Cathay Pacific Launches Almaty Direct Flights, Boosting HK-Central Asia Trade Links
RTHK · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Cathay Pacific will launch direct flights between Hong Kong and Almaty, Kazakhstan on January 9 next year, operating three weekly services. Business leaders say the route will strengthen trade ties and tourism between Hong Kong and Central Asia. Industry figures hope the new connection will attract high-spending travelers and open doors for Hong Kong companies entering emerging markets.
Key Points
- Kenneth Lam Kin-fung, Executive Council member and deputy chairman of the Business and Professional Alliance, says three weekly flights represent merely a starting point and hopes for daily services in the future .
- Lawrence Lo, president of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, describes Almaty as one of the most significant economic and commercial hubs in Central Asia, often serving as the first stop for Hong Kong businesses entering the region .
- Lam highlights that Hong Kong, as the world's largest cross-border wealth management center, can assist Central Asian enterprises with listing and financing in the city .
- Andrew Yao, a Legislative Council member representing the tourism sector, notes that Almaty residents have strong purchasing power with a substantial young demographic, making them attractive visitors .
- Yao emphasizes that Hong Kong's positioning as an events capital with East-West cultural attractions, waterfront developments, yacht tourism, and island tours can appeal to Central Asian travelers .
Why It Matters
The Almaty route marks Hong Kong's first direct connection to Central Asia, creating a strategic gateway for businesses seeking to tap into emerging markets. The flight service could position Hong Kong as a bridge for Central Asian agricultural products and minerals reaching Asian markets, while attracting wealthy long-haul tourists to the city.
The Almaty route marks Hong Kong's first direct connection to Central Asia, creating a strategic gateway for businesses seeking to tap into emerging markets. The flight service could position Hong Kong as a bridge for Central Asian agricultural products and minerals reaching Asian markets, while attracting wealthy long-haul tourists to the city.