Every September, Hong Kong hosts the Belt and Road Summit. This year marks the 11th edition, running Sept 9–10 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The summit focuses on ASEAN, Central Asia, and the Middle East. DotDotNews reporters spoke with government and business representatives from all three regions about their cooperation with Hong Kong under the Belt and Road framework.
Kao Kim Hourn: Two-way investment and digital integration
Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, said Hong Kong and ASEAN have built a close investment partnership over the years. "Investment is not one-way," he emphasized. "ASEAN countries also invest in Hong Kong and Chinese mainland. We hope to expand cooperation across all sectors together." On the digital economy, he highlighted the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), expected to be signed at the 49th ASEAN Summit this November, and noted that the China–ASEAN Artificial Intelligence Industry Innovation Center was established in Beijing in April. "Addressing the abuse and misuse of technology requires broad and close cooperation," he said, adding that ASEAN maintains multiple internal mechanisms and regular consultations with China.
Assessing the summit's 11-year role, Kao said: "This is a very important platform. Over the past 11 years, many officials, ministers, and leaders from ASEAN countries have taken part. We should maximize this platform to explore untapped potential, especially in the digital, blue, circular, and green economies." He noted that investors first seek regions that are "stable, peaceful, and secure," and welcomed investment from Hong Kong, the Middle East, and beyond.
Vu Thi Thuy: Infrastructure priority and cross-border connectivity
Vu Thi Thuy, Deputy Consul General (Economic) of the Consulate General of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Hong Kong and Macau, said Vietnam places great emphasis on domestic infrastructure. "Improving the infrastructure system helps attract foreign investment and facilitates domestic trade. We still have many infrastructure projects nationwide that can be developed through cooperation," she said. She pointed to the China-assisted Lao Cai–Hanoi–Haiphong Railway under the Belt and Road framework: "This is a very good project. It will improve freight transportation. We look forward to it delivering benefits soon."
On Hong Kong–Vietnam relations, Vu said: "Hong Kong has always been one of our very important partners. If you go to Vietnam, you will see many Hong Kong businesses operating there, and they are very happy." She added: "Hong Kong is increasingly becoming a platform between China and other countries. We hope Hong Kong can further help Vietnam connect with China and the wider region."
Bakhtiyar Mukhametkaliyev: HK finance meets Central Asian digital markets
Bakhtiyar Mukhametkaliyev, Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan, is visiting Hong Kong for the second time this year. He described Hong Kong as one of the world's financial leaders while Kazakhstan leads Central Asia in digital development. He noted that last year the president signed an AI law and this year Kazakhstan adopted a digital code. "For us, artificial intelligence is an engine driving new economic benefits," he said, stressing openness to cooperation with Chinese firms including DeepSeek, Alibaba, and Huawei. "You have your experience, we have ours. Sharing experience is how we achieve win-win results."
He shared that Chinese robotics firm AgiBot has started building a production line in Astana this September, after agreeing to set up operations if export-oriented conditions were created. "Other companies can follow the same pathway," he said. "First come to Hong Kong, use its financial tools and professional services to structure deals, then enter Kazakhstan, where we provide land, tax incentives, and transparent support." He emphasized: "Kazakhstan is not just one country—it is the gateway to the entire Central Asian market."
Bohodir Ayupov: A Common-Law gateway into Central Asia
Bohodir Ayupov, Vice Chairman of Enterprise Uzbekistan, said Uzbekistan recently established Enterprise Uzbekistan, a special zone operating under British common law principles to help foreign companies enter the market with clearer legal expectations. Through Uzbekistan, companies can further reach the broader Central Asian and CIS markets.
He noted it is the second time this year the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan has visited Hong Kong, evidence that "economic, trade, and political relations are strengthening continuously." He described the Belt and Road Initiative as a significant foundation for Uzbekistan–China relations, with many projects already underway and high hopes for future cooperation with Hong Kong and Chinese mainland.
Middle East: Silk Road hub for early entry
Farhang Sadeghpour, Economic, Public Diplomacy & Political Officer at the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Hong Kong and Macao, said Iran has long been part of the Silk Road. "Iran sits at this geographical hub and is currently a participant in the Belt and Road Initiative," he said, noting Iran maintains a strategic partnership with China and many Chinese companies are actively operating there. Business exchanges between Iran and Hong Kong are also increasing. On timing, he used a proverb: "The early bird catches the worm. Companies entering Iran now are like early birds—there are not many competitors yet, so they can secure good opportunities without too many challenges."
Amid geopolitical tensions, Farhang called the BRI "an important pathway for strengthening cooperation among Global South countries." He expressed confidence in China's role as a global power, adding: "The BRI is precisely an important vehicle for that influence." On Hong Kong, he said: "Hong Kong is a super connector, a super value creator, and a gateway to enormous opportunities. The Chinese mainland market is so vast and complementary to Hong Kong—together, they can bring tremendous benefits to each other."
One word to describe the BRI？
• Kao Kim Hourn (ASEAN): Cooperation
• Vu Thi Thuy (Vietnam): Infrastructure / Connectivity
• Bohodir Ayupov (Uzbekistan): Opportunities
• Farhang Sadeghpour (Iran): Turning point
(Reporter: Lynn Zhou）
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