The 11th Belt and Road Summit, held in Hong Kong from September 9 to 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 attracted 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 focus on emerging markets in ASEAN, Central Asia, and the Middle East highlights Hong Kong's unique position as a "super connector" and "super value-adder," bridging capital, talent, and opportunities between East and West.
HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee emphasized the BRI as a shared blueprint for future cross-cultural collaboration, stating, "Hong Kong, as a place where East meets West, is where capital, talent, businesses and opportunities converge." Under his leadership, high-level delegations have explored opportunities in 13 Belt and Road countries, yielding over 250 agreements that cover policy coordination, trade, investment, and connectivity. This demonstrates Hong Kong's strategic focus on opening new markets and forming partnerships to drive regional co-operation.
The summit introduced three new special chapters: the GoGlobal Chapter, Central Asia Chapter, and Middle East Chapter. The GoGlobal Chapter provided a one-stop platform for Chinese Mainland enterprises to explore overseas markets, while the Central Asia and Middle East chapters allowed local officials and business leaders to share investment opportunities. As Mr. Algernon Yau, the HKSAR Government's Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, 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 across the Belt & Road region, reinforcing Hong Kong's status as an international education hub. The debut Dialogue for Future session promoted think-tank exchanges on the BRI and Asia-Pacific co-operation in a changing global landscape. Additionally, the Project Investment Session, Belt and Road Deal-Making, and Exhibition Zones featured over 300 investment projects and arranged more than 800 one-on-one meetings, facilitating connections between enterprises and potential partners.
The summit's outcomes are significant amid global economic uncertainties and shifting geopolitical dynamics. By securing billions in deals and fostering multilateral co-operation, Hong Kong reinforces its role as a critical gateway for BRI investments and trade. For more information on Hong Kong's initiatives, visit Brand Hong Kong. The event's success signals continued confidence in Hong Kong's ability to drive high-quality development and mutual prosperity along the Belt and Road.
