Doha:Lesha Bank LLC (Public) and China Asset Management -Hong Kong- Limited (ChinaAMC) have entered into a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation in investment, business, and capital markets between China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
According to Qatar News Agency, the MoU sets the stage for both parties to jointly develop investment product solutions, considering applicable regulatory and commercial factors. A key outcome of this strategic partnership is the establishment of a China equity fund that will be available in Qatar.
Mohammed Ismail Al Emadi, Group CEO at Lesha Bank, highlighted the significance of this agreement, noting that the MoU will facilitate the launch of a Shari'a-compliant China equity fund. This fund, structured under Lesha Bank’s Asset Management vertical, will adhere to a Shari'a-compliant investment framework, providing a disciplined approach to portfolio construction and risk-adjusted access to China’s growth opportunities for investors. Al Emadi emphasized that this collaboration not only enhances institutional capabilities but also strengthens economic and investment ties between the two regions.
Tian Gan, CEO of ChinaAMC (HK), expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, which marks their first strategic collaboration in the Middle Eastern market. He stated that the MoU reflects a shared commitment to enhancing connectivity between China and the GCC region. The Fund aims to offer investors in Qatar and the surrounding region increased access to innovative, high-growth Chinese companies driving the next phase of China's economic transformation. It also provides Middle Eastern investors with opportunities for global investment diversification, reinforcing the investment corridor between the markets.
The Fund will focus on sectors such as AI and technology, advanced manufacturing, innovative pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy. It is designed for long-term capital growth through active stock selection across Shari'a-compliant equities in the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, and overseas-listed Chinese companies, employing an "All China" active equity strategy. Lesha Bank will serve as the fund's Investment Manager, while ChinaAMC (HK) will act as the sub-investment manager, responsible for taking investment decisions and managing liquidity.