On January 14, the first-ever Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Special Session in Hong Kong was successfully held at the Asian Financial Forum (AFF). The session aimed to explore deeper collaboration between Hong Kong and GCC member states in key areas such as financial services, industrial transformation, and energy transition. Mr. Yip Kwong To, Founding Partner of Real See International, attended the event and served as the session moderator.
As the session chair, Mr. Yip led the discussion by highlighting the role of transition finance in supporting energy transformation, the complementary strengths between Hong Kong and the GCC region, and the pathways to fostering sustainable economic growth. Panelists actively exchanged views on the current status of Hong Kong–GCC relations, identified strategies to enhance investment flows, and jointly mapped out a roadmap for broader regional cooperation.
In recent years, GCC member states have launched a series of initiatives aimed at advancing their manufacturing and green energy sectors, creating significant opportunities for cross-border collaboration in finance, clean energy, artificial intelligence, and beyond. Under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, Real See International has been expanding its partnerships with several GCC nations and deepening its involvement across multiple sectors.
Following the session, representatives from various Gulf countries extended formal invitations to Mr. Yip and the Real See team for follow-up visits, laying a strong foundation for future cooperation in technology and finance. These developments signal promising opportunities for expanded partnerships and shared innovation between Hong Kong and the GCC region.
Keynote speeches were delivered by Mr. Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR Government, and H.E. Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the GCC. Panel participants included Dr. Faris Algarni, Assistant Deputy Minister for Policy and Legislative Development, Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia; H.E. Younis Haji Alkhoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance of the United Arab Emirates; Mr. Nasser Al Kindi, CEO of Oman Investment Authority; Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Sowaidi, CEO of Qatar Development Bank; Ms. Ding Chen, CEO of CSOP Asset Management; and Mr. Edwin Low, Co-CEO for Asia and the Middle East.
About the GCC
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is the most prominent political and economic organization in the Gulf region. Established in 1981, its member states include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain. The GCC has played a pivotal role in advancing economic integration across the Arab Gulf states, marking a new milestone in regional development. It has also elevated the presence of GCC countries in the global economic landscape.
The GCC’s strategic location—linking Asia, Africa, and Europe—gives it a unique geopolitical advantage. It is also a key partner in the joint development of the Belt and Road Initiative. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations with the GCC, China has maintained close and productive cooperation with the organization.
