A high-level delegation from Hong Kong, led by Chief Executive John Lee, has returned from a six-day visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan with 96 bilateral memoranda of understanding and agreements, signaling a major expansion of economic ties between Hong Kong and Central Asia. The delegation, comprising over 70 representatives from Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises, focused on deepening cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The agreements span a wide range of sectors, from services to heavy industries such as mining and infrastructure development. "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," Mr. Lee said. "I think the sky is the limit." Fifteen cooperation documents were signed at the government level with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan respectively.
The trip underscores Hong Kong's role as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" for the BRI, facilitating broader cooperation between Central Asia, Hong Kong, and the Chinese Mainland. Mr. Lee highlighted Kazakhstan's strategic importance as a commercial and logistics hub connecting China and Europe, and noted that Uzbekistan, located at the heart of the Asia-Europe corridor, offers opportunities in logistics, railway development, and cargo handling.
Speaking about Hong Kong's unique advantages, Mr. Lee emphasized 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," he said.
Building on the mission's success, Mr. Lee welcomed Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev to Hong Kong and attended the Alatau City Investment Round Table. At the event, Mr. Lee outlined three ways Hong Kong can contribute to Alatau City, an innovative high-tech hub: as a gateway to global capital, as 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," Mr. Lee said. "Today, right here, right now, is a golden opportunity to bring our two economies closer together."
The outcomes demonstrate Hong Kong's potential as a functional platform for the BRI, with implications for regional trade and investment. Companies in Central Asia are encouraged to leverage Hong Kong's financial, innovation, and professional services to explore new business opportunities. The visit marks a significant step in establishing a hub-to-hub cooperation model between Hong Kong and Central Asian nations.
