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 completed the first leg of its Central Asia tour in Kazakhstan and is now in Uzbekistan, successfully signing 66 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements to deepen multi-sector collaboration. The visit, which ran from June 1 to 5, 2026, aimed to explore emerging markets, strengthen government relations, and establish a hub-to-hub cooperation model under the Belt and Road Initiative.
During the Kazakhstan leg, 43 MoUs and agreements were signed, including partnerships between the HKTDC and the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Kazakhstan "Atameken," the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), and Satbayev University. Other notable agreements involved the Airport Authority Hong Kong with Almaty International Airport, and the Hong Kong Exchange and Clearing Limited with AIFC. In Uzbekistan, 23 MoUs were finalized, such as between the HKTDC and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, and between Cyberport and IT Park Uzbekistan.
The agreements cover a wide range of sectors, including financial services, logistics, innovation and technology, green industries, and aviation. For instance, Cathay Pacific signed an MoU with Almaty International Airport and the Almaty City Government for tourism development, while PCCW Limited partnered with Kazakhtelecom and Khabar Agency JSC. Additionally, 15 cooperation agreements were signed at the government level, and non-delegation members signed 15 MoUs in academia and culture, bringing the total to 96.
Chief Executive John Lee emphasized the visit's success, noting that it achieved eight major outcomes, including strengthened high-level communication and agreements with substantial investment value. The Government of Uzbekistan also agreed to establish a Consulate General in Hong Kong. Lee highlighted that the hub-to-hub cooperation model would create broader and deeper collaboration between the regions.
HKTDC Chairman Prof Frederick Ma stated that the visit reaffirmed Central Asian countries' trust in Hong Kong's role as a bridge under the Belt and Road Initiative. He noted that Hong Kong's international credibility, robust institutional framework, and professional services make it a key springboard for Mainland enterprises going global and a gateway for overseas enterprises entering the Mainland market.
The delegation comprised 75 business leaders from Hong Kong and 17 provinces and municipalities across the Chinese Mainland, spanning sectors such as finance, logistics, innovation and technology, trade, green industries, and media. For the first time, representatives from journalism associations joined, supporting the Policy Address initiative to expand Hong Kong's media network. The HKTDC will follow up on key projects with professional post-mission business matching and support services.
These outcomes lay a solid foundation for deepening economic and trade ties among Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, promoting long-term collaboration with Central Asian markets. The parties look forward to welcoming more Central Asian enterprises to Hong Kong's flagship events, including the Belt and Road Summit and InnoEX, to capitalize on Hong Kong's strengths as an international business hub.
