Mirziyoyev holds talks with Hong Kong delegation on China ties

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held talks on 4 June with a delegation of the People’s Republic of China led by John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

At the beginning of the meeting, John Lee conveyed greetings and best wishes to the President of Uzbekistan from Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The discussions focused on further expanding Uzbekistan–China cooperation, including the development of interregional ties and practical engagement with Hong Kong.

Both sides noted the high level of Uzbekistan–China friendship and their all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership achieved in recent years, as well as the consistent implementation of previously reached high-level agreements.

It was reported that in May a meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission was held in Beijing, while the third Interregional Forum took place in Xi’an. In Hong Kong, an economic forum and industrial exhibition were organized, and an Uzbekistan Trade House was opened.

Special attention was given to strengthening economic ties between regions of Uzbekistan and Hong Kong, with emphasis on the importance of a recent visit by a delegation of Hong Kong business representatives to Tashkent.

The meeting highlighted the need to develop a comprehensive cooperation programme covering trade, economic and financial relations, industrial cooperation, education and tourism exchanges, as well as the launch of direct flights and consular cooperation.

Priority areas identified included green energy, agriculture, biotechnology, the digital economy, fintech, startup ecosystems, and artificial intelligence.

Following the talks, the sides agreed to develop a joint cooperation roadmap, establish a business council, and explore the introduction of a mutual visa-free regime with Hong Kong.