A high-level delegation from Hong Kong, led by Chief Executive John Lee, has returned from a visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan with 96 bilateral memoranda of understanding and agreements, signaling deepened economic ties between the city and Central Asia. The delegation, comprising over 70 representatives from Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises, focused on sectors ranging from services to heavy industries such as mining and infrastructure development.
During the visit from May 31 to June 5, 2026, 15 cooperation documents were signed at the government level with each country. John Lee highlighted the broad scope of agreements, stating, "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 underscore Hong Kong's role as a functional platform for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), leveraging its status as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" to promote hub-to-hub cooperation.
Kazakhstan, as Hong Kong's largest trading partner in Central Asia and the birthplace of the BRI, offers vast prospects for collaboration. John Lee noted, "Kazakhstan is an important commercial and logistics hub connecting China and Europe. There are broad prospects for further co-operation." Similarly, Uzbekistan's strategic location at the heart of the Asia-Europe corridor presents opportunities in logistics, railway development, and cargo handling.
The Chief Executive encouraged Central Asian companies to utilize Hong Kong's advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle, including its common law legal system, free capital flows, and separate customs territory. He emphasized, "We are the only common law jurisdiction in China. We have our own currency, with no capital or foreign exchange controls."
Building on the mission's success, John Lee welcomed Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev to Hong Kong on June 10, and both attended the Alatau City Investment Round Table on June 11. At the event, Mr. Lee outlined three ways Hong Kong can contribute to Alatau City's development: 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. He stated, "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."
These initiatives highlight Hong Kong's commitment to fostering economic integration and innovation along the Belt and Road, positioning itself as a vital link between Central Asia and global markets. For more information, visit Brand Hong Kong.
