Hong Kong Delegation Strengthens Belt and Road Ties with Central Asia

A business delegation led by Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee and organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) visited Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan from June 1 to 5, 2026, to deepen economic ties with Central Asia. The visit yielded 96 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements, including 66 from the business delegation covering trade, investment, finance, technology, and aviation. Following the visit, the Alatau City Authority of Kazakhstan held an investment roundtable in Hong Kong on June 11, attended by John Lee and Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev. The event focused on Alatau City, a greenfield project near Almaty, exploring opportunities in fintech, the low-altitude economy, smart city development, and infrastructure.

At the roundtable, John Lee highlighted Hong Kong's unique advantages under 'one country, two systems,' combining China and global benefits. HKTDC Director Silas Chu emphasized the council's role in promoting Hong Kong as an international business platform, noting its Almaty consultant office opened in 2018 and events like the Belt and Road Summit and InnoEX. Templewater Limited, a business delegate, signed an MoU with DASCO Capital to explore a fund supporting Kazakhstan's development and the Alatau City Project. The HKTDC will continue facilitating these initiatives through business matching and support services.

The outcomes underscore Hong Kong's role as a key platform for Mainland enterprises to go global and promote long-term collaboration with Central Asian markets. The HKTDC plans to leverage its global network of 51 offices and major conferences to help enterprises seize Belt and Road opportunities. This visit and subsequent events mark a significant step in strengthening cooperation between Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, and Central Asia, with a focus on sustainable development and innovation.