Hong Kong Strengthens Ties with Central Asia, Securing 96 Cooperation Agreements Worth Over $1.65 Billion
HONG KONG SAR – A high-level business delegation led by John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), concluded a successful five-day visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on June 5, 2026. This mission, comprising over 70 leaders from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, marks the largest and most diverse overseas delegation organized by the current HKSAR Government.
Key Objectives and Achievements
During a press briefing in Uzbekistan on June 4, Lee outlined three primary objectives of the visit: to explore emerging markets for long-term economic and trade development, to enhance government-to-government (G2G) relationships, and to establish a “hub-to-hub” cooperation model.
The delegation’s efforts resulted in significant outcomes across eight key areas:
- Establishment of high-level contacts between the HKSAR Government and the governments of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, reaching consensus on various cooperation initiatives.
- A total of 96 cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed, with 61 agreements with Kazakhstan and 35 with Uzbekistan, amounting to over $1.65 billion.
- Initiation of bilateral discussions on agreements across multiple sectors.
- Strengthening project matching and research collaboration in finance, innovation and technology (I&T), and aviation.
- Demonstration of Hong Kong’s role as a global platform, with local and Mainland enterprises collaborating to access new markets.
- Promotion of people-to-people exchanges through direct flights, enhanced transport cooperation, and an extension of the mutual visa-free period.
- Advancement of educational, cultural, and talent exchanges to deepen interpersonal connections.
- Development of a hub-to-hub cooperation model to expand collaborative opportunities between Hong Kong and Central Asia.
Meetings and Discussions in Uzbekistan
While in Tashkent from June 3 to 5, Lee engaged with local leaders, government officials, and business representatives to foster cooperation in trade, investment, finance, and I&T. He held discussions with notable figures, including the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev, and other key officials such as the Prime Minister Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov and Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev.
Lee emphasized that under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong benefits from both Chinese and global advantages. He reiterated Hong Kong’s commitment to serving as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” to enhance cooperation with Uzbekistan, aligning with the country’s aspirations for high-quality development.
Visa-Free Arrangement and Air Services Agreement
On June 3, Lee met with Uzbekistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bakhtiyor Saidov, where they jointly announced a mutual visa-free arrangement allowing a 30-day visa-free period for visitors from both regions.
During a high-level business dinner on June 4, Lee expressed satisfaction with the initialing of the Air Services Agreement with Uzbekistan, anticipating the launch of direct passenger flights soon. He noted that both Hong Kong and Uzbekistan serve as vital trade and investment gateways for their respective regions—Asia-Pacific and Central Asia.
Lee remarked on the shared commitment to the Belt and Road Initiative, describing it as a modern embodiment of the ancient Silk Road spirit. He highlighted that China is Uzbekistan’s largest trading partner, with both nations collaborating on significant infrastructure and connectivity projects revitalizing the Silk Road. He asserted that Hong Kong plays a crucial role in the Belt and Road Initiative, leveraging its world-class professional and financial services.
Conclusion of the Visit
The delegation’s itinerary included visits to the IT Park Uzbekistan and the Center for Islamic Civilization, concluding their trip in Tashkent. The successful mission underscores Hong Kong’s strategic intent to strengthen its economic ties with Central Asia and enhance collaborative opportunities across various sectors.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-06-05 17:14:00 • By the Editorial Desk
