A high-level business delegation led by Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee returned today from a five-day visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, having secured 96 cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding valued at over US$1.65 billion. The mission, which included more than 70 business and institutional leaders from Hong Kong and mainland China, is the largest and most diverse overseas delegation of the current HKSAR government.
Speaking to the media in Uzbekistan on June 4, Lee outlined three main objectives: exploring emerging markets for long-term economic development, strengthening government-to-government relations, and building a hub-to-hub cooperation model. He declared the visit a success, noting achievements in eight key areas including high-level diplomatic contacts, project matching in finance, innovation and technology (I&T), and aviation, as well as agreements to commence bilateral discussions on various fronts.
During his stay in Tashkent from June 3 to 5, Lee met with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, and other senior officials to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, finance, I&T, and people-to-people exchanges. On June 3, Lee and Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov witnessed the exchange of notes on a mutual visa-free arrangement allowing 30-day stays for visitors from both sides. Hong Kong also initialed an Air Services Agreement with Uzbekistan, paving the way for direct passenger flights.
Lee emphasized Hong Kong's unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle, describing the city as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" that can help Uzbekistan achieve high-quality development. He noted that both Hong Kong and Uzbekistan are committed to the Belt and Road Initiative, with China now Uzbekistan's largest trading partner. The delegation also toured IT Park Uzbekistan and the Center for Islamic Civilization before concluding the visit.
The mission underscores Hong Kong's role as a platform for mainland enterprises to go global, with 61 agreements signed with Kazakhstan and 35 with Uzbekistan. The deals span finance, I&T, aviation, education, and culture, demonstrating the breadth of cooperation. By promoting direct flights and extending visa-free periods, the two sides aim to facilitate greater people-to-people exchanges. The hub-to-hub model positions Hong Kong as a gateway between the Asia-Pacific and Central Asia, opening up broader opportunities for long-term collaboration.
