The 11th Belt and Road Summit, held in Hong Kong on September 9–10, concluded with more than 60 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) 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 collaboration.
Hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) 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. The summit also introduced three new special chapters—GoGlobal, Central Asia, and Middle East—to explore emerging opportunities in these regions, highlighting Hong Kong's unique position as a "super connector" and "super value-adder."
HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee emphasized Hong Kong's convergence of capital, talent, and opportunities: "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." Under his leadership, high-level business delegations have visited 13 Belt and Road countries, resulting in over 250 MoUs and agreements covering policy coordination, trade, investment, and connectivity.
The GoGlobal Chapter provided a one-stop platform for Chinese Mainland enterprises seeking overseas expansion, while the Central Asia and Middle East chapters invited local officials to share investment prospects. 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."
A newly integrated University Zone showcased Hong Kong universities' R&D strengths and technology commercialisation capabilities, reinforcing the city's status as an international education hub. The debut Dialogue for Future session promoted think-tank exchanges on Asia-Pacific co-operation amid a changing global landscape. The summit also featured over 300 investment projects and arranged more than 800 one-on-one deal-making meetings, connecting enterprises with potential partners.
The record-breaking outcomes of the summit highlight Hong Kong's enduring appeal as a global business hub and its strategic importance in facilitating cross-border trade and investment. As geopolitical tensions and supply chain shifts continue to reshape the global economy, the summit's success demonstrates Hong Kong's ability to drive mutually beneficial development and open new markets. For more information about Hong Kong's role in the Belt and Road Initiative, visit Brand Hong Kong.
