Hong Kong seals 96 agreements in Central Asia push

The deals span logistics, infrastructure, finance, professional services, and mining.

Hong Kong secured 96 memoranda of understanding and agreement during a delegation visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan led by Chief Executive John Lee.

The government said the agreements included 15 government-level cooperation documents signed with the two Central Asian countries, covering sectors like professional services, finance, logistics, infrastructure, trade, and mining.

Speaking after the visit, which ran from 31 May to 5 June, Lee said the cooperation opportunities span both services and industrial sectors.

"The examples of agreements and co-operation are just so abundant that they range from the service sector to heavy industries such as mining and infrastructure development," he said.

Kazakhstan is Hong Kong's largest trading partner in Central Asia. Lee described the country as a commercial and logistics hub connecting China and Europe, whilst noting opportunities for further cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

He also highlighted opportunities in Uzbekistan, citing logistics, railway development, and cargo handling as potential areas for collaboration.

The visit forms part of Hong Kong's efforts to expand economic ties with Central Asia and strengthen its role as a platform connecting businesses from the region with Mainland China.

Following the delegation's return, Kazakhstan Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev visited Hong Kong and attended the Alatau City Investment Round Table on 11 June.

At the event, Lee said Hong Kong could support the development of Kazakhstan's Alatau City through capital markets access, links to Mainland China and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and talent and technology collaboration.

He also encouraged Central Asian companies to use Hong Kong's financial, professional services, and innovation platforms to support their expansion and investment activities.

More than 70 representatives from Hong Kong and Mainland Chinese companies joined the delegation.