A business delegation led by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive John Lee and organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has completed a multi-sector visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, resulting in the signing of 96 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements. The delegation, comprising 75 business leaders from Hong Kong and 17 provinces across the Chinese mainland, attended over 20 events and inspected projects in finance, innovation, technology, and infrastructure.
During the visit to Kazakhstan from June 1 to 3 and Uzbekistan from June 4 to 5, the delegation facilitated 66 MoUs and agreements directly, with an additional 15 signed at the government level and 15 by non-delegation members in areas such as academia and culture. Key agreements included partnerships between the HKTDC and the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan 'Atameken,' the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), and Satbayev University. In Uzbekistan, agreements were signed with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and IT Park Uzbekistan.
Mr. Lee noted the visit's threefold purpose: to explore emerging markets, strengthen government-to-government relations, and establish a hub-to-hub cooperation model. He said the visit achieved eight major outcomes, including Uzbekistan's agreement to establish a Consulate General in Hong Kong. Both sides recognized that the hub-to-hub model will drive high-quality development and agreed to increase high-level mutual visits and support each other's promotional activities.
The delegation met with senior officials, including the presidents and prime ministers of both countries, and engaged with trade bodies and business representatives. In Uzbekistan, the HKSAR Government and HKTDC jointly hosted a business dinner attended by about 230 business leaders and senior officials.
HKTDC Chairman Prof. Frederick Ma said the visit reaffirmed Central Asian countries' trust in Hong Kong's role as a bridge. Hong Kong serves as a key springboard for mainland enterprises to go global and a gateway for overseas enterprises to enter the mainland market, facilitating two-way investment and trade flows under the Belt and Road Initiative.
The delegation covered sectors including financial and professional services, logistics, innovation and technology, trade, green industries, and media. For the first time, representatives from journalism associations joined, responding to the Policy Address's initiative to help local media expand their network beyond Hong Kong.
The HKTDC will follow up on key projects by providing professional post-mission business matching and support services to expedite implementation and assist Hong Kong enterprises in exploring further international cooperation opportunities.
