South China Morning Post | 30 August 2025
Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia sign deal to boost investment, infrastructure ties
by Cannix Yau
Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance infrastructure information exchange and facilitate market access for the city’s professional services.
In the presence of Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih, the agreement was signed on Friday by Commissioner for Belt and Road Nicholas Ho Lik-chi and Assistant Deputy for the Saudi Services Sector Fahad Alhashem.
“This MOU marks another significant milestone in the collaboration between the two sides under the Belt and Road Initiative, especially as it is the first of its kind signed between Hong Kong and an overseas economy in this area of cooperation,” Lee said.
“Our professional services … can contribute significantly to the development of signature projects in Saudi Arabia and beyond. I am confident that this MOU will further strengthen the bilateral ties between the two economies.”
Under the agreement, the Saudi investment ministry will provide Hong Kong with information on infrastructure and construction projects and address any obstacles that face city companies when accessing the kingdom’s market.
The Belt and Road Initiative Office will share information about Hong Kong’s professional services with Saudi Arabia, aiming to utilise each other’s platforms for investment promotion, tendering and fundraising.
Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia are negotiating an investment promotion and protection agreement to strengthen investment, investor confidence and bilateral investment flows.
The city has been striving to build ties with the Middle East in a bid to attract investments. In May, a Hong Kong delegation led by Lee signed 35 memorandums of understanding and agreements to deepen cooperation with Qatar, ranging from investment to innovation and technology, with city residents also given 30-day visa-free access to the Gulf nation.
