Against this backdrop, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to bridge opportunities between the Chinese Mainland and Central Asia. Leveraging its world-class financial markets, robust legal system and international business environment, the city facilitates two-way investment, anchors high-impact business partnerships, and accelerates seamless market entry and expansion across this dynamic economic region.
A Milestone Mission with Business Impact
In June 2026, the Chief Executive of the HKSAR, Mr John Lee, led the largest overseas mission of the current-term government, with the broadest sectoral representation, to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The delegation brought together 75 senior executives from Hong Kong and the Mainland to unlock high-value business opportunities. The five-day visit featured more than 20 strategic engagements and resulted in 96 cooperation agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) across government-to-government (G2G) and business-to-business (B2B) sectors, with a total value exceeding US$1.65 billion.
Among these outcomes, InvestHK facilitated the signing of four corporate MoUs and seven agreements promoting two-way investment, marking a significant milestone in Hong Kong–Central Asia collaboration. Through its global network and targeted matchmaking, InvestHK supported Mainland enterprises in using Hong Kong as a “value-added leverage point” to connect with high-quality partners in Central Asia, spanning key sectors such as mineral resources, biopharmaceuticals and digital cadastre. In addition, InvestHK signed agreements with multiple government departments and business associations in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to strengthen mutual investment flows.
The delegation also engaged in high-level dialogues with key political leaders, including the President of Kazakhstan, Mr Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Mr Olzhas Bektenov, as well as the President of Uzbekistan, Mr Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev, and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov.
As the first major overseas visit following the establishment of the GoGlobal Task Force, the mission strengthened Hong Kong’s ties with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan while advancing the “hub-to-hub” cooperation model.
Hong Kong as a Launchpad for Central Asia Expansion
Hong Kong’s value in this expanding corridor is anchored by its distinctive institutional strengths. Under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework, the city benefits from strong sovereign backing from the Chinese Mainland alongside a highly internationalised commercial ecosystem. As a separate customs territory with a common law legal system, free flow of capital, and a simple, competitive tax regime, Hong Kong offers a globally familiar business environment deeply integrated with the Mainland market. This unique positioning as well as Hong Kong’s roles in the Belt and Road initiative make it an ideal base for cross-border financing, deal structuring, risk management and regional expansion.
Beyond its institutional advantages, Hong Kong serves as a premier “super-connector”. Through InvestHK and broader government efforts, the city brings together policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, professional services providers, technology partners and logistics operators from around the world to enable high-value collaboration. This ecosystem not only accelerates market entry but also supports the partnerships and operational capabilities required for sustainable growth.
Unlocking Synergies in Capital Markets and Resources
Businesses are actively leveraging Hong Kong’s unique strengths
to navigate this emerging market and translate regional potential into long-term commercial partnerships. In the mining sector, Jiaxin International Resources has utilised Hong Kong’s capital markets platform to strengthen its cross-border presence, including its dual listing on HKEX and the Astana International Exchange (AIX). Meanwhile, Zijin Mining received a curated pipeline of over 90 prospective investment sites from the Uzbek government.
Strong demand from Central Asian sovereign funds and corporates is also creating new opportunities in financial services, including debt financing, IPOs and offshore RMB products. During the mission, HKEX signed two strategic MoUs with AIX and the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) to strengthen capital market connectivity and promote cross-border dual listings. In parallel, China International Capital Corporation (CICC) secured seven cross-border strategic agreements, and Bosera Funds (International) partnered with Halyk Bank.
Trusted Platform for Growth
Positioned at the crossroads of Eurasia, Central Asia is rapidly transforming its logistics and aviation landscape, driven by the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and the expanding China-Europe Railway Express. Capitalising on this momentum, Cathay Pacific and the Airport Authority Hong Kong are expanding cargo and aviation linkages. JD Logistics has partnered with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport to develop smart logistics capabilities, while PCCW has secured agreements to support digital and telecommunications infrastructure.
Hong Kong is a launchpad for globalising advanced healthcare solutions. Alongside the Walvax Biotechnology partnership, Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Group has initiated pathways to accelerate regional drug registration and expand distribution networks. Koln 3D Technology has collaborated with the Kazakh Research Institute of Oncology and Radiology to integrate advanced 3D medical solutions into clinical applications.
The city is also building a strategic presence in Central Asia’s agricultural and digital trade ecosystems. Soy-Sky Farmtech has signed an agreement with Kazakhstan’s National Company Food Contract Corporation JSC, while the Belt and Road General Chamber of Commerce and Brilliant Resource Global Commodity Exchange have facilitated a tripartite agreement spanning Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Turning Vision into Reality
As Central Asia is emerging as a high-growth market, InvestHK’s strategic engagement with the region continues to deepen. Following the opening of its consultant office in Kazakhstan in 2022 and a prior delegation in October 2025, this mission reinforces Hong Kong’s role as the premier two-way gateway between Central Asia and the Chinese Mainland.
This delegation forms part of our broader strategy. Beyond traditional markets, we have recently led business delegations to high-potential regions, including the Middle East, ASEAN, Africa, Eastern Europe, South America, and Central Asia. While this represents our largest mission to date, it underscores our continued momentum in supporting Mainland enterprises in their global expansion and further strengthening Hong Kong’s international footprint.
Looking ahead, InvestHK will focus on several priorities to deepen investment flows. In non-ferrous commodities, efforts will be directed towards advancing mutual recognition of professional standards to attract global mining capital to Hong Kong. In agricultural commodities, trade volumes will be expanded in alignment with RMB internationalisation. In parallel, Hong Kong’s financial infrastructure will be strengthened as an international gold trading centre and cross-border asset management hub.
The signing of 96 MoUs is only the beginning. InvestHK will continue to work closely with government bureaux, regulators, industry partners and enterprises to capitalise on the opportunities created by this strategic visit, while ensuring effective execution through our end-to-end support. Hong Kong’s true value lies in turning vision into reality — transforming Central Asia’s potential into a powerful engine for economic transformation and growth.
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