Driven by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, industrial growth has accelerated, fostering stronger cross-border cooperation, particularly with Asia. The capital markets between Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and China have seen increased activity, with major deals like CATL’s $5.3 billion IPO and BYD’s HK$43.5 billion H-share placement attracting significant investment from the Middle East. Additionally, the Premia BOCHK Saudi Arabia Government Sukuk ETF began trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, announced during the second edition of CMF Hong Kong.

During CMF Hong Kong, a luncheon co-hosted by ewpartners, CMF Hong Kong, Saudi Tadawul Group (STG), and HKEX marked a key step in strengthening capital market ties between Asia and the Middle East. Over 100 representatives from government agencies, investment institutions, and entrepreneurs from Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong attended. The opening of ewpartners’ new Hong Kong office was a main focus, with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu emphasizing the city’s role as a bridge between Asia and the Middle East, driving innovation and growth.

At the ceremony for the opening of ewpartners’ Hong Kong office, attendees included Jerry Li, Founder and Managing Partner at ewpartners; Carlson Tong, Chairman at HKEX; Mohammed bin Sulaiman Al-Rumaih, CEO at Saudi Exchange; Dr. Bernard Chan, Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development; Samson Wong, Chief Investment Officer (Private Markets) at Hong Kong Monetary Authority; and Cliff Chau, Managing Partner at ewpartners.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu provided the following message for the opening of ewpartners’ Hong Kong office: “Fostering Strategic Partnerships across Borders, Driving Innovation, Growth, and Prosperity.” This message reflects Hong Kong’s commitment to connecting Asia and the Middle East.

Mohammed Al-Rumaih, CEO of Saudi Exchange, stated, “We are seeing strong growth in the Saudi capital markets, with record IPOs and increased investor participation, reinforcing our position as a leading global exchange. The Saudi-Hong Kong collaboration is key to this success, exemplified by Sahm Capital, supported by ewpartners, becoming one of Saudi Arabia’s fastest-growing fintech companies.”

Dr. Bernard Chan, Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, highlighted Hong Kong’s unique position as a global business hub, offering a mix of international and China advantages. “With the rule of law, free capital flow, a competitive tax system, and world-class infrastructure, Hong Kong provides unmatched benefits for businesses worldwide, including those from the Middle East.”

Cliff Chau, Managing Partner of ewpartners, said, “Since our 2017 launch in Saudi Arabia, ewpartners has successfully bridged capital and expertise between Asia and the Middle East through over 20 projects. Our Hong Kong office will drive cross-regional collaboration, innovation, and growth, aligning with Hong Kong’s role as a ‘super connector.’ We’re excited to contribute to the ongoing success of Asia-Middle East cooperation.”

With eight years of experience, ewpartners has formed partnerships with Hong Kong-based tech companies, including Alibaba Cloud, J&T Express, and Leshines, a Lenovo supply chain arm. These collaborations support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, enabling businesses to use Hong Kong’s position and technology to create new industry opportunities with Saudi Arabia. These insights were detailed in ewpartners’ whitepaper, “Asia to Arabia: Strategic Investment Pathways in the GCC,” released during the luncheon.

The event highlights a new chapter in deepening ties between Asia and the Middle East, with Hong Kong emerging as a key investment and innovation hub, and ewpartners positioned as a central player in this transformation.