Established by Royal Decree in 2002, DMCC is dedicated to enhancing the flow of commodity trade. It aspires to consolidate Dubai as the preferred global destination for commodity trade and a leading free zone worldwide. Currently, DMCC hosts a total of 23,600 companies across ten sectors, including traditional commodities, technology and communications, energy, finance, media and marketing, professional services, and healthcare.

Mr. Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DMCC, highlighted the organization’s accomplishments, stating, “In just two decades, DMCC has transformed Dubai into a global commodities trade hub. With over 23,000 companies spanning various sectors, DMCC is more than a commodities free zone; it fosters a diverse community of over 80,000 employees.”

Mr. Sulayem drew parallels between Hong Kong’s connections with neighboring areas and Dubai’s connections with adjacent regions, highlighting their shared economic priorities and security interests. He added, “Today, DMCC accounts for 11% of all foreign direct investment to Dubai. This is a significant demonstration of the value of free trade between Dubai and the rest of the world.”

Dr. Aaron Shum, Founding President of the Hong Kong-Middle East Business Chamber, shared his four decades of firsthand experience trading in the Middle East and encouraged chamber members to maximize their Middle East investments. He emphasized that Hong Kong could serve as a gateway for channeling Middle East capital into the Greater Bay Area (GBA), leveraging the recent Belt and Road Initiative’s focus on the Middle East.

Dr. Shum stated, “I hope to leverage my over four decades of hands-on experience living and doing business in the region to its fullest. I launched HKMEBC as a platform to encourage more people to enter the Middle East market and pave a smooth path.”

Distinguished guests at the conference included Dr. Bernard Chan, HKSAR Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development; HE Shaikh Saoud Ali Almualla, Consul General of the United Arab Emirates in the HKSAR; Hassan Al Hashemi, Vice President – International Relations, Dubai Chambers; and Mr. Nicholas Kwan, Deputy Head of the HKSAR Chief Executive’s Policy Unit, who moderated the panel discussion session.