Chief Executive John Lee is set to lead a government delegation to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan from May 31, as part of efforts to deepen trade with Central Asia and explore new opportunities.

The delegation, the largest of its kind in the current term of government, will include more than 40 local business and professional representatives, as well as representatives from 30 mainland enterprises.

They come from various industries and sectors, spanning business, finance, legal services, construction and engineering, logistics, innovation and technology (I&T), manufacturing and the automotive industry.

In a statement on Friday, Lee said Central Asia enjoys "rapid economic development, abundant natural resources, and immense market potential", and Hong Kong aims to strengthen cooperation with the region in areas including finance, trade, infrastructure, I&T and green development.

"The delegation will further harness Hong Kong's unique advantages under the 'one country, two systems' principle in connecting the mainland and the world, support mainland enterprises in going global, and capitalise on complementary strengths," the statement read.

Various officials are also joining the trip, including Deputy Secretary for Justice Horace Cheung, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau, Director of the Chief Executive's Office Carol Yip and Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Lilian Cheong.

The group will first visit Kazakhstan, before going to Uzbekistan for three days from June 3.

Lee will meet senior government officials from the two countries to enhance high-level communication, and will lead the delegation on visits to firms and facilities to explore collaboration opportunities.

The CE noted that while Kazakhstan accounts for over 60 percent of the regional economy and is the SAR's largest trading partner in Central Asia, Uzbekistan is the most populous country in the region and is also a key partner of Hong Kong.

During Lee's absence, Chief Secretary Eric Chan will be acting chief executive.



Edited by Thomas McAlinden