A business delegation led by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive John Lee and organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) completed its Central Asia tour, signing 66 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and agreements during visits to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Combined with 15 government-level agreements and 15 MOUs signed by non-delegation members, the total reached 96, covering trade, investment, finance, technology, aviation, academia, and culture.
The delegation, comprising 75 business leaders from Hong Kong and 17 mainland Chinese provinces, attended over 20 events and inspected projects in finance, innovation, and infrastructure. Lee emphasized the visit's threefold purpose: exploring emerging markets, strengthening government relations, and establishing a hub-to-hub cooperation model. Uzbekistan agreed to establish a Consulate General in Hong Kong, and multiple investment projects were signed.
HKTDC Chairman Prof. Frederick Ma highlighted Hong Kong's role as a bridge under the Belt and Road Initiative, stating, "Hong Kong 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." He noted the HKTDC's global network and professional services facilitate two-way investment flows.
Key MOUs in Kazakhstan included partnerships between the HKTDC and the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs "Atameken," the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), and Satbayev University. The Airport Authority Hong Kong signed with Almaty International Airport, and the Hong Kong Exchange and Clearing Limited signed with the AIFC. In Uzbekistan, MOUs were signed with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and IT Park Uzbekistan, along with agreements involving the Airport Authority Hong Kong and Fly Khiva Group.
The visit also fostered collaborations in education and culture, with City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority signing agreements with Central Asian institutions. The HKTDC will follow up with professional matching and support services to expedite project implementation.
Lee concluded that the visit achieved eight major outcomes, including enhanced high-level communication and multi-faceted collaboration. The hub-to-hub model is expected to drive high-quality development and expand networks between the regions.
