Hong Kong’s top trade official is turning attention to Uzbekistan following a successful business mission in Kazakhstan, where dozens of agreements were signed and new investment channels were opened across Central Asia.

Frederick Ma Si-Hang, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC), said he expects new deals and deeper cooperation during his upcoming visit to Uzbekistan after concluding the Kazakhstan leg of the regional tour, The Caspian Post reports via UzDaily.

Ma described the Kazakhstan segment of the mission as “highly significant,” highlighting the country’s historical role in the modern Silk Road and referencing the 2013 speech at Nazarbayev University where Chinese President Xi Jinping first announced the Belt and Road Initiative.

43 Agreements and New Air Links Boost Hong Kong-Kazakhstan Ties

During the visit to Kazakhstan, 43 memorandums of understanding were signed, alongside plans to launch direct flights between Hong Kong and Almaty next year. Ma said the outcomes demonstrated that the trip had “opened significantly more doors for business between Hong Kong and mainland China.”

The agreements are expected to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, logistics, and financial services, further positioning Kazakhstan as a key regional hub linking Asia and Europe.

Uzbekistan Next in Focus

Shifting to the Uzbekistan leg of the mission, Ma outlined plans for meetings with government officials and business leaders, noting that senior Uzbek representatives had recently visited Hong Kong - paving the way for reciprocal engagement.

“This is a very good way to return the visit,” he said, adding that this would be his first official trip to Uzbekistan, compared with three previous visits to Kazakhstan.

While specific deals have not yet been disclosed, Ma emphasized strong potential for expanded financial cooperation, including capital market linkages and investment partnerships.

Central Asia Emerging as Long-Term Priority

Ma noted that financial integration with Central Asia is deepening, with at least one portfolio company linked to a regional sovereign fund preparing for a listing in Hong Kong. He also pointed to Kazakhstan-based firms already tapping Hong Kong’s bond and equity markets, including a mining company that completed a dual listing in Hong Kong and Astana last year.

The TDC chief stressed that Central Asia is becoming a long-term strategic priority for Hong Kong’s trade and investment outreach, with Uzbekistan expected to play a key role in the next phase of engagement.