The 11th Belt and Road Summit, held in Hong Kong from September 9 to 10, concluded with more than 60 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and bilateral co-operation agreements, with a total value exceeding US$3.1 billion. The event, hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, attracted over 6,200 political and business elites from more than 70 countries and regions, underscoring Hong Kong's pivotal role in advancing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The summit's significance lies in its demonstration of Hong Kong's unique position as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" between China and the world. Under the theme "Advancing High-quality Development · Embarking on a New Journey," discussions covered trade, legal services, green technology, logistics, artificial intelligence, and new quality productive forces. The focus on ASEAN, Central Asia, and the Middle East signals a strategic shift to diversify markets and supply chains amid shifting geopolitics and rising trade protectionism.
HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee emphasized Hong Kong's role: "Hong Kong, as a place where East meets West, is where capital, talent, businesses and opportunities converge. In addition to strengthening our relations with traditional partners, Hong Kong continues to expand our network of friends along the Belt and Road." His leadership of high-level business delegations to 13 Belt and Road countries has yielded over 250 agreements, covering policy coordination, trade, investment, and connectivity.
The introduction of three new special chapters—GoGlobal, Central Asia, and Middle East—reflects the evolving needs of Chinese Mainland enterprises seeking to internationalize. As Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, noted: "In light of the shifting geopolitics, rising trade protectionism and the reshaping of global supply chains, businesses going global is no longer simply an option; it is an increasingly important strategy for Chinese Mainland enterprises to diversify risks, strengthen resilience and pursue new growth opportunities."
The summit also featured a University Zone, highlighting Hong Kong's R&D strengths and technology commercialization capabilities, reinforcing its status as an international education hub. A debut Dialogue for Future session promoted think-tank exchanges on Asia-Pacific cooperation. With over 300 investment projects showcased and more than 800 one-on-one deal-making meetings, the event facilitated concrete business connections.
For global businesses, the summit provides a platform to tap into Belt and Road markets, particularly in emerging regions. The record deals and participation underscore Hong Kong's resilience and attractiveness as a gateway for investment, even amid global economic uncertainties. As the BRI continues to evolve, Hong Kong's role in fostering international collaboration and driving high-quality development remains crucial. For more information, visit Brand Hong Kong.
