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 two days of intensive deal-making and networking. The event attracted over 6,200 political and business leaders from more than 70 countries and regions, 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, aiming to promote exchanges between government and business sectors, create opportunities for enterprises to expand into international markets, and deepen Hong Kong's economic and trade ties with emerging markets such as ASEAN, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
In response to the accelerating pace of Chinese Mainland enterprises expanding into overseas markets, the Summit introduced the GoGlobal Chapter for the first time. This initiative 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. During the Summit, the GoGlobal Connect Zone attracted numerous enterprises seeking Hong Kong professional services partners. 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, 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 this year, the Summit introduced a dedicated Central Asia Chapter and Central Asia Zone to further deepen Hong Kong's business and trade 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 the Republic of Kazakhstan, highlighted Kazakhstan's aerospace foundation and its development of 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, helping enterprises grasp the latest developments and investment opportunities in the region.
At the Signature Projects Session, Enver Iskurt, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Turkiye, introduced the large-scale Ankara-Istanbul super speed railway infrastructure project. He stated, "Turkey is a secure hub that has continued to pursue its projects with determination despite global uncertainties and geopolitical tensions. Hong Kong-based investors, financial institutions, and engineering firms can play an active role at every stage of our projects." The Summit showcased over 300 investment projects with a total project value exceeding US$5.4 billion. 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. As a new highlight of Belt and Road Week, the ASEAN Market Day attracted 340 SMEs who gained in-depth understanding of the latest development trends and business opportunities in the ASEAN market. The HKTDC will launch more thematic promotion activities for high-potential markets, 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 to discuss market development trends and deepen regional exchanges and cooperation. For more information, visit www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
