Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee is spearheading a delegation to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan from June 1 to 6, 2026, aimed at fostering closer economic ties with Central Asia.
Key Outcomes from the Visit
They span aviation, finance and trade, innovation and technology, the digital economy, green development, and more.
John Lee, Chief Executive of HKSAR
- Over 70 business representatives are part of the delegation.
- 43 agreements have been signed with Kazakh companies and organizations.
During a luncheon in Astana on June 2, Lee announced that the delegation has finalized 43 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with Kazakh firms, covering sectors such as aviation, finance, and technology.
Lee emphasized that Kazakhstan could serve as a strategic hub for Hong Kong to access Central Asian markets, while Hong Kong could reciprocate as a gateway to East and Southeast Asia.
The delegation's discussions included high-level meetings with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and other key officials, highlighting Hong Kong's role in supporting Kazakhstan's economic reforms.
Lee pointed out that under the 'one country, two systems' framework, Hong Kong offers unique advantages—such as its own economic and legal systems and no capital controls—that can facilitate business expansion for Kazakh firms.
The trip also involved visits to the Astana International Financial Centre and a technology park, where Lee learned about Kazakhstan's progress in developing its non-bank financial sector and AI capabilities.
Historical Context of the Visit
Before departing Kazakhstan, Lee visited Nazarbayev University, where President Xi Jinping first proposed the Silk Road Economic Belt in 2013, which has evolved into the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The university recently signed MOUs with several Hong Kong educational institutions, reinforcing commitments to enhance academic collaboration under the BRI.
Following Kazakhstan, the delegation is set to continue its mission in Uzbekistan, marking an important phase in Hong Kong's efforts to deepen its economic engagements in Central Asia.