HKEX partners with Astana to sign two memoranda to deepen connectivity between the capital markets in Central Asia.

On June 2nd, HKEX announced that it had signed two cooperation memorandums with the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) and its subsidiary, the Astana International Exchange (AIX), responsible for the strategic development of AIFC, to enhance cooperation and promote connectivity between Hong Kong and Central Asia's capital markets. According to the cooperation memorandum signed with AIFC, HKEX will promote cooperation in areas such as climate transition, carbon reduction, and green finance, including the development, financing, and implementation of sustainable aviation projects. Both parties will also cooperate in commodity market trading and ecosystem development, as well as support financing activities for early-stage mining projects. Under the cooperation memorandum with AIX, the two exchanges will collaborate to expand cross-border listing opportunities, promote dual listings of stocks (including primary and secondary listings), and cross-border listing of debt securities on both exchanges. They will also establish a regular communication mechanism to understand market trends and evaluate further business cooperation opportunities. CKEX Group CEO Charles Li said he is pleased to sign cooperation agreements with AIFC and AIX, strengthening ties with one of the most vibrant financial centers in Central Asia and further promoting connectivity with more markets along the Belt and Road Initiative. The importance of Central Asia in the global commodities and sustainable development sectors continues to grow, and this multilateral cooperation will help global issuers and investors explore new opportunities. By exploring cross-border listings with AIX and cooperating with AIFC in green finance and commodity markets, HKEX can further consolidate its role as a bridge for market connectivity while supporting two-way capital flows between Hong Kong and Central Asia. Bakhtiyar Tleubekov, Chairman of the AIFC Management Council, said that signing the memorandum of cooperation with HKEX marks an important step in connecting the financial and sustainable development ecosystems of Central Asia and the Asia-Pacific region. They will promote cooperation in areas such as carbon markets, green finance, sustainable aviation, and innovative risk management solutions, combining the expertise of all parties and promoting cross-regional standards, knowledge exchange, and investment opportunities. They hope to build a more integrated and resilient sustainable financial ecosystem to support long-term economic growth in the region. Assel Mukazhanova, CEO of AIX, said she is pleased to sign the cooperation memorandum with HKEX, which is an important milestone in strengthening cooperation between the two exchanges. There is significant potential for the development of the two markets in promoting cross-border capital flows, enhancing connections between Central Asia and major financial centers in Asia, and creating new opportunities for issuers and investors. As AIX continues to develop into a capital market platform in the region, establishing a cooperation relationship with HKEX will help integrate with international markets and exchange professional knowledge, innovation, and best market practices, as well as help strengthen economic and investment ties between the two regions. Established in 2018, AIFC is Kazakhstan's international financial hub and serves as a gateway for capital flows to Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Eurasian Economic Union. AIX operates within the regulatory framework of AIFC and has increasingly attracted international investors, with its international shareholders including stock exchanges and investment banks. HKEX will continue to work closely with regional exchanges and partners to enhance connectivity, expand international investors' access to its products and the mainland Chinese market, and support the long-term development of global capital markets.