(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-01-14 15:57

HONG KONG - Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government Donald Tsang will lead a high-level business delegation to Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates between January 25 and February 1, a press release from the HKSAR government said on Monday.

Donald Tsang [File photo]

"The mission of the trip is to introduce Hong Kong's strengths and attractiveness as an international financial center to business and political leaders in the Middle East. Being a major asset management center in Asia and a gateway to the mainland market, Hong Kong provides enormous business opportunities for Middle East investors," the Chief Executive was quoted by the press release as saying.

"Islamic finance offers huge potential for development. As mentioned in my Policy Address, we will leverage on this new trend by developing an Islamic finance platform in Hong Kong," Tsang said.

This is Tsang's first visit to the Middle East since he took office in 2005.

During his visit, Tsang will meet senior government officials and business leaders, visit leading financial institutions, and address business luncheons, the press release said.

During Tsang's absence, Chief Secretary for Administration Henry Tang will be the acting Chief Executive, the press release added.