The 11th Belt and Road Summit, held in Hong Kong on September 9–10, concluded with more than 60 memoranda of understanding and bilateral cooperation agreements valued at over US$3.1 billion. The event drew over 6,200 political and business leaders from more than 70 countries and regions, underscoring Hong Kong's enduring appeal as a premier platform for Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation.
Hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government since 2016, the summit remains a key conduit for investment and business matching. This year's theme, “Advancing High-quality Development · Embarking on a New Journey,” facilitated discussions on trade, legal services, green technology, logistics, artificial intelligence, and new quality productive forces. The focus on ASEAN, Central Asia, and the Middle East reflects a strategic pivot toward emerging markets amid global economic uncertainties.
HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee emphasized Hong Kong's unique position: “Hong Kong, as a place where East meets West, is where capital, talent, businesses and opportunities converge. In addition to strengthening our relations with traditional partners, Hong Kong continues to expand our network of friends along the Belt and Road.” His leadership of high-level business delegations to 13 Belt and Road countries has already yielded over 250 agreements, covering policy coordination, trade, and connectivity.
The summit introduced three new chapters—GoGlobal, Central Asia, and Middle East—to address specific regional opportunities. The GoGlobal Chapter provided a one-stop platform for Chinese Mainland enterprises seeking overseas expansion. Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau noted, “In light of the shifting geopolitics, rising trade protectionism and the reshaping of global supply chains, businesses going global is no longer simply an option; it is an increasingly important strategy for Chinese Mainland enterprises to diversify risks, strengthen resilience and pursue new growth opportunities.”
A newly integrated University Zone showcased Hong Kong universities' R&D strengths and technology commercialisation capabilities, reinforcing the city's ambition to be an international education hub. The debut Dialogue for Future session promoted think-tank exchanges on Asia-Pacific cooperation in a changing global landscape. Additionally, the Project Investment Session, Belt and Road Deal-Making, and Exhibition Zones featured over 300 investment projects and arranged more than 800 one-on-one meetings, facilitating tangible connections.
The summit's outcomes matter because they demonstrate Hong Kong's resilience and adaptability in a challenging geopolitical environment. By attracting global leaders and generating substantial deals, Hong Kong reinforces its role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” between China and the world. The focus on new markets and high-quality development signals a shift toward sustainable, innovation-driven growth, which could shape future trade patterns and investment flows across the Belt and Road region. For businesses, the event offers a blueprint for diversification and risk mitigation. For Hong Kong, it affirms its status as an indispensable gateway for international business, even as global supply chains evolve. The record-breaking MoU value and participation highlight the summit's effectiveness as a deal-making platform, with implications for regional integration and economic diplomacy.
For more information about Hong Kong's role in the Belt and Road Initiative, visit Brand Hong Kong.
