Hong Kong’s expanding engagement with Central Asia represents more than a commercial drive. It signals a strategic recalibration that, if pursued with discipline and realism, could position the city as an indispensable bridge between East and Central Asia at a moment when traditional corridors of trade and exchange face mounting strain.
Both sides must now move beyond aspirational declarations to overcome challenges constraining regional commerce. The concrete outcomes
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu reported at the South China Morning Post’s China Conference in Astana this week already indicate initial success. They were tangible follow-through on the trip Lee led to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in June – a mission that produced 96 deals worth US$1.65 billion.
Over 300 business leaders from the region attended the conference, marking the first time a Hong Kong media outlet organised a major event in Kazakhstan and demonstrating how the media industry can actively facilitate the city’s “superconnector” mission.
The SCMP signed a memorandum with Nazarbayev University, Central Asia’s top-ranked institution where President Xi Jinping first announced the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013.
Within the framework of this infrastructure programme, Jiaxin International Resources’ successful August 2025
dual listing – in Hong Kong and Kazakhstan – served as a pioneering effort. The tungsten miner invested in Kazakhstan for over a decade before raising HK$1.2 billion (US$154 million) through Hong Kong’s capital markets. Kazakhstan’s national rail operator, KTZ, is preparing for a triple listing in Hong Kong, Astana and London.
Hong Kong is deepening connectivity, with Kazakh students forming the largest undergraduate cohort
from Central Asia. Direct flights launching on January 9 are expected to boost tourism and professional services. Cultural and financial institutions are actively exploring new collaborations, including potential exhibitions and market opportunities in legal services, food processing and water treatment.
Our city and Central Asia must now build on the momentum to sustain capital flows and achieve genuine investment and cooperation.
