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 concluded its Central Asia tour, signing 66 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements during visits to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Combined with 15 government-level agreements and 15 MoUs signed by non-delegation members, the total reached 96, covering trade, investment, finance, technology, aviation, academia, and culture. These outcomes are expected to strengthen economic ties between Hong Kong, mainland China, and Central Asian markets, highlighting Hong Kong’s role as a gateway for mainland enterprises under the Belt and Road Initiative.
The delegation, comprising 75 business leaders from Hong Kong and 17 mainland Chinese provinces, attended over 20 events and inspected projects in finance, innovation, and infrastructure. In Uzbekistan, the delegation met with senior officials from the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade, the Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce, and IT Park Uzbekistan. Key agreements included MoUs between the HKTDC and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, and between the Airport Authority Hong Kong and Fly Khiva Group. The government of Uzbekistan agreed to establish a Consulate General in Hong Kong, further strengthening bilateral ties.
HKTDC Chairman Prof. Frederick Ma emphasized Hong Kong’s bridging role, stating, "Hong Kong, with its international credibility, robust institutional framework, world-class professional services and the HKTDC’s global network, 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." The visit also facilitated hub-to-hub cooperation, with both sides agreeing to increase high-level mutual visits and support promotional activities.
During the Kazakhstan leg, 43 MoUs were signed, including between the HKTDC and the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs "Atameken," the Astana International Financial Centre, and Satbayev University. Other agreements involved the Airport Authority Hong Kong and Almaty International Airport, and multiple financial institutions such as Bank of China Hong Kong and China International Capital Corporation. The delegation also signed MoUs in innovation and technology, including between Cyberport and Astana Hub, and between the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks and Astana Hub.
In Uzbekistan, 23 agreements were finalized, including partnerships between the HKTDC and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, and between Cyberport and IT Park Uzbekistan. Additional agreements covered sectors like energy, pharmaceuticals, and logistics, such as between A-Grade Energy Ltd and Zarafshan Golden Group, and between Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Holdings and ADN Pharm-Sanoat. Non-delegation organizations also signed MoUs in education and culture, including between City University of Hong Kong and Tashkent State Technical University, and between the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan.
The visit achieved eight major outcomes, including strengthened government relations, enhanced bilateral cooperation, and a hub-to-hub model expected to drive high-quality development. The HKTDC will follow up with post-mission business matching and support services to expedite project implementation. The delegation also included representatives from journalism associations for the first time, aiming to expand Hong Kong’s media network and tell Hong Kong’s stories abroad.
