Key facts
- Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee led a 70-member delegation to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
- Hong Kong signed 96 agreements with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
- The total value of the agreements signed is US$1.65 billion.
- Merchandise trade between Hong Kong and Central Asia reached over $320 million in 2025.
- Merchandise trade between Hong Kong and Central Asia increased by 27% since 2020.
- Cathay Pacific will restart flights to Almaty in Q1 2027.
- An agreement with Uzbekistan will enable new direct flight routes.
- Central Asia is suggested as a potential strategic logistics hub for Hong Kong.
- Cargo volume between Hong Kong and two Central Asian countries surged nearly fivefold year-on-year.
Hong Kong is actively pursuing enhanced trade and business relationships with Central Asian nations, specifically Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Chief Executive John Lee is spearheading this initiative, leading a substantial delegation of 70 members on a visit to these countries. The objective is to position Hong Kong as a key financial and business gateway for the region.
During this visit, Hong Kong secured 96 agreements with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, collectively valued at US$1.65 billion. These agreements aim to bolster both governmental and commercial connections. Furthermore, an agreement with Uzbekistan is expected to facilitate the establishment of new direct flight routes between the two entities. Merchandise trade between Hong Kong and Central Asia demonstrated significant growth, reaching over $320 million in 2025, which represents a 27% increase compared to 2020 figures. In terms of air connectivity, Cathay Pacific plans to resume flights to Almaty in the first quarter of 2027.
Adding to the strategic outlook, Hong Kong Airport Authority Chairman Fred Lam Tin-fuk has indicated that Central Asia holds potential to develop into a crucial logistics hub. This projection is influenced by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Europe, which may disrupt traditional shipping routes. Supporting this view, cargo volume between Hong Kong and two Central Asian countries has seen a substantial surge, increasing nearly fivefold on a year-on-year basis.