A high-level delegation from Hong Kong, led by Chief Executive John Lee, has returned from a visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan with significant outcomes, including 96 bilateral memoranda of understanding and agreements. The visit, which took place from May 31 to June 5, underscores Hong Kong's strategic role as a functional platform for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its potential to deepen economic ties between Central Asia, Hong Kong, and the Chinese Mainland.
The delegation comprised over 70 representatives from Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises across various sectors. During the visit, 15 cooperation documents were signed at the government level with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan respectively. The agreements span a wide range of industries, from services to heavy industries such as mining and infrastructure development. Chief Executive Lee remarked, 'The examples of agreements and co-operation are just so abundant that they range from the service sector to heavy industries such as mining and infrastructure development. I think the sky is the limit.'
The outcomes highlight Hong Kong's ability to act as a 'super connector' and 'super value-adder,' promoting broader and deeper cooperation and establishing a hub-to-hub model. Kazakhstan, as Hong Kong's largest trading partner in Central Asia and a key logistics hub connecting China and Europe, offers broad prospects for further collaboration. Lee noted that many BRI projects are also underway in Uzbekistan, which sits at the heart of the Asia-Europe corridor, creating opportunities in logistics, railway development, and cargo handling.
Lee encouraged Central Asian companies to leverage Hong Kong's advantages under the 'one country, two systems' principle. 'Under this unique principle, Hong Kong has its own economic, social, legal, legislative and judicial systems. We are the only common law jurisdiction in China. We have our own currency, with no capital or foreign exchange controls. We are, as well, a separate customs territory,' Lee said.
Building on the delegation's success, Lee welcomed Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev to Hong Kong on June 10. They attended the Alatau City Investment Round Table on June 11, where Lee outlined three ways Hong Kong can contribute to Kazakhstan's innovative Alatau City: 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. 'We share a development vision with Alatau City and Kazakhstan. Today, right here, right now, is a golden opportunity to bring our two economies closer together,' Lee said.
The visit and subsequent engagements demonstrate Hong Kong's commitment to fostering international cooperation and its pivotal role in the BRI. The agreements reached are expected to unlock new opportunities for businesses in both regions, further integrating Hong Kong into the global economic landscape.
