At the dawn of the 15th Five-Year Plan, leveraging Hong Kong’s connectivity to identify new growth drivers has become a core priority for the business community. Amid an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape, the Chamber has played an active bridging role in helping businesses diversify risks and pursue high-quality growth opportunities. Earlier, Jeffrey Lam, HKGCC Council Member, and I facilitated a visit to Hong Kong by the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan and a delegation of more than 100 members. Mr Lam subsequently accompanied the Chief Executive on a mission to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. 

These series of high-level exchanges underscore Hong Kong’s determination to advance the Belt-and-Road Initiative and strengthen ties with the Central Asia. They also facilitated the signing of multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and the implementation of key projects, carving out a new path for enterprises expanding overseas. These achievements have been warmly received by the political and business leaders on both sides. 

Our discussions on the ground reinforced the view that Central Asia is the new blue ocean with immense potential. Kazakhstan’s green transition is creating demand for sustainable finance drives its green transition, infrastructure certification and ESG expertise, areas in which Hong Kong is well-positioned to contribute. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan’s is in its golden era of industrial digital transformation, driven by its young, ambitious population. This is generating demand for legal compliance, cross-border arbitration, and smart-city solutions, aligning closely with Hong Kong’s professional strengths. 

However, unlocking these opportunities requires more than enthusiasm alone. Central Asian business culture emphasises “friendship before business.” To succeed, Hong Kong companies must move beyond operating independently and embrace a new “Golden Partner” model. The key lies in “going global together” – combining the “hard power” of Mainland enterprises in capital and technology with Hong Kong’s “soft power” in compliance, project management, and financing. Hong Kong businesses should also act as facilitators, connecting premium international companies based in the city to form strategic alliances and jointly explore the Central Asian market. 

To convert these opportunities into tangible outcomes, the Government and business sectors must take targeted action. Through the regularised Belt-and-Road Summit, we can strengthen business matching and help SMEs connect with state-owned enterprise. Concurrently, we should actively promote “small yet beautiful” livelihood projects in areas such as medical care, property management, and vocational education, to establish a robust reputation. 

Looking ahead, the Government should consider expanding the presence of the Economic and Trade Offices (ETOs) or Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) networks in Central Asia to provide authoritative intelligence. Efforts should be made to streamline BUD Fund approval and accelerate the launch of direct flights to lower business costs.  

By joining forces and utilising Hong Kong’s unique connectivity, the Government and business community can deepen cooperation and author a new chapter in the city’s economic and trade relations development.  

Jonathan Lamport
[email protected]