The 11th Belt and Road Summit, co-organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded successfully after two days of intensive networking and deal-making. The event attracted over 6,200 political and business leaders from more than 70 countries and regions, showcased over 300 investment projects, arranged more than 800 one-on-one deal-making meetings, and facilitated more than 60 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). This year's Summit focused on business globalisation, new market opportunities, and cross-regional cooperation, promoting exchanges and collaboration between the government and business sectors, creating opportunities for enterprises to expand into international markets, while deepening Hong Kong's economic and trade ties with emerging markets such as ASEAN, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
The importance of this year's Summit lies in its timely response to the accelerating pace of Chinese Mainland enterprises expanding into overseas markets. The introduction of the first-ever "GoGlobal Chapter" became a highlight, providing a one-stop exchange and matchmaking platform through thematic sessions, the GoGlobal Connect Zone, roundtable discussions, and the GoGlobal Business Study Mission. A key breakout session titled "Chinese Mainland Enterprises Going Global: Driving Mutual Growth Across Belt and Road Economies" featured welcome remarks by Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau, as well as practical experience from Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong professional services enterprises. During the Summit, Shaanxi TIRAIN Science & Technology Co., Ltd. and Deloitte Advisory (Hong Kong) Limited signed a MoU to collaborate on going global. Chen Li, President of Shaanxi TIRAIN, said, "Given the current global economic climate, going global is a natural choice for us. We have entered into an agreement with Deloitte precisely because we value their expertise in global tax, legal and labour consultancy. Combining our technological and product strengths with Deloitte's global support will enable us to ensure compliance and maintain a sound credit standing, thereby enhancing our competitiveness and enabling us to go further on the global stage."
Building on the outcomes of Chief Executive John Lee's visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in June this year, the Summit introduced a dedicated Central Asia Chapter and Central Asia Zone to further deepen Hong Kong's business and trade ties with Central Asian markets. Government officials, business leaders, and investors from the region exchanged views on development opportunities. Key projects such as Kazakhstan's Alatau City and Data Center Valley attracted interest. Bakhtiyar Mukhametkaliyev, Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan, said, "Kazakhstan has a strong aerospace foundation. The sector combines research institutions, laboratories, satellites, assembly and testing capabilities, and the Baikonur Cosmodrome. We are developing a satellite system and digital platform for agriculture, land use, emergency response, and resource management." The Summit also strengthened Middle East elements through the Middle East Chapter, Middle East Zone, and thematic sessions, helping enterprises grasp investment opportunities. The Business Plenary, themed "Unlocking New Market Opportunities along and beyond the Belt and Road," focused on the Middle East and African markets, with speakers from Qatar, Oman, South Africa, and Nigeria sharing insights. Additionally, the Project Investment Session, New Market Focus: The Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, invited representatives from Brazil, Egypt, Morocco, Oman, and South Africa to share developments in key industries.
Furthermore, at the Signature Projects Session, Enver Iskurt, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of Turkiye, introduced the Ankara-Istanbul super speed railway project, stating, "Turkey is a secure hub that has continued to pursue its projects with determination despite global uncertainties and geopolitical tensions. Hong Kong-based investors, financial institutions, and engineering firms can play an active role at every stage of our projects, from financing to engineering solutions, particularly in the railway investments we have prioritised in recent times." The Summit facilitated project matchmaking and industrial cooperation, showcasing over 300 investment projects with a total value exceeding US$5.4 billion. Among the MoUs facilitated was one involving Jabal Asset Management LLC of Oman. Issa Al Battashi, Managing Director and Executive Board Member, said, "We feel that the Summit as a whole is an opportunity to connect capital, institutions and retail investors across these markets. We believe that if we are able to keep creating dialogue and forming meaningful partnerships, we should see a lot of this translate into positive results in the near future." The Exhibition Zones featured more than 120 exhibitors, including new zones such as the University Zone, GreenTech Zone, and GoGlobal Connect Zone.
As a new highlight of Belt and Road Week, the ASEAN Market Day attracted 340 SMEs, offering consultation sessions with HKTDC's ASEAN offices and consulates. The HKTDC will launch more thematic promotion activities, including GoGBA Development Day, African Market Day, and Middle East Market Day, to assist Hong Kong enterprises, particularly SMEs. Although the Summit has concluded, cooperation negotiations will continue. The Belt and Road Deal-Making will be extended to 14-15 September in an online format, and the Belt and Road Global Forum Annual Roundtable 2026 today brings together representatives from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, and international chambers of commerce. For more information, visit the HKTDC Media Room or the HKTDC website.
