{
  "id": 6403076,
  "title": "Middle East 'economic might' to play key role in Belt and Road, Hong Kong leader says",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/middle-east-economic-might-to-play-key-role-in-belt-and-road-hong",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-09T08:32:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/economy/2026/09/09/middle-east-economic-might-to-play-key-role-in-belt-and-road-hong-kong-leader-says/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee predicts Middle Eastern economic influence will be pivotal in the Belt and Road Initiative, a China-led project aimed at countering geopolitical imbalances. At the Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong, Lee emphasized the need for connectivity, cooperation, and consensus amid unprecedented global change. The Middle East, represented by nations like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, will be a focal point for the 11th edition of the summit, with dedicated panel and exhibition spaces. Hong Kong's leaders have been actively engaging with Middle Eastern counterparts to strengthen ties. Lee highlighted the growing economic connection between the Middle East and Hong Kong, emphasizing that the partnership is accelerating trade growth. Frederick Ma, chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, called for economic diversification to mitigate the impact of geopolitical conflicts, stressing that diversification is essential in a world of risks. The Belt and Road Initiative, a Chinese-led project, seeks to connect Asia, Africa, and Europe to improve regional integration, trade, and economic growth. Launched in 2013, the initiative has grown into the largest infrastructure project by a single country, with investments nearing $1.4 trillion. This year's summit is expected to finalize numerous deals, further expanding connectivity and fostering new partnerships.",
  "summary": "Hong Kong chief executive John Lee expects the “economic might” of the Middle East to play a key role in the China-led Belt and Road Initiative , which is increasingly being positioned as a counterweight to the imbalance created by geopolitical challenges. Without directly citing the US-led war in Iran, Mr Lee, at the Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong on Wednesday, said the world was “struggling…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}