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 with record participation, underscoring Hong Kong's pivotal role in fostering international business collaboration amid a complex global landscape. The two-day 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).
The Summit's focus on business globalisation, new market opportunities, and cross-regional cooperation highlights the growing importance of emerging markets in the global economy. By deepening Hong Kong's economic and trade ties with ASEAN, Central Asia, and the Middle East, the event reinforces the city's unique position as a super connector and super value-adder, bridging the Chinese Mainland with the world.
In response to the accelerating pace of Chinese Mainland enterprises expanding overseas, the Summit introduced the GoGlobal Chapter for the first time. This initiative provided a one-stop platform for enterprises to explore international markets through thematic sessions, exhibitions, and matchmaking. A notable outcome was the MoU signed between Shaanxi TIRAIN Science & Technology Co., Ltd. and Deloitte Advisory (Hong Kong) Limited, demonstrating how Hong Kong's professional services can support mainland companies in navigating global compliance and competitiveness. Chen Li, President of Shaanxi TIRAIN, remarked, "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."
The Summit also deepened ties with Central Asia and the Middle East through dedicated chapters and zones. Building on Chief Executive John Lee's visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in June, the Central Asia Chapter brought together officials and investors to explore opportunities in projects like Kazakhstan's Alatau City and Data Center Valley. Bakhtiyar Mukhametkaliyev, Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan, noted, "Kazakhstan has a strong aerospace foundation... We are developing a satellite system and digital platform for agriculture, land use, emergency response, and resource management." Similarly, the Middle East Chapter and sessions on Africa and Latin America provided insights into emerging market potential, with speakers from Qatar, Oman, South Africa, and Nigeria sharing perspectives on how Hong Kong can facilitate global enterprises in seizing new opportunities.
Furthermore, the Summit facilitated project matchmaking and industrial cooperation, with over 300 investment projects valued at more than US$5.4 billion. The Signature Projects Session featured Enver Iskurt, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of Turkiye, who presented the Ankara-Istanbul super speed railway project and invited Hong Kong-based investors and engineering firms to participate. Issa Al Battashi, Managing Director of Jabal Asset Management LLC, highlighted the Summit's role in connecting capital and institutions, saying, "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, including new additions like the University Zone, GreenTech Zone, and GoGlobal Connect Zone, featured over 120 exhibitors, showcasing innovative technologies and green solutions to drive cross-industry collaboration. 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 to help enterprises align with overseas expansion needs. The HKTDC plans to launch more thematic promotion activities, such as GoGBA Development Day and African Market Day, to assist Hong Kong enterprises, particularly SMEs, in seizing global opportunities.
Although the Summit has concluded, cooperation negotiations will continue. The Belt and Road Deal-Making will be extended online from 14-15 September, and the Belt and Road Global Forum Annual Roundtable 2026 will bring together representatives to discuss market trends. For more information, visit the HKTDC Media Room.
