Reflecting on a Challenging yet Resilient Year and Anticipating a Promising 2024!

As the year comes to a close, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the resilience and determination demonstrated by FreeD Group throughout 2023. This will be the first of a three-part series where we look back at the challenges we faced and celebrate our milestones, while also setting our sights on the opportunities that lie ahead.

It was a year marked by various challenges stemming from the global and local economic situation, geopolitical factors, market downturns, and unfavourable business climates. Despite these hurdles, we are inspired by the unwavering dedication of our team, the support of our partners, and the vision that drives us forward.

In the face of these adversities, FreeD Group has actively contributed to the ecosystem by participating in various industry and entrepreneurial events, both locally and globally. Thanks to our long-term partner and shareholder HKSTP - Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation , FreeD Group was invited to be part of the official visits of the United Arab Emirates Minister of Economy and the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Technology, Hong Kong FinTech Week ; ITB China and ITB Asia . Thanks to HKPC - Hong Kong Productivity Council , we were also part of this year’s HKPC Tech+ SME Sourcing Fair 2023, among others. These events provided us with invaluable opportunities to showcase our innovative solutions, establish meaningful connections, and explore potential collaborations. Moreover, as part of our Stronger Together initiative, we have actively engaged with other start-ups and SMEs in the region to form strong strategic alliances, share resources, and grow together.

Furthermore, FreeD Group has taken significant steps to solidify our presence and explore opportunities in the Middle East as we align our development plans with the HKSAR government's initiatives to strengthen ties with the GCC region. As a start, we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with eWTP Arabia Capital, a prominent Saudi-focused investment institution. In addition to our long-term partnership with The Seed Group (a company of The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed Bin Ahmed Al Maktoum) in UAE, we have engaged in other milestone commercial and strategic alignments and agreements in the region, including receiving our very first Middle East investment from one of the most dynamic financial institutions in the region earlier this year.

Additionally, we are proud to be part of the Saudi Arabia-China Entrepreneurs Association, further emphasizing our dedication to strengthening business ties and facilitating cross-cultural exchanges between the two areas. These strategic initiatives not only demonstrate our eagerness to tap into the vast potential of the Middle East market but also reaffirm our mission to build long-lasting partnerships and contribute to the economic growth of the region.

On top of that, FreeD Group has been engaging in fruitful dialogues and discussions with key personnel from various Middle Eastern countries, spanning government officials, banks, professional organizations, chambers of commerce, and numerous institutions. The aim was to consolidate the promotion of collaboration in various areas such as business, commerce, and professional services.

At FreeD Group , we have been diligently working to position ourselves as catalysts of economic growth and innovation in the Middle East. Our proprietary HARMONY? Solution Suites, particularly our multi-merchant, multi-markets on one single platform commerce solution, has garnered significant interest and appreciation. It empowers businesses to thrive in the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape by facilitating seamless cross-border transactions and enabling diverse models of e-commerce, aiming to stimulate the Middle Eastern economies and open up new avenues for business opportunities. As we eagerly embark on 2024, we remain steadfast in our commitment to overcoming challenges, forging stronger partnerships, contributing to the start-up ecosystem and driving positive change in Hong Kong and beyond. This is just the beginning of our three-part series, and I invite you to stay tuned for the upcoming instalments where we will delve deeper into our accomplishments, challenges, and our exciting plans for the future.

Together with our exceptional team and esteemed partners, we are poised to strengthen our position as a global leader in the innovation and e-commerce industry, make a lasting impact in the industry's landscape, and contribute to the economic growth locally and abroad.

Thank you for your continued support, and here's to a prosperous and transformative 2024!

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