ZHIXIN CAIJING Helps HKCSA & DIFC Organize " Introduction to Dubai and DIFC Financial Markets" Seminar Successfully
In the context of the tenth anniversary of the "Belt and Road" initiative, 2023 has witnessed a closer and more profound economic and trade cooperation between China and the Middle East. Dubai, as a major financial center in the Middle East, plays an increasingly crucial role in the global financial system, steadily increasing its allure for the Chinese financial market.
To enhance the understanding of Hong Kong-based Chinese financial institutions regarding the Dubai financial market and to promote financial exchange and cooperation between China and the Middle East, a special seminar titled "Introduction to Dubai and DIFC Financial Markets" was successfully held on October 31, 2023. The event was jointly organized by the Hong Kong Chinese Securities Association (HKCSA) and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), with strong support from ZHIXIN CAIJING.
The seminar, held at the Conference Room of Agricultural Bank of China International in Central, Hong Kong S.A.R., saw the participation of notable figures such as Mr. Salmaan Jaffery, Chief Business Development Officer of DIFC; Ms. Chang Yu, Vice President of HKCSA; Ms. Liu Bei, General Secretary of HKCSA; Mr. Rong Rui, Deputy Manager of DIFC International Markets Dept.; Mr. Guo Xinlin, Chairman of ZHIXIN CAIJING; and representatives from 16 member of HKCSA, including various Chinese securities, futures, and fund companies.
（Group photo of participants of the seminar）
Ms. Liu Bei, on behalf of the HKCSA, welcomed the DIFC executives and expressed the keen interest of HKCSA's members in the theme of the event, emphasizing it as a valuable opportunity for face-to-face communication. Subsequently, Mr. Ma Xueming, General Manager of Agricultural Bank of China International Financing Co., Ltd., shared information about HKCSA and introduced the representatives of Chinese institutions attending the seminar. During the subsequent discussion, Mr. Salmaan Jaffery and Mr. Rong Rui provided insights into the overview and advantages of DIFC and Dubai's financial markets.
DIFC, established in 2004 by the government of the Emirate of Dubai, aims to diversify the Dubai economy. As a government-supported financial free zone, DIFC boasts an independent regulatory environment, a common law framework, advanced infrastructure, and an attractive tax system, making it one of the world's most advanced financial centers and a leading hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region.
Dubai's strategic location and transportation advantages, serving as a bridge to fill the time zone gap between major financial centers in the East and West, make it an ideal hub for regional and global business expansion. The city has also evolved into an international transportation and freight hub, connecting to over 150 destinations globally. Accordingly, Dubai has become a magnet for wealth, attracting numerous of regional and world-leading multinational companies, with 70% of Fortune 500 companies having their regional headquarters offices in Dubai. Moreover, Dubai boasts a leading talent pool, business gateway, and quality living conditions, enhancing its global attractiveness and competitiveness.
Salmaan Jaffery and the participants delved into topics such as Dubai's stock exchange and securities market, Dubai's future economic growth plans, the operational environment for futures trading in the Dubai financial market, and the scale and sources of funds for asset management within DIFC. Discussions focused on opportunities for Chinese companies from different industries to list and expand in Dubai, the market outlook for asset management services catering to high-net-worth individuals in the Middle East, and the regulatory framework for issuing Chinese financial products in Dubai.
The successful organization of this seminar enhances mutual understanding between Hong Kong-based Chinese financial institutions and the Dubai and DIFC financial markets. It not only assists member of HKCSA in exploring development opportunities in the Middle East but also reflects strong support for the "Belt and Road" initiative. Participants praised the positive contributions of the HKCSA in promoting industry exchanges and creating a favorable business environment.