A high-level business delegation led by Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee concluded a five-day visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on June 5, achieving significant outcomes in deepening bilateral relations and expanding economic ties. The delegation of over 70 business and institutional leaders from Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland was the largest and most diverse overseas mission by the current HKSAR government.
Speaking to the media in Uzbekistan, Lee outlined three main objectives: exploring emerging markets for long-term economic development, strengthening government-to-government relationships, and building a hub-to-hub cooperation model. The visit yielded 96 cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding—61 with Kazakhstan and 35 with Uzbekistan—involving specific amounts exceeding US$1.65 billion.
The achievements spanned eight areas, including high-level contacts, consensus on cooperation, and agreements to commence bilateral discussions. Project matching and research collaboration were deepened in finance, innovation and technology (I&T), and aviation. The delegation demonstrated Hong Kong's role as a platform for going global, with Hong Kong and mainland enterprises jointly tapping new markets.
In Tashkent, Lee met with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and other officials to discuss cooperation in trade, investment, finance, I&T, and people-to-people exchanges. Lee emphasized that under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong enjoys both China's advantages and global connectivity, serving as a "super connector" and "super value-adder."
A mutual visa-free arrangement was signed, allowing 30-day visa-free travel between Hong Kong and Uzbekistan. Lee also welcomed the initialing of an Air Services Agreement, paving the way for direct passenger flights. "Hong Kong and Uzbekistan are important trade and investment gateways to the Asia-Pacific and Central Asia," Lee said at a business dinner. He highlighted shared commitment to the Belt and Road Initiative, noting that China is Uzbekistan's largest trading partner and that Hong Kong plays a pivotal role with its professional services.
The delegation visited IT Park Uzbekistan and the Center for Islamic Civilization before concluding the mission. The visit advanced a hub-to-hub cooperation model, opening broader opportunities between Hong Kong and Central Asia. More information is available at Brand Hong Kong.
