Li Jiachao: Hong Kong's bilateral economic and trade relations with Central Asia are steadily growing, with vast cooperation potential.

Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu stated that in recent years, the bilateral economic and trade relationship between Hong Kong and Central Asia has continued to grow steadily. Last year, the total value of bilateral goods trade exceeded 324 million USD, an increase of 27% compared to 2020. He pointed out that Hong Kong, under the advantages of One Country, Two Systems, implements a common law system and a simple low tax regime while having a rich and diverse talent pool that can provide professional services, assisting international and Central Asian enterprises in exploring the Chinese market and promoting the development of bilateral relations. In June this year, John Lee Ka-chiu led a delegation to visit Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, discussing in-depth financial, trade, innovative technology, and infrastructure matters to open up broader cooperation space between Hong Kong and the Central Asian region. John Lee Ka-chiu noted that many enterprises in the delegation have successfully established close trust relationships with Central Asian partners and are now working on collaborative projects. The overseas task force established last year will continue to support enterprises in expanding their business to Central Asia. John Lee Ka-chiu also mentioned that an airline in Hong Kong will launch direct flight services from Hong Kong to Almaty in January next year, which will help Hong Kong and Kazakhstan better develop a "hub-to-hub" cooperation relationship and promote business exchanges. The Hong Kong government has also expanded the scope of its Economic and Trade Office in Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, to promote bilateral economic and trade relations.