The Central Bank of the UAE has joined Hong Kong’s Central Moneymarkets Unit, opening direct access to Asian capital markets for Emirati investors. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in UAE-Asia financial integration.
Direct Access to Chinese Mainland Markets
The CBUAE’s membership in Hong Kong’s CMU provides UAE investors with cost-effective, direct access to mainland Chinese debt instruments and financial assets. This leverages Hong Kong’s established infrastructure as the region’s premier offshore renminbi hub.
Third Bilateral Meeting Strengthens Ties
The agreement was finalized during the third meeting between CBUAE Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama and HKMA Chief Executive Eddie Yue in Abu Dhabi on February 11. Discussions covered cross-border debt market connectivity, digital assets, CBDC developments, stablecoin frameworks, and supply chain financing.
Reflecting Strong Trade Relations
The partnership builds on substantial existing trade volumes. UAE exports to Hong Kong reached $19.7 billion in 2024, with non-oil bilateral trade consistently exceeding $16 billion annually since 2022.
Diversifying Investment Opportunities
Governor Balama emphasized that CMU membership enables deeper engagement with global financial centers, supporting diversified investment opportunities for UAE market participants and reinforcing the country’s role as a leading international capital market hub.
Gateway to Broader Asia
Eddie Yue highlighted Hong Kong’s position as a premier gateway for international investors to access broader China and Asia markets, underscoring the mutual benefits of this collaboration.
Building on Recent Progress
This agreement follows January 2026’s landmark MoU between UAE’s Capital Market Authority and Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission focused on digital asset regulatory cooperation, demonstrating rapid progress in bilateral financial linkages.
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