A high-level delegation from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, led by Chief Executive John Lee, has returned from a visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan with 96 bilateral memoranda of understanding and agreements, signaling a deepening of ties between Central Asia, Hong Kong, and the Chinese Mainland. The delegation, comprising over 70 representatives from Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises, visited the two countries from May 31 to June 5, 2026, and the outcomes are already being realized.
During the visit, 15 cooperation documents were signed at the government level with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The agreements span a wide range of 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 trip highlights Hong Kong’s role as a functional platform for the Belt and Road Initiative, with the city acting as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” to promote broader cooperation. Mr. Lee emphasized Kazakhstan’s importance as a commercial and logistics hub connecting China and Europe, noting that it is where the Belt and Road Initiative was first proposed and is Hong Kong’s largest trading partner in Central Asia. He also pointed to Uzbekistan’s strategic location in the heart of the Asia-Europe corridor, creating opportunities for logistics, railway development, and cargo handling.
The Chief Executive encouraged Central Asian companies to leverage Hong Kong’s advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle. “Under this unique principle, Hong Kong has its own economic, social, legal, legislative and judicial systems. We are the only common law jurisdiction in China. We have our own currency, with no capital or foreign exchange controls. We are, as well, a separate customs territory,” Mr. Lee said.
Building on the positive outcomes, 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 could contribute to the success of Kazakhstan’s innovative Alatau City: as a gateway to global capital; a gateway to the Chinese Mainland and the Greater Bay Area; and as a partner in talent and technology. “We share a development vision with Alatau City and Kazakhstan,” Mr. Lee said. “Today, right here, right now, is a golden opportunity to bring our two economies closer together.”
The agreements and discussions are expected to have significant implications for businesses and investors in both regions. For Hong Kong, the deals reinforce its position as a premier financial and innovation hub, while for Central Asia, they open access to global capital, Chinese markets, and advanced technology. The collaboration could spur infrastructure projects, trade flows, and technology transfers, benefiting industries ranging from logistics to mining.
Mr. Lee expressed optimism about future cooperation, stating that Hong Kong and Kazakhstan could achieve complementary advantages and coordinated development across different sectors. He welcomed Kazakh enterprises to use Hong Kong’s financial and innovation platforms to explore more business opportunities.
