Hong Kong Business Delegation Signs 66 MoUs in Central Asia, Bolstering Belt and Road Ties
A Hong Kong-led business delegation signed 66 memoranda of understanding and agreements during visits to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, advancing multi-sector collaboration and reinforcing Hong Kong's role as a bridge for Belt and Road opportunities.
A business delegation led by Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee and organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has completed its Central Asia tour, signing 66 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements during stops in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The visit, which took place from June 1 to 5, aimed to deepen economic and trade ties and explore emerging markets under the Belt and Road Initiative.
The delegation, comprising 75 business leaders from Hong Kong and 17 provinces in Mainland China, attended over 20 events and inspected projects in finance, innovation and technology, and infrastructure. The agreements covered sectors including trade, investment, finance, technology and aviation, with 15 additional government-level cooperation agreements and 15 MoUs signed by non-delegation members in academia and culture, bringing the total to 96.
Chief Executive John Lee highlighted three main objectives for the visit: exploring emerging markets, strengthening government-to-government relations, and establishing a hub-to-hub cooperation model. He noted that the visit achieved eight major outcomes, including agreements with substantial investment value and Uzbekistan's decision to establish a Consulate General in Hong Kong.
Key signings in Kazakhstan included MoUs between the HKTDC and the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan "Atameken", the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), and Satbayev University. Other notable agreements involved the Airport Authority Hong Kong and Almaty International Airport, and partnerships between Hong Kong Exchange and Clearing Limited and the Astana International Exchange.
In Uzbekistan, the delegation signed 23 MoUs, including agreements with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan and IT Park Uzbekistan. Companies like China International Capital Corporation Limited and Deloitte China also inked deals with local entities.
HKTDC Chairman Prof Frederick Ma emphasized Hong Kong's role as a bridge for Mainland enterprises going global and a gateway for overseas firms entering the Mainland market. "This virtuous cycle fully demonstrates Hong Kong’s irreplaceable value under the Belt and Road Initiative," he said.
The HKTDC will follow up on key projects by providing professional post-mission business matching and support services to expedite implementation. The delegation also included, for the first time, representatives from journalism associations, aiding local media in expanding their network beyond Hong Kong.
The visit underscores Hong Kong's position as a key platform for international cooperation, with the HKTDC promoting its flagship events like the Belt and Road Summit and InnoEX to deepen collaboration with Central Asian markets. For more information on the HKTDC, visit www.hktdc.com/aboutus.