History of Hong Kong–Qatar relations in Timeline

Hong Kong and Qatar, despite geographical distance, maintain bilateral relations. Although the prompt mentions a "long history", it does not provide any specific details about the connections between the two entities.

1971: Qatar attains independence from the United Kingdom

In 1971, Qatar attained independence from the United Kingdom. Hong Kong, at that time still a colony of the United Kingdom, followed the British in diplomatic affairs.

2013: Hong Kong and Qatar agree on The Treaty for the Avoidance of Double Taxation

In 2013, Hong Kong and Qatar agreed on The Treaty for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and The Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income. The treaty avoids double taxation, especially profits from international shipping transport, and incorporates an article on exchange of information.

2015: Strengthened bilateral ties between Hong Kong and Qatar

In 2015, government representatives of Hong Kong and Qatar encouraged strengthened bilateral ties in an international meeting. The Hong Kong government initiated a One Belt, One Road scholarship, including Qatar, for higher education opportunities in Hong Kong, which faced public rejection due to concerns over tax revenue wastage. The scholarship was later opened to Hong Kong citizens studying abroad in the One Belt, One Road region, including Qatar.

March 2016: Hong Kong's Trade with Qatar

In March 2016, Hong Kong's total exports to Qatar reached US$30 million, with major export items including telecom equipment and parts, jewellery, and travel goods & handbags. Hong Kong's imports from Qatar amounted to US$25 million, primarily consisting of petroleum oils and polymers of ethylene.