TOPIC

/ location

Kazakhstan

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Kazakhstan. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Astana

Head of State

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev

Head of Government

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee (second left) visits the Centre for Islamic Civilisation in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on June 5. Photo: Handout

Diplomacy

Outside In | Central Asia is finally coming into its own

The region’s five countries, inadvertent beneficiaries of Chinese infrastructure investment, then wars and tariffs elsewhere, are finding their feet.

13 Jun 2026 - 6:50AM

China travel

Panda and pet services: China plans over 160 tourist trains to boost consumption

11 Jun 2026 - 6:36PM

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong firms sign 6 deals to support Kazakhstan’s new hi-tech, economic hub

11 Jun 2026 - 10:23PM

Hong Kong economy

Kazakhstan bank turns to Hong Kong as gateway to offshore renminbi finance

Chinese-backed Altyn Bank says Kazakh investors are turning to Hong Kong dim sum bonds to raise long-term capital for regional infrastructure.

11 Jun 2026 - 8:30AM

Hong Kong is the world’s largest offshore renminbi liquidity hub. Photo: Photo: AFP

Hong Kong economy

Opinion | Hong Kong unleashes new growth engine through landmark Central Asia mission

The deals signed during the chief executive’s trip to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan underscore the potential economic synergy that can be unleashed.

9 Jun 2026 - 8:26AM

Hong Kong economy

Opinion | Why Hong Kong and Kazakhstan are drawing closer

As Kazakhstan seeks to diversify its financial partnerships and deepen engagement with China, Hong Kong’s offerings stand out.

9 Jun 2026 - 4:08AM

Banking & finance

Panda bond boom: why China is seeing a rush of global borrowers

Beijing’s looser monetary policy, a wider bond market opening and expanding yuan internationalisation are helping drive the trend, analysts say.

8 Jun 2026 - 5:24PM

Yuan banknotes are seen in this illustration picture taken on April 25, 2022. Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

‘Immediately stop shooting’: Trump urges Iran and Israel amid tit-for-tat strikes

Fragile April ceasefire collapses as direct tit-for-tat strikes resume on day 100 of the US-Israel war against Iran.

8 Jun 2026 - 7:13PM

Hong Kong economy

Central Asia tipped to be Hong Kong’s next logistics hub: Airport Authority head

Chairman Fred Lam says flight disruptions in Middle East and Russia make region viable hub connecting Asia and Europe.

8 Jun 2026 - 12:43AM

Hong Kong economy

Editorial | Central Asia visit has cemented Hong Kong’s position as a superconnector

Beyond the value of the deals, the mission’s success can also be measured through the matching of interests between HK and mainland firms and their Kazakh and Uzbek counterparts.

7 Jun 2026 - 7:15AM

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee shakes hands with Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin in Astana, Kazakhstan on June 2, 2026. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong economy

96 deals signed, flights planned: what’s next for Hong Kong and Central Asia?

Observers say real challenge lies ahead as government and business stakeholders follow up to realise gains.

6 Jun 2026 - 9:38PM

Chief Executive John Lee (pointing) tours Nazarbayev University in Astana, Kazakhstan. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong ideal platform for Uzbek firms to spread wings globally, John Lee says

City leader invites Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov to be keynote speaker at coming Belt and Road Summit to be held in Hong Kong in September.

5 Jun 2026 - 10:59PM

China-Russia relations

Chinese military team inspects Russia bases as Putin hails ‘natural allies’

Two-day inspection trip this week was part of routine verification exercise under 1996 and 1997 border agreements, Tass reports.

5 Jun 2026 - 6:59PMvideocam

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong signs 96 agreements with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan worth US$1.65 billion

City leader John Lee hails Central Asia visit as setting stage for closer government and business ties with region.

4 Jun 2026 - 11:21PM

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee speaks to the media in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Thursday. Photo: Jeffie Lam

Hong Kong economy

Direct Hong Kong-Almaty flights ‘will save travellers 10 hours, draw tourists’

Lawmakers say new route set to be launched next year will strengthen business ties and bring tourists to Hong Kong shores, with visa-free access under discussion.

4 Jun 2026 - 7:14PM

Cathay Pacific will launch direct flights to Almaty in the first quarter of next year. Photo: May Tse

Hong Kong economy

Direct flights between Hong Kong and Uzbekistan to launch this year, sources say

Direct flights between Hong Kong and Tashkent to start as talks begin on reciprocal 30-day visa-free stay agreement to boost trade, tourism and regional ties.

4 Jun 2026 - 7:38PM

Hong Kong economy

Editorial | Kazakhstan partnerships redefine Hong Kong’s strategic role in Central Asia

Chief Executive John Lee’s trip has delivered concrete results that will enhance business and economic ties and boost tourism.

4 Jun 2026 - 7:15AM

Education in Hong Kong

Universities in Hong Kong and Kazakhstan deepen ties during Lee’s visit

Education University of Hong Kong and Polytechnic University sign agreements with Nazarbayev University on research and other areas.

4 Jun 2026 - 11:46AM

Hong Kong leader John Lee (right) and Professor Waqar Ahmad, president of Nazarbayev University. Photo: Jeffie Lam

Hong Kong economy

‘At least 1 firm under Kazakh wealth fund will list in Hong Kong this year’

Trade Development Council chairman Frederick Ma points to Kazakhstan’s huge potential as it seeks to privatise state-owned companies.

3 Jun 2026 - 7:30AM

China food security

Opinion | How Asian food security is shifting away from the West

The platform offers a future where Asian nations are less dependent on maritime chokepoints and Western-aligned supply chains.

3 Jun 2026 - 7:08AM

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong media groups sign Kazakhstan deals to deepen journalism, business ties

SCMP’s pact with Kazakhstan’s financial hub will foster investment, innovation and cross-border partnerships, publisher Tammy Tam says.

3 Jun 2026 - 4:00PM

The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) in Kazakhstan. Photo: AIFC

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong to relaunch direct flights to Kazakhstan in first quarter of 2027

City leader John Lee vows to push for 30-day visa-free access to Central Asian country, while Cathay says it will offer three flights per week.

2 Jun 2026 - 11:14PM

Chief Executive John Lee (third right) and other officials attend a meeting with Baiterek National Investment Holding in Astana. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong leader’s visit set to unlock Kazakh flights, with incentives eyed

Hong Kong-based airline exploring launching such flights up to three times a week but details are being ironed out.

2 Jun 2026 - 9:45AM

Hong Kong economy

Make use of Hong Kong’s advantages, John Lee urges Kazakhstan leaders, companies

Lee meets President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as delegation seals wide range of partnership deals on first day of Central Asia trip.

2 Jun 2026 - 9:13AM

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong’s John Lee on Central Asia mission to explore new markets, expand ties

Dozens of agreements are expected to be signed during delegation’s five-day trip to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

1 Jun 2026 - 9:00AM

The delegation’s first stop on the five-day trip to Central Asia is Astana. Photo: Reuters

Hong Kong economy

More Hong Kong tourists drawn to ‘mysterious’ Central Asia, travel agencies say

Tour operators are linking up with mainland Chinese who have settled in region, giving city residents new ways to explore unconventional destinations.

31 May 2026 - 9:00AM

Crowds at the Registan public square in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Photo: Getty Images

Banking & finance

Editorial | HKEX helping Hong Kong be a superconnector

As it marks 40 years as a unified exchange, the bourse’s next venture is branching out to partner with exchanges in the Gulf and Central Asia.

31 May 2026 - 7:15AM

US, Israel war on Iran

Why the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation isn’t Nato for Iran

Central Asian members in particular see bloc’s main value as preserving their sovereignty rather than enabling collective military action.

30 May 2026 - 8:08AMvideocam

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Kazakhstan

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Outside In | Central Asia is finally coming into its own

The region’s five countries, inadvertent beneficiaries of Chinese infrastructure investment, then wars and tariffs elsewhere, are finding their feet.

Panda and pet services: China plans over 160 tourist trains to boost consumption

Hong Kong firms sign 6 deals to support Kazakhstan’s new hi-tech, economic hub

Kazakhstan bank turns to Hong Kong as gateway to offshore renminbi finance

Chinese-backed Altyn Bank says Kazakh investors are turning to Hong Kong dim sum bonds to raise long-term capital for regional infrastructure.

Opinion | Hong Kong unleashes new growth engine through landmark Central Asia mission

The deals signed during the chief executive’s trip to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan underscore the potential economic synergy that can be unleashed.

Opinion | Why Hong Kong and Kazakhstan are drawing closer

As Kazakhstan seeks to diversify its financial partnerships and deepen engagement with China, Hong Kong’s offerings stand out.

Panda bond boom: why China is seeing a rush of global borrowers

Beijing’s looser monetary policy, a wider bond market opening and expanding yuan internationalisation are helping drive the trend, analysts say.

‘Immediately stop shooting’: Trump urges Iran and Israel amid tit-for-tat strikes

Fragile April ceasefire collapses as direct tit-for-tat strikes resume on day 100 of the US-Israel war against Iran.

Central Asia tipped to be Hong Kong’s next logistics hub: Airport Authority head

Chairman Fred Lam says flight disruptions in Middle East and Russia make region viable hub connecting Asia and Europe.

Editorial | Central Asia visit has cemented Hong Kong’s position as a superconnector

Beyond the value of the deals, the mission’s success can also be measured through the matching of interests between HK and mainland firms and their Kazakh and Uzbek counterparts.

96 deals signed, flights planned: what’s next for Hong Kong and Central Asia?

Observers say real challenge lies ahead as government and business stakeholders follow up to realise gains.

Hong Kong ideal platform for Uzbek firms to spread wings globally, John Lee says

City leader invites Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov to be keynote speaker at coming Belt and Road Summit to be held in Hong Kong in September.

Chinese military team inspects Russia bases as Putin hails ‘natural allies’

Two-day inspection trip this week was part of routine verification exercise under 1996 and 1997 border agreements, Tass reports.

Hong Kong signs 96 agreements with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan worth US$1.65 billion

City leader John Lee hails Central Asia visit as setting stage for closer government and business ties with region.

Direct Hong Kong-Almaty flights ‘will save travellers 10 hours, draw tourists’

Lawmakers say new route set to be launched next year will strengthen business ties and bring tourists to Hong Kong shores, with visa-free access under discussion.

Direct flights between Hong Kong and Uzbekistan to launch this year, sources say

Direct flights between Hong Kong and Tashkent to start as talks begin on reciprocal 30-day visa-free stay agreement to boost trade, tourism and regional ties.

Editorial | Kazakhstan partnerships redefine Hong Kong’s strategic role in Central Asia

Chief Executive John Lee’s trip has delivered concrete results that will enhance business and economic ties and boost tourism.

Universities in Hong Kong and Kazakhstan deepen ties during Lee’s visit

Education University of Hong Kong and Polytechnic University sign agreements with Nazarbayev University on research and other areas.

‘At least 1 firm under Kazakh wealth fund will list in Hong Kong this year’

Trade Development Council chairman Frederick Ma points to Kazakhstan’s huge potential as it seeks to privatise state-owned companies.

Opinion | How Asian food security is shifting away from the West

The platform offers a future where Asian nations are less dependent on maritime chokepoints and Western-aligned supply chains.

Hong Kong media groups sign Kazakhstan deals to deepen journalism, business ties

SCMP’s pact with Kazakhstan’s financial hub will foster investment, innovation and cross-border partnerships, publisher Tammy Tam says.

Hong Kong to relaunch direct flights to Kazakhstan in first quarter of 2027

City leader John Lee vows to push for 30-day visa-free access to Central Asian country, while Cathay says it will offer three flights per week.

Hong Kong leader’s visit set to unlock Kazakh flights, with incentives eyed

Hong Kong-based airline exploring launching such flights up to three times a week but details are being ironed out.

Make use of Hong Kong’s advantages, John Lee urges Kazakhstan leaders, companies

Lee meets President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as delegation seals wide range of partnership deals on first day of Central Asia trip.

Hong Kong’s John Lee on Central Asia mission to explore new markets, expand ties

Dozens of agreements are expected to be signed during delegation’s five-day trip to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

More Hong Kong tourists drawn to ‘mysterious’ Central Asia, travel agencies say

Tour operators are linking up with mainland Chinese who have settled in region, giving city residents new ways to explore unconventional destinations.

Editorial | HKEX helping Hong Kong be a superconnector

As it marks 40 years as a unified exchange, the bourse’s next venture is branching out to partner with exchanges in the Gulf and Central Asia.

Why the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation isn’t Nato for Iran

Central Asian members in particular see bloc’s main value as preserving their sovereignty rather than enabling collective military action.

Outside In | Central Asia is finally coming into its own