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

2025-09-18 22:25 Last Updated At：22:38

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.

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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

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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

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.

FEHD Releases May Gravidtrap Indexes for Aedes Albopictus, Highlights Areas of Concern and Control Measures.

FEHD releases fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (May 21) released the fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in May, covering 12 survey areas, as follows:

District

Survey Area

May 2026

First Phase Gravidtrap Index

First Phase Density Index

Eastern

Shau Kei Wan and Sai Wan Ho

9.1%

1.4

Islands

Tung Chung

2.0%

1.0

Kowloon City

Hung Hom and To Kwa Wan

6.7%

1.5

Tai Po

Tai Po East

2.2%

2.0

Tai Po West

15.5%

1.0

Tuen Mun

Tuen Mun South

9.1%

1.4

District

Survey Area

May 2026

Area Gravidtrap Index

Area Density Index

Central and Western

Kennedy Town and Shek Tong Tsui

16.8%

1.3

Eastern

Chai Wan

15.4%

1.0

North Point and Quarry Bay

18.9%

1.4

Southern

Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau

20.8%

1.7

Sha Tin

Sha Tin Town Centre and Fo Tan

18.3%

1.4

Tsuen Wan

Tsuen Wan Town

6.9%

2.3

The fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May includes First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering six survey areas and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering six survey areas. Among which, six survey areas recorded gravidtrap indexes above 10 per cent, while Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau in Southern District recorded a gravidtrap index above 20 per cent. Meanwhile, the gravidtrap indexes of six survey areas, namely Kennedy Town and Shek Tong Tsui in Central and Western District; North Point and Quarry Bay in Eastern District; Shau Kei Wan and Sai Wan Ho in Eastern District; Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau in Southern District; Tai Po East in Tai Po District; and Tuen Mun South in Tuen Mun District, have recorded a decrease as compared to the indexes recorded in the last survey period, reflecting the progress of relevant mosquito control work.

With reference to the data from the past few years, the gravidtrap indexes start to rise from April or May every year. The actual timing and extent of the rise are affected by factors like weather conditions and rainfall. The average temperature and rainfall recorded in April this year were higher than those in the same period last year, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding. As a result, the rise in gravidtrap indexes occurred earlier this year. With the increase in rainfall in May, the gravidtrap indexes are expected to rise further.

For survey areas which recorded indexes exceeding 10 per cent, in accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the chikungunya fever (CF) situation (i.e. strengthening mosquito control work in areas with a gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, instead of 20 per cent or above under the original mechanism), the FEHD is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestations and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures. The FEHD has initiated two prosecutions against the relevant construction site contractors following the discovery of mosquito breeding at construction sites in Tai Po District and Southern District. Moreover, following the discovery of stagnant water or stagnant water containers in a park, a construction site, a private housing estate, a clinic and a private premises in Tai Po District, Central and Western District, as well as Southern District, the FEHD has issued five statutory notices to the responsible persons-in-charge, requiring the clearance of such items within a specified timeframe. The FEHD, the relevant departments and stakeholders are following up on the mosquito control work, and will also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and work together in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures. In addition, the FEHD will strengthen the monitoring of the gravidtrap index in the areas to review the effectiveness of the mosquito control work.

Public participation is crucial to the effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:

tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside the premises;

remove all unnecessary water collections and eliminate the sources;

check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water;

change water in flower vases and scrub their inner surfaces thoroughly, and remove water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week;

properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water;

properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as disposable meal boxes and empty cans; and

scrub drains and surface sewers with alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of CF transmission.

Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department's webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#).

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

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