A large high-level business delegation led by John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), today (June 5) wrapped up its five-day visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, achieving fruitful results in strengthening bilateral relations and deepening ties with Central Asia. The delegation of over 70 business and institutional leaders from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland is the largest and most diverse overseas mission led by the current term of the HKSAR Government so far.
Speaking to the media in Uzbekistan yesterday (June 4), Mr Lee set out the three main objectives of the visit: further explore emerging markets and lay the foundation for long-term economic and trade development; strengthen government-to-government (G2G) relationships and promote closer bilateral co-operation; and build a "hub-to-hub" model of co-operation. He said the visit had been successful, yielding achievements in eight areas, including establishing high-level contacts and ties between the HKSAR Government and the Governments of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and reaching consensus on co-operation in multiple areas.
A total of 96 co-operation agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were reached during the visit (61 with Kazakhstan, 35 with Uzbekistan), involving specific amounts exceeding US$1.65 billion in total. The agreements cover sectors such as finance, innovation and technology (I&T), aviation, and trade. Mr Lee highlighted that Hong Kong would continue to play its roles as a "super connector" and a "super value-adder" to further deepen co-operation and exchanges with Uzbekistan on various fronts.
While in Tashkent (June 3-5), Mr Lee met with local leaders, including President Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev, to exchange views on furthering mutual co-operation. The two sides also initialed an Air Services Agreement and agreed on a mutual visa-free arrangement allowing a 30-day visa-free period for visitors from both sides. "Moreover, we are glad to have initialed the Air Services Agreement with Uzbekistan, and look forward to launching direct passenger flights between the two places soon," Mr Lee said during a high-level business dinner (June 4).
The Chief Executive pointed out that Hong Kong and Uzbekistan are important trade and investment gateways to their respective regions – the Asia-Pacific and Central Asia. "It helps that we are all believers in the Belt and Road (B&R) Initiative, a modern expression of the ancient Silk Road spirit," Mr Lee said. "Today, China is Uzbekistan's largest trading partner, and the two countries work closely on major infrastructure and connectivity projects that are revitalising the Silk Road. Hong Kong is a pivotal player in the B&R Initiative, thanks to our world-class professional and financial services expertise."
The delegation also toured the IT Park Uzbekistan and the Center for Islamic Civilization before concluding its visit in Tashkent. The results of this mission underscore Hong Kong's role as a platform for going global, with Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises joining forces in tapping new markets. The agreements and discussions are expected to lay the groundwork for long-term economic and trade development between Hong Kong and the Central Asian region, enhancing people-to-people bonds through education, talent, and cultural exchanges.
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