Lee Highlights 27% Surge in Hong Kong-Kazakhstan Trade at Central Asia Forum
Bastillepost · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu delivered a video address at a forum in Kazakhstan on Monday, September 7, celebrating a 27 percent surge in bilateral trade between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan compared to 2020 . Lee outlined Hong Kong's competitive edge under the one country, two systems framework, including common law and a simple low-tax regime , and announced that direct flights to Almaty will launch in January . The speech reinforced the hub-to-hub cooperation model as a gateway for Central Asian and international businesses to access the mainland Chinese market .
Key Points
- Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu spoke via video at a Kazakhstan forum, positioning Central Asian nations as key Belt and Road economies with significant potential
- Bilateral goods trade between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan grew 27 percent compared to 2020 levels
- Lee cited Hong Kong's common law system, low-tax regime, and diverse talent pool as advantages for helping firms access the mainland market
- A recent delegation visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan secured multiple agreements and memoranda of understanding across finance, trade, and technology
- Direct flights between Hong Kong and Almaty will begin operating in January, strengthening people-to-people ties
Why It Matters
The growing trade volume and new direct air link signal Hong Kong's expanding footprint in Central Asia, a region increasingly vital to global supply chains and the Belt and Road Initiative. For Hong Kong businesses, Kazakhstan and its neighbors represent untapped markets where the city can leverage its professional services and connectivity to drive mutual economic growth .
The growing trade volume and new direct air link signal Hong Kong's expanding footprint in Central Asia, a region increasingly vital to global supply chains and the Belt and Road Initiative. For Hong Kong businesses, Kazakhstan and its neighbors represent untapped markets where the city can leverage its professional services and connectivity to drive mutual economic growth .