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Hong Kong pushes ties with Central Asia beyond finance
South China Morning Post said momentum after a June visit will be judged over the next 12 to 24 months by whether deals turn into projects and lasting commercial relationships.
About three months after Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu visited Central Asia, momentum is building for closer economic ties between the city and the region, with cooperation discussed beyond finance to include tourism, professional services, mining, agriculture and digital infrastructure, according to the South China Morning Post.
The potential was discussed at the paper’s inaugural China Conference: Central Asia 2026 in Astana, Kazakhstan, where government officials and senior figures from industrial, investment and financial sectors reviewed prospects for turning early agreements into concrete activity.
Business leaders said the real test over the next 12 to 24 months will be whether the enthusiasm from Lee’s visit translates into projects and enduring commercial relationships.
Nicholas Ho Lik-chi, Hong Kong’s commissioner for Belt and Road, said interest increased on both sides since the June visit, with more inquiries from Kazakh companies and organizations looking to use Hong Kong as a hub for finance and trade.