A high-level delegation from Hong Kong, led by Chief Executive John Lee, has concluded a visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan from May 31 to June 5, resulting in 96 bilateral memoranda of understanding and agreements. The delegation, comprising over 70 representatives from Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises, aimed to deepen economic and cultural ties between Central Asia, Hong Kong, and the Chinese Mainland. The agreements span a wide range of sectors, from services to heavy industries such as mining and infrastructure development.
Chief Executive Lee highlighted the significance of the visit, noting that Kazakhstan is Hong Kong's largest trading partner in Central Asia and a key logistics hub for the Belt and Road Initiative. He emphasized that Uzbekistan, located at the heart of the Asia-Europe corridor, offers vast opportunities for cooperation in logistics, railway development, and cargo handling. The outcomes underscore Hong Kong's role as a functional platform for the Belt and Road Initiative, acting as a 'super connector' and 'super value-adder.'
During the visit, 15 cooperation documents were signed at the government level between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Lee encouraged Central Asian companies to leverage Hong Kong's unique advantages under the 'one country, two systems' principle, including its own currency, no capital or foreign exchange controls, and a separate customs territory. He also pointed to Hong Kong's status as the only common law jurisdiction in China, providing a familiar legal environment for international businesses.
Building on the delegation's success, 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, Lee outlined three ways Hong Kong can contribute to Alatau City's development: 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. He described the current moment as a 'golden opportunity' to bring the two economies closer together.
The visit and subsequent events demonstrate Hong Kong's commitment to fostering hub-to-hub cooperation and expanding its role in the Belt and Road Initiative. Lee expressed optimism about the future, stating that the sky is the limit for collaboration between Hong Kong and Central Asia. For more information on Hong Kong's branding and initiatives, visit Brand Hong Kong.
