Hong Kong and Uzbekistan are strengthening their cooperation as regional economic hubs

Hong Kong’s three-day trade mission to Uzbekistan, led by the Chief Executive of the Special Administrative Region, John Lee, concluded on June 6 with the signing of 23 agreements in the fields of finance, technology, aviation, and investment.

The trip to Uzbekistan followed the first leg of the mission in neighboring Kazakhstan. A total of 96 memorandums of understanding and cooperation agreements were signed during both legs of the trip.

Uzbekistan, Central Asia’s second-largest economy after Kazakhstan and also the region’s most populous country, welcomed agreements with Hong Kong in areas such as digital technologies, financial services, infrastructure, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.

Visa-free travel to facilitate exchanges

Hong Kong and Uzbekistan also exchanged diplomatic notes regarding the introduction of mutual visa-free travel for stays of up to 30 days. Government representatives from both sides stated that the measure would promote business relations as well as people-to-people exchanges.

“This visit has three objectives. First, to tap into new growth markets and lay a solid foundation for long-term economic and trade development. Second, to strengthen relations between the governments and deepen bilateral cooperation. Third, a cooperation model between key economic hubs is to be established,” Lee said.

Lee led a delegation of 75 business representatives from Hong Kong and 17 provinces and cities on the Chinese mainland. The participants represented sectors such as financial and consulting services, logistics and transportation, innovation and technology, trade, the environmental economy, and media.

According to Lee, the delegation participated in more than 20 events and visited numerous projects in the fields of finance, technology, and infrastructure.

Cooperation in Finance, Technology, and Aviation

The agreements signed in Uzbekistan included partnerships between the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, between Cyberport and IT Park Uzbekistan, and between the Hong Kong Airport Authority and the Fly Khiva Group.

Further agreements were concluded between banks, technology companies, pharmaceutical firms, and local authorities.

In addition, the China International Capital Corporation and the National Bank of Uzbekistan, among others, agreed to collaborate. The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, the bar associations of both countries, as well as the Hong Kong Palace Museum and the State History Museum of Uzbekistan also formed partnerships.

Investment volume of 1.65 billion U.S. dollars

Hong Kong representatives stated that the entire Central Asia mission had yielded projects and agreements with an estimated volume of approximately $1.65 billion.

Lee emphasized that numerous agreements included concrete investment commitments and were part of a broader strategy to deepen economic ties between Hong Kong, mainland China, and Central Asia.

During the visit, Lee met with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, and other high-ranking government officials.

The talks focused on cooperation in the areas of trade, finance, transportation, digitalization, artificial intelligence, and green energy.

Lee also conveyed greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping and highlighted the increasingly close ties between China and Uzbekistan.

Consulate General and Direct Flights Planned

A key outcome of the trip was Uzbekistan’s commitment to open a consulate general in Hong Kong. This is intended to further strengthen economic and diplomatic ties.

Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov also stated that both sides had reaffirmed their intention to conclude an agreement on mutual visa-free travel.

In addition, drafts for an agreement on civil air services have been finalized. This could enable the launch of direct flights between Hong Kong and Uzbekistan in the future.

Further economic agreements in the works

Both sides also agreed to begin talks on a double taxation agreement as well as regulations for the protection and promotion of investments.

According to the Uzbek Presidential Office, a comprehensive cooperation program is to be developed covering trade, finance, industrial cooperation, tourism, education, air links, and consular services.

Priority areas include green energy, agriculture, biotechnology, fintech, innovative startups, and artificial intelligence.

Hong Kong is banking on a “hub-to-hub” model

The program is part of a “hub-to-hub” approach promoted by Hong Kong, which aims to connect Central Asian markets with Hong Kong’s financial, logistics, and service networks.

For Hong Kong, the mission was part of a strategy to deepen relations with emerging markets and strengthen its role as a bridge between mainland Chinese companies and international business opportunities.

Trade volume grows significantly

The visit took place against the backdrop of growing economic ties between Hong Kong and Central Asia.

Trade in goods between Hong Kong and the Central Asian states exceeded the $320 million mark in 2025, representing a 27% increase over the 2020 level.

Trade with Uzbekistan showed particularly dynamic growth. In the first quarter of 2026, Hong Kong was among the country’s top 20 trading partners. Bilateral trade volume reached $155.7 million, compared to $24.4 million during the same period in 2024 and 2025.

Part of the New Silk Road

The mission also reflects the growing economic cooperation between China and Central Asia within the framework of the New Silk Road. Hong Kong is increasingly positioning itself as a platform for investment, trade, and business activities in the region.

“The visit to Central Asia has yielded concrete results and reaffirmed the Central Asian countries’ confidence in Hong Kong’s role as a bridge,” said Frederick Ma, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

He emphasized that Hong Kong serves as a springboard for international expansion for companies from mainland China, as well as a gateway to the Chinese market for foreign firms.

The HKTDC announced that it would actively support the projects initiated during the mission to accelerate the implementation of the agreements and further expand economic cooperation with Central Asia.