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Uzbekistan

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

Capital

Tashkent

Head of State

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev

Head of Government

Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov

The results of the Jingmai 189 harvest are encouraging, according to an expert group assessing the crop. Photo: Institute of Hybrid Wheat Research

Science

‘Totally unexpected’: China’s trial desert wheat yield doubles national average

Researchers attribute the performance of Jingmai 189 variety not only to genetics but also its interaction with desert environment.

3 Jul 2026 - 12:00PMvideocam

Central Asia

Opinion | In today’s ‘great game’, Central Asian nations are no longer prizes to be won

2 Jul 2026 - 6:38AM

Hong Kong economy

Editorial | Trade promotion body’s role evolving with Hong Kong’s economy

18 Jun 2026 - 6:45AM

Hong Kong economy

Publisher's Pen | Hong Kong’s media must go global amid tech disruption, economic uncertainty

Deals signed during city leader’s Central Asian trip have opened new doors for industry, but it’s up to companies to boldly step through them.

15 Jun 2026 - 1:58PM

Chief Executive John Lee (left) pauses for a selfie with Astana International Financial Centre Governor Renat Bekturov at the AIFC headquarters in Astana, Kazakhstan, on June 1. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong economy

HKEX, Kazakhstan’s AIFC explore dual listings with miners after landmark debut

Head of Astana’s special financial zone says deals signed with Hong Kong during John Lee’s visit mark ‘important milestone’ for cooperation.

15 Jun 2026 - 7:00AM

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

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

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

Airport Authority chairman Fred Lam says passenger traffic at Hong Kong airport could reach 70 million this year, recovering to nearly pre-pandemic levels. Photo: Dickson Lee

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

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

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 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 Chief Executive John Lee alongside Uzbekistan’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Bakhtiyor Saidov. Photo: Handout

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

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

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

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

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

Cathay Group Chair Guy Bradley (left) and Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) Chairman Carlson Tong Ka-shing (right) prepare to ring the gong to mark 40 years of HKEX on May 28, 2026. Photo: Jonathan Wong

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

Central Asia

China’s expanding footprint in Central Asia

From addressing critical water security fears to driving a regional green tech revolution, Beijing is cementing its role as an indispensable partner to Central Asia. This three-part series investigates China’s expanding influence in the region amid global geopolitical uncertainty, exploring how new investments and diplomatic ties are reshaping the Central Asian landscape.

15 Jun 2026 - 10:35AM

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong well placed to help Central Asia grow yuan trade, leading banker says

Stephen Chan says city is natural choice for Central Asian countries looking to expand renminbi usage in trade and investment.

29 May 2026 - 8:57AM

A view of Kazakhstan's capital Astana. The state-owned Development Bank of Kazakhstan last year listed its first-ever yuan bond on Hong Kong's bourse. Photo: Reuters

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong eyes Central Asian listings as HKEX CEO pitches city’s deep liquidity

Bonnie Chan says city seeks closer collaboration with region ahead of city leader’s high-level trip to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in early June.

28 May 2026 - 8:30AM

Astana, Kazakhstan. A high-level delegation led by Chief Executive John Lee will head to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in early June. Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

As Iran war stokes water security fears, Central Asia could turn to China

Nations facing chronic water shortages might look to Chinese investment to upgrade their creaking Soviet-era infrastructure, observers say.

29 May 2026 - 1:54PMvideocam

Hong Kong economy

China Mobile plans fresh Central Asia link to Hong Kong submarine cable network

Telecoms giant’s announcement comes ahead of Hong Kong leader John Lee’s first official visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in early June.

26 May 2026 - 10:00AM

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Uzbekistan

‘Totally unexpected’: China’s trial desert wheat yield doubles national average

Researchers attribute the performance of Jingmai 189 variety not only to genetics but also its interaction with desert environment.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | In today’s ‘great game’, Central Asian nations are no longer prizes to be won

Editorial | Trade promotion body’s role evolving with Hong Kong’s economy

Publisher's Pen | Hong Kong’s media must go global amid tech disruption, economic uncertainty

Deals signed during city leader’s Central Asian trip have opened new doors for industry, but it’s up to companies to boldly step through them.

HKEX, Kazakhstan’s AIFC explore dual listings with miners after landmark debut

Head of Astana’s special financial zone says deals signed with Hong Kong during John Lee’s visit mark ‘important milestone’ for cooperation.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

‘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.

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.

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.

China’s expanding footprint in Central Asia

Hong Kong well placed to help Central Asia grow yuan trade, leading banker says

Stephen Chan says city is natural choice for Central Asian countries looking to expand renminbi usage in trade and investment.

Hong Kong eyes Central Asian listings as HKEX CEO pitches city’s deep liquidity

Bonnie Chan says city seeks closer collaboration with region ahead of city leader’s high-level trip to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in early June.

As Iran war stokes water security fears, Central Asia could turn to China

Nations facing chronic water shortages might look to Chinese investment to upgrade their creaking Soviet-era infrastructure, observers say.

China Mobile plans fresh Central Asia link to Hong Kong submarine cable network

Telecoms giant’s announcement comes ahead of Hong Kong leader John Lee’s first official visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in early June.

Opinion | In today’s ‘great game’, Central Asian nations are no longer prizes to be won