Chief Executive John Lee on Wednesday said the SAR has much to offer Kuwait, as the two sides agreed to work together in various areas such as trade and financial services.

"I'm pleased to note that during our visit, Hong Kong and Kuwait have reached consensus on 24 concrete deliverables, through [memoranda of understanding] and related agreements," Lee told a business luncheon in the Gulf country on the last day of his Middle East tour.

"The agreements cover a broad range of collaboration, from trade and the economy, to investment promotion, financial services, aviation and the maritime industries, post-secondary education, the legal profession, sports and more."

He added that Hong Kong customs officials, conservation authorities and airport bosses would hold exchanges with their Kuwaiti counterparts to further boost cooperation.

The chief executive noted that ties between the SAR and the Middle East are continuing to grow, while hailing the city as a "trusted partner" of Kuwait.

"Free trade is among our great competitive advantages, fuelling our success for the past two centuries. Hong Kong is a free port and we will continue to be a free port," Lee said.

"Like our country, we are a vocal advocate of a multilateral, rules-based global economy, in spite of mounting protectionism and geopolitical tensions."

Lee also said Hong Kong is seeking to open a second trade office in the Gulf Cooperation Council region.

He added the "burgeoning trade and investment cooperation" would help the two sides reach a free trade agreement.