Hong Kong, Uzbekistan Expand Economic Partnership

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee concluded a five-day business mission to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, during which agreements were reached to expand cooperation in trade, economic, investment and humanitarian areas.

The delegation included more than 70 business leaders and representatives of companies and organisations from Hong Kong and mainland China. According to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, it was the largest overseas delegation organised during the current term of office.

Summing up the visit, Lee said the main objectives were to explore new markets, build a foundation for long-term economic cooperation, strengthen intergovernmental ties, and develop a “hub-to-hub” model of engagement.

He said 96 agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed during the visit, including 35 with Uzbekistan and 61 with Kazakhstan. The total value of the agreements exceeded US$1.65 billion.

Lee noted that the sides also agreed to expand cooperation in finance, innovation, technology, aviation, education and talent development, as well as to strengthen people-to-people contacts.

During his stay in Tashkent from 3 to 5 June, Lee met President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, presidential adviser Sardor Umurzakov, Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov and Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev. The talks focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, finance, innovation and technology.

One of the key outcomes of the visit was an agreement on the introduction of mutual visa-free travel. Following a meeting between John Lee and Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, the sides exchanged notes providing for visa-free stays of up to 30 days for citizens of both countries.

The sides also initialled an air services agreement.

“We are pleased to have initialled an air services agreement with Uzbekistan and look forward to launching direct passenger flights between our territories in the near future,” Lee said at a high-level business dinner in Tashkent.

He said Hong Kong and Uzbekistan serve as important trade and investment gateways to the Asia-Pacific region and Central Asia respectively, and highlighted the importance of cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative in developing transport and infrastructure links.

During the visit, the delegation also visited IT Park Uzbekistan and the Center of Islamic Civilization. The programme in Uzbekistan concluded thereafter.