A business delegation led by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive John Lee and organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has concluded its Central Asia tour, resulting in the signing of 66 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements during visits to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Combined with 15 government-level cooperation agreements and 15 additional MoUs signed by non-delegation members, the total reached 96, covering trade, investment, finance, technology, and aviation. These outcomes are expected to deepen economic ties between Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, underscoring Hong Kong's role as a key platform for Mainland enterprises going global.
The delegation, comprising 75 business leaders from Hong Kong and 17 provinces across the Chinese Mainland, attended over 20 events and inspected projects in finance, innovation and technology, and infrastructure. In Kazakhstan, 43 MoUs and agreements were facilitated, including partnerships between the HKTDC and the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs "Atameken", the Airport Authority Hong Kong and Almaty International Airport, and Cyberport with Astana Hub. In Uzbekistan, 23 MoUs were signed, such as between the HKTDC and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, and between the Airport Authority Hong Kong and Fly Khiva Group.
Chief Executive John Lee highlighted the visit's threefold purpose: exploring emerging markets for long-term economic development, strengthening government-to-government relations, and establishing a hub-to-hub cooperation model. He noted that the visit achieved eight major outcomes, including agreements with substantial investment value. The Government of Uzbekistan also agreed to establish a Consulate General in Hong Kong, further enhancing bilateral ties.
Prof Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, emphasized Hong Kong's role as a bridge under the Belt and Road Initiative. He stated, "Hong Kong, with its international credibility, robust institutional framework, world-class professional services and the HKTDC’s global network, serves not only as a key springboard for Mainland enterprises to go global, but also as a gateway for overseas enterprises to enter the Mainland market." The HKTDC will follow up on key projects by providing post-mission business matching and support services to expedite implementation.
The delegation met with senior officials, trade bodies, and business representatives in both countries, including the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan and IT Park Uzbekistan. The visit also saw first-time participation from journalism associations, aligning with the Policy Address initiative to expand local media networks abroad. The HKTDC will continue to assist Hong Kong enterprises in exploring international cooperation opportunities and looks forward to welcoming Central Asian enterprises to its flagship events like the Belt and Road Summit and InnoEX.
