Saudi Arabia consul general Alaudeen A. Alaskary puts wider economic exchange and  better visa controls high on the agenda for the new consulate

It will be the first time that Saudi Arabia has consular representation in Hong Kong although a decision was made 16 years ago to establish a presence in the SAR.

Consul General Alaudeen A. Alaskary explained the timing is right for opening a consulate in Hong Kong with the further opening of China and the recent signing of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (Cepa). "We know that Hong Kong is very important in this part of the world and is the key entrance to China. All economic reports point to Hong Kong being a centre of commercial activities not only in the Far East but in world trade as well."

Mr Alaskary said that Saudi Arabia has an agreement with China to open two consulates - one in Hong Kong and the other in Shanghai. "We opted to open in Hong Kong first as we know the Chinese government puts a lot of emphasis on the SAR for trade development."

Shanghai, stressed Mr Alaskary, is complementary to Hong Kong rather than competing with Hong Kong. "It is an important step to first establish a presence and a vital base in Hong Kong before we set up one in Shanghai." 

Expanding economic interchange

Top of the agenda for the new consulate is the development of a business and information centre that would help with simplifying the issue of visas. Mr Alaskary is keen to see Hong Kong investors taking part in the diversification of Saudi Arabia's economy from its present reliance on oil.

"I would love to see dates coming to Hong Kong. There is a lot of potential for exports from Saudi Arabia besides petrochemicals and there are lots of opportunities in Saudi Arabia for Hong Kong investors," added Mr Alaskary. He mentioned banking, tourism, construction, hotel and food as potential businesses for the broadening of economic interchange.

Saudi Arabia is Hong Kong's third largest export market in the Middle East. Among Hong Kong's top exports to Saudi Arabia are watches and clocks, footwear, toys and telecommunications equipment. Total trade last year amounted to HK$3.8 billion (US$489 million).