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 attracting over 6,200 political and business leaders from more than 70 countries and regions. The two-day event showcased over 300 investment projects, arranged more than 800 one-on-one deal-making meetings, and facilitated over 60 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). The summit's focus on business globalisation, new market opportunities, and cross-regional cooperation underscores Hong Kong's unique role as a super connector and super value-adder, deepening its economic and trade ties with emerging markets such as ASEAN, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
A key highlight was the introduction of the GoGlobal Chapter, designed to support Chinese Mainland enterprises expanding overseas. The Chapter included thematic sessions, the GoGlobal Connect Zone, roundtable discussions, and the GoGlobal Business Study Mission, providing a one-stop platform for exchange and matchmaking. During the summit, Shaanxi TIRAIN Science & Technology Co., Ltd. and Deloitte Advisory (Hong Kong) Limited signed a MoU to collaborate on going global. Chen Li, President of Shaanxi TIRAIN, noted that the partnership leverages Deloitte's global tax, legal, and labour expertise to ensure compliance and enhance competitiveness. This initiative is significant as it demonstrates Hong Kong's appeal as the preferred platform for mainland enterprises seeking international markets, potentially accelerating their global expansion.
The summit also introduced a dedicated Central Asia Chapter and Central Asia Zone, building on Chief Executive John Lee's visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in June. Government officials, business leaders, and investors from Central Asia exchanged views on development opportunities, with projects like Kazakhstan's Alatau City and Data Center Valley attracting interest. Bakhtiyar Mukhametkaliyev, Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan, highlighted the country's aerospace foundation and plans for a satellite system and digital platform. This focus on Central Asia signals Hong Kong's strategic pivot to deepen ties with the region, opening new avenues for trade and investment.
Further strengthening Middle East elements, the Middle East Chapter, Middle East Zone, and thematic sessions helped enterprises grasp opportunities in the region. The Business Plenary, themed "Unlocking New Market Opportunities along and beyond the Belt and Road," featured speakers from Qatar, Oman, South Africa, and Nigeria discussing emerging market potential. Additionally, the Project Investment Session on the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America invited representatives from Brazil, Egypt, Morocco, Oman, and South Africa to share industry developments. At the Signature Projects Session, Enver Iskurt, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of Turkiye, presented the Ankara-Istanbul super speed railway project, inviting Hong Kong investors and engineering firms to participate. These sessions underscore the summit's role in facilitating cross-regional cooperation and unlocking business potential beyond traditional markets.
The summit facilitated project matchmaking through the Project Investment Session, Belt and Road Deal-Making, and Exhibition Zones, showcasing over 300 investment projects valued at more than US$5.4 billion. Among the MoUs was one involving Jabal Asset Management LLC of Oman. Issa Al Battashi, Managing Director, emphasized the summit's role in connecting capital and investors. The Exhibition Zones featured over 120 exhibitors, including new zones like the University Zone, GreenTech Zone, and GoGlobal Connect Zone, driving cross-industry cooperation.
As a new highlight of Belt and Road Week, the ASEAN Market Day attracted 340 SMEs, offering consultation sessions with HKTDC's ASEAN offices and consulates. The HKTDC plans further thematic promotion activities for high-potential markets, including GoGBA Development Day, African Market Day, and Middle East Market Day. Although the summit concluded, follow-up activities like the Belt and Road Deal-Making, extended to 14-15 September online, and the Belt and Road Global Forum Annual Roundtable 2026 continue to drive cooperation. For more information, visit the HKTDC Media Room.
