A high-level delegation from Hong Kong, led by Chief Executive John Lee, has returned from a six-day visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan with 96 bilateral memoranda of understanding and agreements, signaling deepened economic ties between Central Asia, Hong Kong, and the Chinese Mainland. The delegation, comprising over 70 representatives from Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises, secured 15 cooperation documents at the government level with each country, covering sectors from services to heavy industries such as mining and infrastructure development.
“The examples of agreements and co-operation are just so abundant that they range from the service sector to heavy industries such as mining and infrastructure development,” Mr. Lee said. “I think the sky is the limit.” The visit, which took place from May 31 to June 5, underscores Hong Kong's strategic role as a functional platform for the Belt and Road Initiative, positioning the city as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” to foster hub-to-hub cooperation.
Kazakhstan, Hong Kong's largest trading partner in Central Asia, is a key commercial and logistics hub linking China and Europe, and the birthplace of the Belt and Road Initiative. Uzbekistan, sitting at the heart of the Asia-Europe corridor, offers broad prospects for collaboration in logistics, railway development, and cargo handling. “There are broad prospects for further co-operation,” Mr. Lee noted, highlighting ongoing Belt and Road projects in both nations.
The Chief Executive also emphasized Hong Kong's unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle, including its own common law legal system, currency without capital or foreign exchange controls, and status as a separate customs territory. These features make Hong Kong an attractive gateway for Central Asian companies seeking access to global capital and the Chinese Mainland.
Building on the mission's success, Mr. Lee welcomed Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev to Hong Kong on June 10, and both attended the Alatau City Investment Round Table on June 11. At the event, Mr. Lee outlined three concrete ways Hong Kong can contribute to Alatau City's development: as a gateway to global capital, a gateway to the Greater Bay Area, and a partner in talent and technology. “We share a development vision with Alatau City and Kazakhstan,” he said. “Today, right here, right now, is a golden opportunity to bring our two economies closer together.”
These developments highlight Hong Kong's evolving role as a bridge between Central Asia and global markets, with implications for trade, investment, and innovation. For businesses, the agreements open new avenues for collaboration in logistics, finance, and technology, leveraging Hong Kong's world-leading professional services and innovation platforms. The strengthened ties are expected to enhance the Belt and Road corridor, benefiting industries ranging from mining to fintech, and positioning Hong Kong as a pivotal hub in the region's economic landscape.
For more information, visit Brand Hong Kong.
