The Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Dear Members & Friends,

The Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry wishes you a Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

The Mid-Autumn Festival is the second most important traditional festival in China after Chinese New Year. As it is customary to extend greetings to relatives and friends to share the joy of the festival and make happy moments.

We on this occasion would like to wish all a Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! May the round moon bring you a happy family and a successful future!

Have a blessed Mid–Autumn Festival, Chong Chow Jeet Far Lok!

Lord Edwin E. Hitti

Dear Members & Friends,

The Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry wishes you a Eid Mubarak!

Mawlid is an annual festival commemorating the birthday of Prophet Muhammad on the traditional date of 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar. A day central to the traditions of Sunni Islam, the Mawlid is also celebrated by both Sunni and Shia Muslims.

Wishing everyone a joyous Eid-Milad-al-Nabi filled with love, unity, and grace.

Eid Mubarak!
Lord Edwin E. Hitti

Join the Community

ArabCham welcomes local and international entrepreneurs to join our online network. Benefits include expansive access to jobs, suppliers, buyers, and services, and immediately become part of a growing number of thought-after leading business executives.

You will strengthen, expand and connect with subject experts and business leaders in Hong Kong; Macau; Taiwan; the China Mainland; and Arab World to gain deep industry and management insights. ArabCham welcomes you to link with up-and-coming SMEs, FINTECHs, and consumer communities!

How to join

This Special Entrepreneur Membership is exclusively for LinkedIn and Facebook members. Just request to join and follow The Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry group today, and immediately become an online member for free.

(WE RESERVE THE RIGHT AT OUR SOLE DISCRETION TO ACCEPT OR REJECT MEMBERSHIPS)

Dear Members, Friends, & Officials,

The Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Palestinian National Authority’s Prime Minister, Ismail Abdulsalam Ahmed Haniyeh!

This is to convey on behalf of our Arab Chamber and its members my/our deepest and most heartfelt condolences for his untimely passing.

And by the present, would also like to express our profound sympathy to his family, the Palestinian National Authority, and all Palestinians for this tremendous loss.

I/We mourn with you, honor his legacy, and remain committed to our steadfast support of the Palestinian people as he would have wanted!

Lord Edwin E. Hitti

THE ARAB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY’S PRESIDENT LORD EDWIN E. HITTI ATTENDS THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE OF GUANGDONG PROVINCE INAUGURATION OF ITS NEW REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE IN HONG KONG

The Guangdong Province Department of Commerce inauguration event comprised a briefing on Guangdong’s successful market performance over the years and investment policies, attended by a select number of Government officials; dignitaries; business, and community leaders.

The object of the Office as elaborated in the Q&A session is to assist, facilitate and promote investments in the Province of Guangdong, while highlighting Hong Kong’s role as a financial gateway for foreign investments into the Greater Bay area.

Lord Edwin E. Hitti on behalf of the ArabCham conveyed full support for this excellent new initiative.

THE ARAB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY’S PRESIDENT LORD EDWIN E. HITTI INTERVIEWED BY THE SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST (SCMP) NEWSPAPER

Middle East expert says affair leaves a ‘bad taste’ in Dubai and Hong Kong, but financial hub can still attract investment from region.

https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3270970/hong-kong-still-magnet-super-rich-despite-saga-uae-prince-and-family-office-experts?campaign=3270970&module=perpetual_scroll_0&pgtype=article

COMMONWEALTH MAGAZINE
What Is the New Path for "China's Hong Kong"? ｜International｜2024-07-09｜
Interviews Lord Edwin E. Hitti
https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=3738

Dear Members & Friends,

The Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry wishes you a blessed Muharram!

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar, and one of the four sacred months of the year when warfare is banned.

Muharram is a month of mourning, observed in particular by Shia Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD, where amongst many, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), Imam Husain, was martyred and other family members were martyred or subjected to humiliation.

Muharram Saeed!

Lord Edwin E. Hitti

Dear Members & Friends,

The Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry extends its sincerest congratulations to the Hong Kong SAR on its 27th Anniversary!

In 2024, we celebrate the 27th Anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China.

The HKSAR Establishment Day commemorates the day in 1997 that sovereignty over Hong Kong was officially handed back from Great Britain to China.

Looking forward to a new and exciting chapter of the “Hong Kong Story”!

Lord Edwin E. Hitti

Dear Members & Friends,

The Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry wishes you a blessed Eid al-Adha!

Eid al-Adha, also called Eid Qurban, is the second of two Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide each year, and considered the holier of the two. It honors the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismael as an act of obedience to God’s command.

Eid al-Adha 2024 will begin on the evening of Sunday 16 June and end on the evening of Thursday 20 June.

I/We would like to take this opportunity on behalf of our secretariat and committees to wish you a (Dhuʻl-Hijjah 10, 1444 AH) the 12th and last month of the Islamic Calendar.

Eid Adha Mubarak, and may Allah (SWT) reward you and your family with goodness, bring you joy, happiness, peace and prosperity on this blessed occasion.

Kul Aam wa-Antum bi-Khair!

Dear Members & Friends,

The Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry wishes you a safe and healthy Dragon Boat Festival!

The renowned Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Tuen Ng, falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. It commemorates the death of Qu Yuan, a Chinese poet and minister known for his patriotism and contributions to classical poetry and who eventually became a national hero.

The two main activities during the festival are eating zongzi (rice dumplings) and boat races, and both are related to dragons. Zongzi have long been thrown into rivers as offerings and sacrifices to the Dragon God on lunar month 5 day 5, while dragon boats are used in races traditionally held on this day.

The Dragon Boat Festival hosts exciting boat races that take place throughout near Hong Kong. Colorful, dramatic, exciting and unforgettable, Dragon Boat Racing is celebrated annually on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month – sometimes referred to as ‘the double fifth’.

May this Festival fill your life with the brightest of colors. wishing you good health to you and your family!

端Duan 午Wu 安An 康Kang!
Lord Edwin E. Hitti

Dear Members, Friends, & Officials,

The Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry deeply saddened to learn of the death of Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi!, and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian!

This is to convey on behalf of our Arab Chamber and its members my/our deepest and most heartfelt condolences for their untimely passing.

And by the present, would also like to express our profound sympathy to their families, the Iran Government, and all Iranians for this tremendous loss.

I/We mourn with you, honor their legacy, and remain committed to our steadfast friendship with Iran as they would have wanted!

Lord Edwin E. Hitti

Dear Members & Friends,

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) released its awaited 2023 Annual Report featuring a series of meetings held with The Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s Lord Edwin E. Hitti, Mr. Zubair Latif, Mr. Keith Brandt, Ms. Julia Charlton and Mr. Bernard Pouliott.

The HKMA team, included namely Mr. Alan Au; Mr. Andrew Wu; Ms. Joey Chan; Ms. Candice Leung; Ms. Jennifer Ko; Ms. Gloria Chan, and HSBC’s Mr. Philip Chiu; Standard Chartered Bank’s Mr. Andrew Sim; Bank of China’s Mr. Lee Tsz Fu; and The Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) Ms. Alieza Chan; in an all-out joint continuous effort at addressing currency exchange matters, as well as accounts opening and maintenance issues.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is the Hong Kong Government Authority responsible for maintaining the Special Administrative Region’s (SAR’s) monetary and banking stability.

The HKMA is an integral part of the Hong Kong SAR Government but operates with a high degree of autonomy, complemented by a high degree of accountability and transparency. The HKMA is accountable to the people of Hong Kong through the Financial Secretary and through the laws passed by the Legislative Council that set out the Monetary Authority’s powers and responsibilities. In his control of the Exchange Fund, the Financial Secretary is advised by the Exchange Fund Advisory Committee.

For more visit our us at, https://arabcci.wordpress.com/

Dear Members & Friends,

The Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry wishes you a Happy Mother's Day!

Mother's Day is a celebration honoring the mother of the family or individual, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on different days in many parts of the world, most commonly in March or observed every second Sunday of May.

Mother's Day is a time to celebrate the love, sacrifice, and unending support that mothers around the world provide despite of circumstances.

Happy Mother's Day!

Lord Edwin E. Hitti

Dear Members & Friends,

The Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry wishes you a Happy Easter!

In both churches, Easter is considered the most important and holy occasion in the Christian calendar. And while the date is different in each church, the fundamental meaning of Easter remains the same, centered on the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.

Easter, also called Pascha or Resurrection Sunday, is a festival and holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus also referred to as Jesus of Nazareth or Jesus Christ, from the dead, as described in the New Testament of the Bible, having occurred on the third day after his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans. The word Pascha (Latin) comes directly from Pesach, the Hebrew word for Passover.

There are complex calculations used by Western and Orthodox churches to determine the date for Easter. The common denominator is that both churches celebrate their Easter on the Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox.

Orthodox Christians follow the Julian calendar, which was established by the Roman emperor Julius Caesar in 45BC. Western Christians follow the Gregorian calendar, which was initially created by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582.

Established many years after the Julian calendar, the Gregorian was intended to correct some of the inaccuracies in the Julian calendar and better align with the Earth's journey around the sun.

We on this occasion would like to wish you all a Happy Easter! May the risen Jesus Christ bring you and your family abundant happiness!

Eid Fesseh Majid!

Lord Edwin E. Hitti

Dear Members & Friends,

The Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry wishes you a Happy Labor Day!

May 1 is ‘Labor Day’ or ‘International Workers’ Day’. It is an annual holiday. On this day, people in many countries around the world celebrate workers’ achievements.

The day commemorates the contributions of workers, and the labor movement. Although observed as an ancient northern hemisphere spring festival initially, May 1 became associated with the Labor Movement in the late 19th century.

Happy International Workers’ Day!

Lord Edwin E. Hitti

Dear Members & Friends,

The Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry wishes you a Happy Passover!

Passover is a Jewish holiday commemorating the exodus of the Jews from slavery in Egypt. The holiday is observed for seven days in the Holy Land and eight days in the diaspora. It is ultimately a celebration of freedom, and a powerful metaphor that is appreciated not only by Jews, but by people of other faiths as well.

We on this occasion despite of circumstances, would like to wish you all a Happy Holidays! May this Passover bring you and loved ones health, peace, happiness, and blessings!

Chag Pesach Sameach!

Lord Edwin E. Hitti

Dear Members & Friends,

The Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry wishes you a blessed Eid al-Fitr!

Eid al-Fitr, also called the “Festival of Breaking the Fast”, is one of the most important festivals for Muslims all over the globe, it marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, in which, Muslims observe fast from dusk to dawn. The month-long fasting, which is considered to be one the sternest one, ends on the eve of Eid after sighting the first crescent of the new moon.

Ramadan is the holiest month for the followers of Islam. It is believed that Allah (God) on this day delivered the first verses of the Holy Quran. As per tales, the month of Ramadan started when Prophet Mohammad migrated from Mecca to Medina.

This festival is celebrated with a lot of favors and joy. People worldwide greet each other, exchange gifts and feast on special delicacies.

In-spite of the tragic circumstances of many at present, with whom our hearts and minds ache. May this Eid fill your life with the brightest of colors. Ramadan Mubarak to you and your family!

Eid Mubarak!
Lord Edwin E. Hitti

Dear Members & Friends,

Easter, also called Pascha or Resurrection Sunday, is a festival and holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus also referred to as Jesus of Nazareth or Jesus Christ, from the dead, as described in the New Testament of the Bible, having occurred on the third day after his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans. The word Pascha (Latin) comes from Pesach, Hebrew word for Passover.

We on this occasion would like to wish you all a Happy Easter! May the risen Jesus Christ bring you and your family abundant happiness, in spite of the present difficult times!

Eid Fesseh Majid!

Lord Edwin E. Hitti

Dear Members & Friends,

The Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry wishes you a Generous Ramadan!

Ramadan 2024 will last for 30 days, starting from March 10 to April 10.

No doubt that Ramadan is one of the holiest months in Islam that is given tremendous importance in Islamic countries around the world. The most important element about Ramadan is that the Holy Quran was revealed in this month.

Ramadan is an Arabic word that means “scorching heat or dryness”. This Holy month was named Ramadan because it actually burns the sins and keeps people on the right path. Having fast is about self-control from temptations and having patience. Fasting is all about cleansing one’s soul. Fasting is to gain Taqwa (clarity) and love of Allah (God). It is compulsory for all Muslims except those who are ill or have impeding circumstances.

Ramadan is not only about fasting, Muslims need to feed the hungry, help the needy, not to judge others and forgive. That is the spirit of Ramadan!

We on this occasion would like to wish you and family a blessed Ramadan that will inspire courage and strength to help you win every challenge in life! May Allah bless your path with knowledge and good health to enlighten your hearts!

Ramadan Kareem!
Lord Edwin E. Hitti

Dear Members & Friends,

International Women’s Day is a holiday celebrated annually on March 8 as a focal point in the women’s rights movement, It is not just a day to celebrate women’s achievement but also a call-to-action to renew our collective commitment to achieving gender equality, leadership and participation for peace significance, and more…

The Official UN International Women’s Day commemoration will be held in the ECOSOC Chamber and live streamed on 8 March 2024, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am EST.

Lord Edwin E. Hitti

Dear Members & Friends,

The Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry wishes you all the best on this 2024 Lunar New Year!

May the Year of the Dragon bring you and family, happiness, good health and prosperity throughout the year!

Kung Hei Fat Choy! Xin Nian Kuai Le! Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Lord Edwin E. Hitti

Dear Members & Friends,

The Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry wishes you a Merry Orthodox Christmas!

Many Orthodox Christians annually celebrate Christmas Day on or near January 7 to remember Jesus Christ’s birth, described in the Christian Bible. This date works to the Julian calendar that pre-dates the Gregorian calendar, which is commonly observed.

Christmas truly is one of the most wonderful times of the year, despite this year being for many stained with sorrow by the Israeli-Palestinian and Russian-Ukrainian conflicts raging on..

This is the season to wish one another joy and love and peace.

Eid Milad Majid!

Lord Edwin E. Hitti

Dear Members and Friends,

The Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry wishes you a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Christmas & the start of a New Year truly are one of the most wonderful times of the year, despite this year being for many stained with sorrow by the Israel-Palestine war raging on.

Eid Milad Majid wa Sana Saaida!

Lord Edwin E. Hitti

Dear Members and Friends,

The Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry wishes you all a Happy Winter Solstice Festival (冬至快樂)!

The Winter Solstice, Hiemal Solstice or Hibernal Solstice occurs when one of the Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt away from the Sun. It happens twice yearly, once in each hemisphere.

The Winter Solstice Festival falls this year on the 22nd day of December the 12th lunar month, when the daytime is the shortest in a year, and basically adhere the Arrival of Winter.

The Festival has its origins in the Chinese concept of Yin & Yang, which represents balance and harmony in life. It’s believed that the Yin qualities of darkness and cold are at their most powerful on the shortest day of the year, but also at their turning point to give way to the light and warmth of Yang. For this reason, the Winter Solstice Festival is a time for optimism.

Many Chinese believe that the Dōng Zhi (冬至) Festival is even bigger than Chinese New Year. It coincides with the Winter Solstice – the shortest or longest day – depending on which hemisphere you’re staying. Everyone becomes one year older on this day.

On this day, family members gather together to eat Tang Yuan (湯圓), which is a sweet syrup (boiled with Pandan leaves and a few slices of ginger with glutinous rice balls. Their roundness symbolizes family unity and harmony. Traditionally, it is a big fanfare on this day. People go to temples and back home a big dinner is prepared.

We on this occasion would like to wish you all a “Happy Dōng Zhì Festival!”

Lord Edwin E. Hitti

ARABCHAM 10 MOST INSPIRING PEOPLE

Dr. Ahmed Moghrabi has been operating day and night at Nasser Medical Complex in southern Gaza.

As head of Nasser's plastic surgery and burn unit in Khan Younis has worked nonstop treating blast injuries. His wife and six children, ages 3 through 17, remain in Gaza and are psychologically traumatized.

(ArabCham invites you to nominate your most inspiring people for selection!)

ARABCHAM 10 MOST INSPIRING PEOPLE

Wael Al-Dahdouh (born April 30, 1970) is a Palestinian journalist and the bureau chief of Al Jazeera in Gaza City.

His career, beginning in 1998, also spanned working for Al-Quds newspaper, acting as a correspondent for Voice of Palestine, in the Second Intifada, and as a correspondent for Al Arabiya, with his role with Al-Jazeera starting in 2004.

His wife, seven-year old daughter, and 15-year old son were killed in an airstrike on the Nuseirat refugee camp during the 2023 Israel–Hamas war, in addition to eight of his relatives.

On 15 December 2023, while Al-Dahdouh and his colleague cameraman Samer Abu Daqqa were covering the Haifa School airstrike in Khan Yunis, they were hit by an Israeli missile. Dahdouh was evacuated and treated for shrapnel injuries, but Abu Daqqa, who was seriously wounded, was unreachable as Israeli forces ambulances were prevented from reaching him; he bled to death.

Hours later Wael was back on the job, and morning his fallen colleague.

On 7 January 2024, Hamza 27, his eldest son, a freelance journalist like his father, was killed by an Israeli missile strike in the western part of Khan Younis, near al-Mawasi, a supposedly “safe area” towards the southwest Gaza, when his car was targeted as he was travelling in with two other journalists.

As his son was laid to rest, Wael seemed subdued yet vowed to remain on his path of showing the world what is happening in Gaza, despite the pain of one loss after another…

He was awarded the “Peace Through Media Award” (2013) by the International Media Awards in London.

(ArabCham invites you to nominate your most inspiring people for selection!)

Quotes

Dear Members and friends,

The Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry conveys dual congratulations to the Hong Kong ICAC on its 50th Anniversary, for combating corruption through its three-pronged strategy of law enforcement, prevention and education, since its inception on February 15, 1974; as well as the ‘International Anti-Corruption Day 2023’ for underlining the intrinsic link between unerring, peacekeeping, security, and development.

As the world marks in 2023 the 20th Anniversary of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), a statement of our global community’s determination to fight corruption and abuses of power in all of their forms, everywhere.

Since the Convention was adopted in 2003, the world has made significant strides forward.

Combating corruption remains a significant hurdle, more so nowadays than ever before, with more than 124 countries having stagnant corruption levels.

Affecting every country, corruption has negative impacts on every single aspect of society, disproportionately affecting the poorest and most marginalized people, including the elderly, women and children. It undermines democratic institutions, reduces trust in governance systems, and jeopardizes progress.

Corruption also fuels conflict and inhibits peace processes by compromising the rules of procedure, and of law; worsening poverty; oppression; facilitating the criminal use of resources; and aiding-and-abetting by providing finance as well as support for armed conflict.

Only through cooperation and the involvement of each and every one can we reverse the negative impact of these wrongdoings that are rocking the very foundations of our common equitable aspirations.

Lord Edwin E. Hitti

Dear Members, Friends, & Officials,

The Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry proudly announces having achieved yet another milestone by completing 16 years of commercial and cultural services from Hong Kong for the benefit of both the Arab and Chinese business communities.

It displeases our Executive Committee to inform you that the Anniversary Celebrations expected to take place on Wednesday 15th of November will be cancelled due to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian unrest.

In a statement our President, Lord Edwin E. Hitti indicated that, the decision was made “in view of the evolving situation, and our regard for public distresses as well as safety considerations”.