A business delegation led by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive John Lee and organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has concluded its first stop in Kazakhstan and is currently in Uzbekistan, the final leg of a Central Asia tour. During the visit, the delegation signed 66 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements, covering sectors such as trade, investment, finance, technology, and aviation. In addition, 15 cooperation agreements were signed at the government level, and non-delegation members signed 15 MoUs in areas including academia and culture, bringing the total to 96 agreements.
The outcomes lay a solid foundation for deepening economic and trade ties among Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, underscoring Hong Kong’s role as a key platform for Mainland enterprises to go global. Looking ahead, the parties look forward to welcoming more Central Asian enterprises to Hong Kong and HKTDC’s flagship international conferences and exhibitions, including the Belt and Road Summit and InnoEX, to capitalize on Hong Kong’s strengths as an international business and trading hub.
During its stay in Uzbekistan, the delegation met with senior officials, trade bodies, and business representatives, including the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce, and IT Park Uzbekistan, to gain insights into the country’s economic developments and investment opportunities.
Chief Executive John Lee summarized the visit’s purpose: to explore emerging markets, strengthen government-to-government relations, and establish a hub-to-hub cooperation model. He led a delegation of 75 business leaders from Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, attending over 20 events and inspecting projects in finance, innovation, technology, and infrastructure. The visit achieved eight major outcomes, including meetings with Presidents and Prime Ministers of both countries, agreement to establish a Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Hong Kong, and signing of multiple investment projects.
Both sides recognized that the hub-to-hub cooperation model will create broader collaboration and drive high-quality development. They will increase high-level mutual visits and support each other’s promotional activities.
To deepen economic and trade cooperation, the HKSAR Government and HKTDC jointly hosted a business dinner in Uzbekistan, attracting around 230 business leaders and senior officials. Professor Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, stated: “The Central Asia visit has delivered fruitful outcomes and reaffirmed the trust placed by Central Asian countries in Hong Kong’s role as a bridge. Hong Kong, with its international credibility, robust institutional framework, world-class professional services, and the HKTDC’s global network, serves as a key springboard for Mainland enterprises to go global and a gateway for overseas enterprises to enter the Mainland market, facilitating two-way investment and trade flows.”
The delegation comprised business leaders from Hong Kong and 17 provinces and municipalities across the Chinese Mainland, spanning sectors including financial and professional services, logistics, innovation and technology, trade, green industries, and media. For the first time, representatives from journalism associations joined, in response to the Policy Address’s initiative to help local media expand their network beyond Hong Kong.
During the Kazakhstan visit, 43 MoUs and agreements were facilitated, including between the HKTDC and National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Kazakhstan "Atameken," Airport Authority Hong Kong and Almaty International Airport, and Hong Kong Exchange and Clearing Limited and Astana International Financial Centre. During the Uzbekistan visit, 23 MoUs and agreements were signed, including between the HKTDC and Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, and Cyberport and IT Park Uzbekistan.
These collaborations are expected to accelerate project implementation and assist Hong Kong enterprises in exploring further international cooperation opportunities.
