Uzbeks in the capital of Tashkent voiced enthusiasm about the prospect of closer ties with Hong Kong on Thursday.

Earlier, the SAR and Uzbek governments had agreed to begin detailed talks on a 30-day visa-free stay for travellers on both sides.

Currently, HKSAR passport holders may visit Uzbekistan visa-free for 10 days, while Uzbek passport holders require a visa to enter Hong Kong.

Uzbek citizens told RTHK that the proposed arrangement, revealed by Chief Executive John Lee on Wednesday night during his Central Asia visit, would significantly ease current travel restrictions and that the news could not come soon enough.

"It’s a big opportunity for our nation, for our population, for our locals," said Jasur Abdumavlonov, an English teacher in Tashkent.

"China is the fastest developing country. It develops very fast."

Abdumavlonov, who described himself as eager to learn, said he hopes to visit Hong Kong within the next five years, drawn by curiosity about its food and people.

He predicted the visa-free scheme would spark a two-way exchange of traditions and world views.

"A lot of people will exchange their traditions, their point of view," he said.

"They’re going to learn a lot about Asia, about Central Asia. And our people will learn a lot about Chinese [people]."

For younger Uzbeks, Hong Kong’s pop culture has already built a powerful pull.

Yasmin Kholmurodova said she has wanted to visit the city for a long time, inspired by its cinema, books and music.

"That’s great news. I wish to come to Hong Kong for a very long time," she said.

Kholmurodova said that the more visa-free destinations available to Uzbek travellers, the better.

She also added that the proposed deal would foster prosperity through greater people-to-people contact.

"Let’s be friendly, let’s visit each other’s countries, let’s be more global," she said.

"I think it will definitely be more prosperous."

Beyond tourism, business ties are already emerging.

Khurshid Shomurotov said his brother travelled to Hong Kong just 10 days ago to meet potential partners.

He said he now plans to visit Hong Kong himself in the future, adding that business discussions with partners in the city had gone well.

The chief executive said the two governments would promptly advance the specific implementation measures to bring the arrangement into effect as soon as possible.



Edited by Tony Sabine