The 11th Belt and Road Summit, co-organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded successfully after a two-day event that attracted over 6,200 political and business leaders from more than 70 countries and regions. The Summit showcased over 300 investment projects, arranged more than 800 one-on-one deal-making meetings, and facilitated more than 60 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
This year's Summit focused on business globalisation, new market opportunities, and cross-regional cooperation, promoting exchanges between government and business sectors while deepening Hong Kong's economic and trade ties with emerging markets such as ASEAN, Central Asia, and the Middle East. The event underscored Hong Kong's unique role as a super connector and super value-adder.
In response to the accelerating pace of Chinese Mainland enterprises expanding overseas, the Summit introduced the GoGlobal Chapter for the first time, which became a highlight of the event. The Chapter encompassed thematic sessions, the GoGlobal Connect Zone, roundtable discussions, and the GoGlobal Business Study Mission, providing a one-stop exchange and matchmaking platform for enterprises looking to explore overseas markets. A thematic breakout session titled "Chinese Mainland Enterprises Going Global: Driving Mutual Growth Across Belt and Road Economies" featured welcome remarks by Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau, as well as practical experience shared by representatives from Chinese Mainland enterprises and Hong Kong professional services firms.
During the Summit, the GoGlobal Connect Zone attracted numerous enterprises seeking Hong Kong professional services partners, exploring market channels, and grasping investment opportunities. Shaanxi TIRAIN Science & Technology Co., Ltd. and Deloitte Advisory (Hong Kong) Limited signed a MoU to collaborate on going global. Chen Li, President of Shaanxi TIRAIN Science & Technology Co., Ltd., said, "Given the current global economic climate, going global is a natural choice for us. We have entered into an agreement with Deloitte precisely because we value their expertise in global tax, legal and labour consultancy."
Building on the outcomes of Chief Executive John Lee's visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in June, the Summit introduced a dedicated Central Asia Chapter and Central Asia Zone to further deepen Hong Kong's business ties with Central Asian markets. Key development projects such as Kazakhstan's Alatau City and Data Center Valley attracted participants' interest. Bakhtiyar Mukhametkaliyev, Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan, noted, "Kazakhstan has a strong aerospace foundation. We are developing a satellite system and digital platform for agriculture, land use, emergency response, and resource management."
The Summit also strengthened its Middle East elements through the Middle East Chapter, Middle East Zone, and multiple thematic sessions. The Business Plenary, themed "Unlocking New Market Opportunities along and beyond the Belt and Road," focused on the Middle East and African markets, with speakers from Qatar, Oman, South Africa, and Nigeria sharing insights. Additionally, the Project Investment Session, New Market Focus: The Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, invited representatives from Brazil, Egypt, Morocco, Oman, and South Africa to share developments in their key industries.
At the Signature Projects Session, Enver Iskurt, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of Turkiye, introduced the Ankara-Istanbul super speed railway project and said, "Turkey is a secure hub that has continued to pursue its projects with determination despite global uncertainties. Hong Kong-based investors, financial institutions, and engineering firms can play an active role at every stage of our projects."
Through various sessions and exhibition zones, the Summit showcased over 300 investment projects with a total value exceeding US$5.4 billion and arranged more than 800 one-on-one deal-making meetings. Among the MoUs facilitated was one involving Jabal Asset Management LLC of Oman. Issa Al Battashi, Managing Director and Executive Board Member, said, "We feel that the Summit as a whole is an opportunity to connect capital, institutions and retail investors across these markets."
The Exhibition Zones featured more than 120 exhibitors, including new zones such as the University Zone, GreenTech Zone, and GoGlobal Connect Zone, showcasing research achievements, innovative technologies, and green solutions. As a new highlight of Belt and Road Week, the ASEAN Market Day attracted 340 SMEs, offering consultation sessions with HKTDC's ASEAN offices and Consulates General. The HKTDC will launch more thematic promotion activities, including GoGBA Development Day, African Market Day, and Middle East Market Day.
Although the Summit has concluded, cooperation negotiations will continue. The Belt and Road Deal-Making will be extended to 14-15 September in an online format, and the Belt and Road Global Forum Annual Roundtable 2026 will bring together representatives from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, and international chambers of commerce. For more information, visit the HKTDC Media Room or the HKTDC website.
