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 visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, resulting in the signing of 96 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements. The trip, which took place from June 1 to 5, aimed to explore emerging markets and strengthen economic ties under the Belt and Road Initiative.
During the visit, the delegation met with senior government officials and business representatives, including the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan and the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan. A total of 66 MoUs and agreements were signed by delegation members, covering sectors such as trade, investment, finance, technology, and aviation. Additionally, 15 cooperation agreements were signed at the government level, while non-delegation members signed 15 MoUs in areas including academia and culture.
Key agreements included partnerships between the HKTDC and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, as well as with IT Park Uzbekistan. The Airport Authority Hong Kong signed MoUs with Almaty International Airport and Fly Khiva Group. Financial institutions such as Bank of China (Hong Kong) and Standard Chartered Bank also inked deals with Kazakh and Uzbek entities. Technology collaborations were established between Cyberport and Astana Hub in Kazakhstan, and between the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks and Astana Hub.
Chief Executive John Lee highlighted the visit's eight major outcomes, including strengthened government-to-government relations and the establishment of a hub-to-hub cooperation model. Uzbekistan agreed to establish a Consulate General in Hong Kong. Lee noted, "The purpose of this visit is threefold: to explore emerging markets, strengthen bilateral cooperation, and establish a hub-to-hub model."
The delegation comprised 75 business leaders from Hong Kong and 17 Chinese mainland provinces, representing sectors such as financial services, logistics, innovation and technology, and green industries. For the first time, journalism associations joined the delegation to expand media networks.
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 Chinese market. "Hong Kong serves not only as a key springboard for Mainland enterprises to go global, but also as a gateway for overseas enterprises to enter the Mainland market," he said.
The HKTDC will provide post-mission business matching and support services to expedite project implementation. The council looks forward to welcoming Central Asian enterprises to its flagship events, including the Belt and Road Summit and InnoEX (https://www.hktdc.com/aboutus).
