HONG KONG, Oct. 28, 2024 – Global Connectivity Capital Investment (GCCVest), a Hong Kong-based cross-border investment firm specializing in bridging Asia and MENA, participated in the Hong Kong Fintech Week’s WealthTech & InvestTech Forum. GCCVest’s Managing Partner, Ben Jelloun, joined a distinguished panel with Eric Or from HKSTP, Fares Alsaleh from the Saudi Central Bank, and Jayne Chan from InvestHK in a discussion titled “Hong Kong & the Middle East: Forging Alliances for Future Growth & Fintech Expansion.” The panel shared valuable insights on market dynamics, ecosystem building, and strategies to drive fintech innovation and growth across the Middle East and Hong Kong corridor.
During the discussion, Ben Jelloun highlighted the burgeoning market opportunities in the Middle East and wider MENA region, which are particularly attractive to Chinese fintech companies looking to expand globally. “Given the small size of each individual market in MENA compared to China, it is crucial for Chinese companies to adopt a Pan-MENA strategy, making the region a sizable and attractive market,” remarked Jelloun. He emphasized that fintech penetration and adoption are driven by a tech-savvy young population, noting that approximately 390 million people in MENA are under the age of 30, comparable to China’s under-30 population. This demographic positions MENA as a prime market for fintech and e-commerce companies.
Jelloun also stressed the importance of establishing partnerships to harmonize regulations and operations in the fintech and financial services sectors. He highlighted the role of talent as ambassadors for technology companies, suggesting that governments and universities promote talent and knowledge exchange through cross-border scholarships and internships. Fellow panelists Eric Or and Fares Alsaleh echoed the need for robust support from governments and ecosystem builders like HKSTP and InvestHK to catalyze innovation and drive sustainable growth for fintech companies across diverse ecosystems
About GCCVest
Based in Hong Kong, GCCVest focuses on cross-border investment opportunities between Asia and MENA. Its fund products and capital advisory activities span the smart capital bridge between the disruptive innovations in Asia, and the emerging digital adoption investment opportunities changing how people live, work, and play in MENA. For more information, please visit www.gccvest.com or write to info@gccvest.com.
