China’s rising Artificial Intelligence (AI) and biotech sectors are key draws for investors seeking diversification, leaders of ChinaAMC and Lesha Bank say. China Asset Management (Hong Kong) and Lesha Bank agreed to launch Qatar’s first sharia-compliant China equity fund, highlighting growing efforts by Chinese financial institutions to lure Middle
East capital as institutional investors and wealthy families seek safe havens amid geopolitical turmoil.
Among the key selling points of the mainland China and Hong Kong stock markets for Middle East investors are the mainland’s rising artificial intelligence capabilities and biotech strength, which provide the needed diversification from the “crowded” US market, according to
$50 million (QR182 million), the fund could increase to as much as US$1 billion (QR3.64 billion) within the next two years, according to Mohammed Ismail Al Emadi, Lesha Bank’s group CEO.
The fund would track the FTSE Shariah China Index as its core benchmark, selecting equities that adhered strictly to Islamic law while targeting high-conviction growth themes, according to Jubin Jose, a portfolio manager at Lesha Bank. These included AI, advanced manufacturing, technology localisation and high-dividend assets, he added.
