The 11th Belt and Road Summit, held in Hong Kong from September 9 to 10, concluded with more than 60 Memoranda of Understanding and bilateral co-operation agreements, alongside new projects and deals valued at over US$3.1 billion. The event drew over 6,200 political and business elites from more than 70 countries and regions, underscoring Hong Kong's pivotal role in advancing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and fostering international business opportunities.
Hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government since 2016, the summit remains the premier platform for business and investment under the BRI. This year's theme, "Advancing High-quality Development · Embarking on a New Journey," facilitated discussions on trade, legal services, green technology, logistics, artificial intelligence, and new quality productive forces. A special focus on ASEAN, Central Asia, and the Middle East highlighted Hong Kong's unique position as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" in linking markets and driving regional co-operation.
HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee emphasized Hong Kong's strengths: "Hong Kong, as a place where East meets West, is where capital, talent, businesses and opportunities converge. In addition to strengthening our relations with traditional partners, Hong Kong continues to expand our network of friends along the Belt and Road." Lee has led high-level delegations to 13 Belt and Road countries, securing over 250 agreements covering policy coordination, trade, investment, and connectivity.
The summit introduced three new special chapters: GoGlobal, Central Asia, and Middle East. The GoGlobal Chapter provided a one-stop platform for Chinese Mainland enterprises seeking overseas expansion. Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau noted, "In light of the shifting geopolitics, rising trade protectionism and the reshaping of global supply chains, businesses going global is no longer simply an option; it is an increasingly important strategy for Chinese Mainland enterprises to diversify risks, strengthen resilience and pursue new growth opportunities." The Central Asia and Middle East chapters allowed local officials and business leaders to share investment opportunities.
A newly integrated University Zone showcased Hong Kong universities' R&D strengths and technology commercialisation capabilities across the Belt and Road region, reinforcing Hong Kong's status as an international education hub. The debut Dialogue for Future session promoted think-tank exchanges on "The Belt and Road Initiative and Asia-Pacific Co-operation in a Changing Global Landscape."
Through the Project Investment Session, Belt and Road Deal-Making, and Exhibition Zones, the event displayed over 300 investment projects and arranged more than 800 one-on-one deal-making meetings, connecting enterprises with potential partners. These efforts are crucial for businesses navigating a complex global environment and seeking new growth avenues.
The summit's outcomes highlight Hong Kong's enduring appeal as a global business hub and its capacity to facilitate mutually beneficial development. For more information on Hong Kong's role in the BRI, visit Brand Hong Kong.
