Chief Executive John Lee and his business and trade delegation on Sunday arrived in the Kazakh capital, Astana, kicking off a visit to Central Asia aimed at boosting bilateral ties.

Lee was greeted at the airport by Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of National Economy Assan Darbayev and Minister Counsellor of China's Embassy in Kazakhstan Cheng Kefan.

The delegation, described as the largest of its kind in the current term of the SAR government, includes more than 40 representatives from Hong Kong’s business and professional sectors, along with about 30 executives from mainland enterprises.

Lee said on social media that the trip marks the second time that Hong Kong and mainland representatives have joined forces to “go global” together, covering the broadest range of industries to date.

“Hong Kong and Central Asia enjoy vast scope for collaboration,” he said.

During the visit, Hong Kong is set to sign multiple memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with Central Asian nations and seal numerous cooperation projects among public and private institutions and enterprises from Hong Kong and the mainland, and the two host countries.

Lee expressed confidence that the mission will strengthen cross-sector exchanges, create new trade corridors and unlock emerging market opportunities between Hong Kong and the Central Asian region.

The group will spend three days in Kazakhstan before heading to Uzbekistan on Wednesday.


Edited by Edmond Fong