A trade delegation led by Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee and organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council successfully concluded its five-day visit to Central Asia from June 1 to 5.
The delegation, comprising 75 business representatives and professionals from HK and the Mainland, visited two of Central Asia's largest economies—Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. During the trip, members attended more than 20 events and inspected a range of financial, innovation and infrastructure projects.
Below are the key outcomes of the visit.
Outcome 1: Uzbekistan agrees to establish a Consulate General in HK
The visit strengthened high-level government-to-government engagement and produced consensus on cooperation across multiple sectors.
John Lee met with the presidents, prime ministers and senior officials of both countries. The parties agreed to enhance high-level exchanges and deepen collaboration in various fields.
The Government of Uzbekistan has agreed to establish a Consulate General in HK.
Outcome 2: 96 cooperation agreements and memoranda signed
The visit resulted in numerous agreements, including projects involving specific financial commitments.
At the government level, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan signed or exchanged eight and seven cooperation documents respectively with the HKSAR Government, bringing the total to 15. These agreements cover areas including commerce, education and development projects.
Beyond the government level, 53 cooperation agreements and memoranda were concluded with Kazakhstan and 28 with Uzbekistan, totaling 81 agreements. These cover trade, investment, finance, technology, aviation and other sectors.
In total, 96 cooperation agreements and memoranda were reached during the visit, involving projects worth more than US$1.65 billion.
Outcome 3: Negotiations to begin on comprehensive avoidance of double taxation agreements
The governments agreed to launch negotiations on a number of bilateral arrangements.
The HKSAR Government and the governments of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan will begin discussions on comprehensive avoidance of double taxation agreements. They also agreed to commence negotiations on bilateral investment promotion and protection agreements, with the aim of concluding them as soon as possible.
Hong Kong Customs and Uzbekistan Customs will also begin discussions on a mutual recognition arrangement for authorized economic operators, facilitating customs clearance and improving trade efficiency.
Outcome 4: Expanded cooperation between financial institutions
Industry players will deepen project cooperation and research collaboration.
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX), local banks and several financial services firms will work with financial institutions in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to strengthen cooperation in capital markets, financing, green finance and financial services.
Hong Kong Science & Technology Park, Cyberport and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park will enhance research and innovation exchanges with institutions in the two countries.
Meanwhile, Airport Authority Hong Kong and Almaty International Airport will collaborate to promote aviation development.
Outcome 5: HK and mainland companies join forces to expand overseas
HK's role as an international platform for outbound expansion delivered tangible results, with HK and mainland enterprises leveraging their complementary strengths.
The trip marked the first overseas mission led by John Lee involving both HK and mainland companies since the establishment of the "Mainland Enterprises Going Global" last year.
The joint participation expanded the scale and capabilities of the delegation, generating 81 cooperation agreements and memoranda and demonstrating the synergies created through collaboration.
Outcome 6: Direct HK–Almaty flights planned for 2027
The visit also produced significant progress in facilitating people-to-people exchanges.
Hong Kong airlines are expected to launch direct flights between HK and Almaty, Kazakhstan, in the first quarter of 2027, linking two major regional hubs.
In addition, the HKSAR Government and the Government of Uzbekistan completed the initialing of a civil aviation transport agreement, enabling airlines from both sides to operate services under agreed traffic rights.
On visa arrangements, HK reached consensus with both countries to extend mutual visa-free stays to 30 days, with implementation to be expedited.
Outcome 7: Hong Kong Palace Museum to co-host exhibitions with Uzbekistan
The visit also advanced educational and cultural exchanges.
Hong Kong universities, including City University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The Education University of Hong Kong and Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong, will collaborate with higher education institutions and foundations in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to promote education, research and talent exchanges.
On the cultural front, the Hong Kong Palace Museum and the State Museum of the History of Uzbekistan will establish a partnership and jointly organize exhibitions in the future.
Outcome 8: More high-level exchanges and mutual support expected
Both sides agreed that cooperation between regional hubs can unlock broader opportunities and support high-quality development across both regions.
They pledged to increase high-level visits, support each other's initiatives and events, and continue expanding their cooperation networks.
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John Lee departs for HK tonight after Central Asia tour delivers 96 agreements
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