITP.

Mr Alhawi said, "Since its founding, Investopia has stood as a catalyst for global dialogue, a bridge for opportunity, and a platform for connecting visionary investors and innovators. Our deepening partnership with Hong Kong - a dynamic financial hub that shares many of the UAE's ambitions and strengths - reflects the accelerating momentum of cross-border collaboration. This landmark event marks a pivotal moment, with strategic agreements that pave the way for transformative growth across high-impact sectors."

Ms Lau said, "Invest Hong Kong's mission is to connect global businesses with opportunities in Hong Kong, and to promote and facilitate investment. As key links in the Belt and Road Initiative, Hong Kong and the UAE have distinct yet complementary roles, both being important international hubs. We see significant potential to deepen collaboration across green finance, fintech, family offices and cross-border investment. InvestHK is committed to supporting UAE businesses in their growth journey, providing them with the resources and expertise they need to thrive in this dynamic region."

Mr Marzooqi said, "Investopia reminds us that the future of commerce lies in corridors, not borders. The corridors connecting Asia and the UAE are no longer just about moving goods, they are about enabling every kind of flow, including trade, capital, talent, and innovation. From securities services to digital trade and payments, HBSC is helping clients harness these flows with confidence. That's the true opportunity of the corridor, to turn connectivity into seamless growth."

The UAE delegation included representatives from leading UAE government bodies and investment promotion agencies (such as the UAE Ministry of Investment, Abu Dhabi Investment Office, the SCA of the UAE, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, and HUB71), major financial institutions and sovereign wealth funds (including ADQ, Emirates Development Bank, and First Abu Dhabi Bank), chambers of commerce, and industry-leading enterprises such as EDGE, Al Dhow Holding, and Sunset Hospitality Group. Their participation reflects the UAE's strategic vision to foster global dialogue, enable partnerships, and facilitate the flow of capital into high-impact opportunities.

Since its launch in 2021, Investopia has attracted over 11 500 participants from more than 70 countries, including hundreds of ministerial-level officials and over 1 000 global business executives. The platform continues to establish itself as a key force shaping global investment trends and driving forward-looking dialogues on the future of the world economy.

To download the event photos, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720329097410.

UAE's global investment platform Investopia staged in Hong Kong for first time testifies to deepening partnership between two places Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

UAE's global investment platform Investopia staged in Hong Kong for first time testifies to deepening partnership between two places Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

UAE's global investment platform Investopia staged in Hong Kong for first time testifies to deepening partnership between two places Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

UAE's global investment platform Investopia staged in Hong Kong for first time testifies to deepening partnership between two places Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

UAE's global investment platform Investopia staged in Hong Kong for first time testifies to deepening partnership between two places Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Seven persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operation

The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted an anti-illegal worker operation codenamed "Contribute" today (January 15).During the operation, ImmD Task Force officers raided premises under renovation in a newly built public housing estate in Sheung Shui district.A total of six suspected illegal workers and one suspected employer were arrested. Thearrested suspected illegal workers comprise six men, aged 22 to 41. Furthermore, one man, aged 45, suspected of employing the illegal workers, was also arrested. An investigation into the suspected employers is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.

Apart from mounting the enforcement operation, ImmD officers and a promotional vehicle have been deployed to distribute "Don't Employ Illegal Workers" leaflets and convey the message in the estate.

An ImmD spokesman said, "Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years' imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties."

The spokesman stressed that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years' imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years' imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.

According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee's identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker's valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman would like to remind all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.

Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) and/or forced labour victims. When any TIP and/or forced labour indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP and/or forced labour elements. Identified TIP and/or forced labour victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP and/or forced labour victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.

For reporting illegal employment activities, please call the dedicated hotline 3861 5000, by fax at 2824 1166, email to anti_crime@immd.gov.hk, or submit "Online Reporting of Immigration Offences" form at www.immd.gov.hk.

Seven persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Seven persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases