A business delegation led by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive John Lee and organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has completed its Central Asia tour, resulting in the signing of 66 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements during visits to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. An additional 15 cooperation agreements were signed at the government level, and 15 MoUs were signed by non-delegation members, bringing the total to 96. The agreements cover trade, investment, finance, technology, aviation, academia, and culture, laying a foundation for deeper economic ties between Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, and Central Asian markets.
The delegation visited Kazakhstan from 1 to 3 June and Uzbekistan from 4 to 5 June, meeting senior government officials and business leaders. In Kazakhstan, 43 MoUs and agreements were signed, including between the HKTDC and the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs "Atameken", and the Airport Authority Hong Kong and Almaty International Airport. In Uzbekistan, 23 MoUs were signed, including between the HKTDC and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan (CCIU), and between Cyberport and IT Park Uzbekistan.
Chief Executive John Lee highlighted the visit's threefold purpose: exploring emerging markets, strengthening government-to-government relations, and establishing a hub-to-hub cooperation model. He noted that the visit achieved eight major outcomes, including high-level meetings with presidents and prime ministers, agreement by Uzbekistan to establish a Consulate General in Hong Kong, and signing of projects with substantial investment value.
HKTDC Chairman Prof Frederick Ma emphasised Hong Kong's role as a bridge for Mainland enterprises going global and a gateway for overseas firms entering the Mainland market. He stated, "This virtuous cycle of going global and attracting foreign investment fully demonstrates Hong Kong’s irreplaceable value under the Belt and Road Initiative."
The delegation included 75 business leaders from Hong Kong and 17 Mainland provinces, spanning sectors such as finance, logistics, innovation, trade, green industries, and media. For the first time, journalism associations joined to help expand Hong Kong's media network. The HKTDC will provide post-mission business matching and support to expedite project implementation.
Key agreements in Kazakhstan included partnerships between the Hong Kong Exchange and Clearing Limited and the Astana International Exchange, and between Cathay Pacific and Almaty International Airport. In Uzbekistan, agreements included collaborations between China International Capital Corporation Limited and the National Bank of Uzbekistan, and between Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited and ADN Pharm-Sanoat Uzbekistan. Non-delegate organisations also signed agreements in education and culture, such as between City University of Hong Kong and Satbayev University, and the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority – Hong Kong Palace Museum and the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan.
The visit underscores Hong Kong’s role as a platform for Mainland enterprises to go global under the Belt and Road Initiative, with the HKTDC organising international exhibitions and business missions to create opportunities for companies. For more information, visit www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
