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 that attracted over 6,200 political and business leaders from more than 70 countries and regions. The event showcased over 300 investment projects, arranged more than 800 one-on-one deal-making meetings, and facilitated over 60 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). This year's Summit focused on business globalisation, new market opportunities, and cross-regional cooperation, promoting exchanges between government and business sectors while deepening Hong Kong's economic and trade ties with emerging markets such as ASEAN, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
The Summit introduced the GoGlobal Chapter for the first time, responding to the accelerating pace of Chinese Mainland enterprises expanding overseas. This chapter included thematic sessions, the GoGlobal Connect Zone, roundtable discussions, and a business study mission, providing a one-stop platform for enterprises exploring international markets. A breakout session titled "Chinese Mainland Enterprises Going Global: Driving Mutual Growth Across Belt and Road Economies" featured welcome remarks by Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau and practical experience from mainland and Hong Kong professional services enterprises. During the Summit, Shaanxi TIRAIN Science & Technology Co., Ltd. and Deloitte Advisory (Hong Kong) Limited signed an 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 Chief Executive John Lee's visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in June, the Summit introduced a dedicated Central Asia Chapter and Central Asia Zone to deepen Hong Kong's business ties with Central Asian markets. Key development projects such as Kazakhstan's Alatau City and Data Center Valley attracted interest. Bakhtiyar Mukhametkaliyev, Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan, noted, "Kazakhstan has a strong aerospace foundation. The sector combines research institutions, laboratories, satellites, assembly and testing capabilities, and the Baikonur Cosmodrome." The Summit also strengthened Middle East elements through the Middle East Chapter and Zone, with the Business Plenary focusing on Middle East and African markets. Speakers from Qatar, Oman, South Africa, and Nigeria shared insights on emerging market potential.
The Summit facilitated project matchmaking through the Project Investment Session, Belt and Road Deal-Making, and Exhibition Zones, showcasing over 300 investment projects with a total value exceeding US$5.4 billion. Among the MoUs 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 and featured dedicated consultation sessions with HKTDC's ASEAN offices and consulates. The HKTDC will launch more thematic promotion activities, including GoGBA Development Day, African Market Day, and Middle East Market Day, to help Hong Kong enterprises seize global opportunities. The Belt and Road Deal-Making will continue online on 14-15 September, and the Belt and Road Global Forum Annual Roundtable 2026 will bring together representatives to discuss market trends. For more information, visit www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
