Hong Kong and Uzbekistan Expand Economic Partnership

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Hong Kong and Uzbekistan agreed to expand their economic partnership during high-level talks held on 6 May in Hong Kong between Chief Executive John Lee and Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov, according to official information.

The meeting took place at the Government House with the participation of representatives from Hong Kong’s financial and economic authorities. The two sides discussed prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation in economic, investment and humanitarian areas.

John Lee welcomed the Uzbek delegation and noted its participation in a range of economic and trade events in Hong Kong.

He said Hong Kong views Uzbekistan as a key partner in Central Asia, citing its significant resource and labor potential and steady economic growth. He added that both sides are actively involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, which he said creates broad opportunities for deeper cooperation.

Lee said Hong Kong will continue to leverage its position as an international financial, trade and logistics center to expand ties with countries participating in the initiative. He pointed to the region’s “one country, two systems” framework, which he said supports international engagement and economic cooperation with diverse markets, including Uzbekistan.

The Chief Executive also highlighted Hong Kong’s economic strengths, noting its leading position in global trade and high level of economic openness. He pointed to the development of the innovation and technology sector and the city’s talent development system, which he said enhance its competitiveness.

He added that Uzbekistan’s economic development and infrastructure projects are creating favorable conditions for expanding investment cooperation. He encouraged Uzbek companies to use Hong Kong as a platform for accessing mainland China and other markets, describing it as a “super-connector” in global value chains.

The two sides also discussed prospects for cooperation in education and humanitarian exchanges. Lee noted Hong Kong’s expanding higher education system and international training programs, including scholarship initiatives under the Belt and Road framework. He expressed readiness to increase participation of Uzbek students in educational programs in the region, saying this would help strengthen long-term bilateral ties.