Uzbekistan and Hong Kong Expand Economic Cooperation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan and Hong Kong held a large-scale economic forum in Hong Kong aimed at elevating trade and investment cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China to a new qualitative level.

The event took place during the visit of a government delegation of the Republic of Uzbekistan led by Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov.

A central highlight of the forum was the opening of the first-ever exhibition of Uzbek products under the Made in Uzbekistan brand. The ceremony was jointly inaugurated by Aripov and Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee, who emphasized the readiness of both sides to deepen economic ties. More than 200 entrepreneurs and business representatives from all regions of Uzbekistan participated in the exhibition under the auspices of the Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Organizers prepared nine thematic pavilions covering key sectors of the Uzbek economy. Visitors were introduced to products from the food and agriculture industries, textile and silk production, as well as developments in geology and mining, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Separate exhibits showcased handicrafts, jewelry production, and the country’s tourism potential. Guests were also offered traditional Uzbek cuisine, adding a cultural dimension to the event.

In his speech, John Lee recalled that Uzbekistan was the first Central Asian country to establish diplomatic relations with China in 1992. Two years ago, the two countries elevated their relations to an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership of a new era. He noted that the current visit of the Uzbek delegation and the 8th meeting of the China-Uzbekistan Intergovernmental Committee will further strengthen bilateral relations.

Lee highlighted the steady momentum in cooperation. In August last year, he hosted Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev in Hong Kong to discuss trade and economic cooperation. The Hong Kong Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury is currently in Uzbekistan attending the Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank. The CEO of InvestHK visited Uzbekistan in October to explore opportunities in trade, logistics, fintech, and sustainable development.

The Chief Executive described Uzbekistan as a dynamically developing economy located at the heart of the ancient Silk Road. As the most populous country in Central Asia, Uzbekistan has recorded stable GDP growth of over 6 percent annually in recent years. According to the Asian Development Bank, Uzbekistan is entering the next two years from a strong position, supported by robust domestic demand, high levels of investment, and ongoing structural reforms.

Lee particularly noted Uzbekistan’s ambition to join the World Trade Organization to further integrate into the global economy. As a long-time supporter of free trade and one of the founding members of the WTO, Hong Kong is ready to assist Uzbekistan in this process. The Special Administrative Region is the world’s fifth-largest economy in merchandise trade and one of the three largest global financial centers.

Under the one country, two systems framework, Hong Kong combines China’s advantages with global opportunities, offering low taxes, free flow of capital and information, rule of law, and a common law legal system. Lee noted that the number of companies with mainland or overseas headquarters in Hong Kong exceeded 11,000 last year, setting a new record. The number of startups also reached a historic high of more than 5,200.

For Uzbek entrepreneurs, Hong Kong can serve as an ideal partner for entering the vast Chinese market. Financial experts in the Special Administrative Region can help attract capital, while legal and accounting professionals provide support at every stage of business development. Lee invited Uzbek companies to open regional offices, list on the stock exchange, and use world-class professional services.

Algernon Yau, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, noted in his remarks Uzbekistan’s strategic position in the center of Central Asia, sharing borders with all countries in the region. With a population of about 38 million, Uzbekistan accounts for nearly 45 percent of Central Asia’s population. In 2025, the country recorded impressive real GDP growth of 7.7 percent, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in the region.

Yau emphasized that mainland China is Uzbekistan’s largest trading partner and a major source of investment. In 2025, bilateral trade between Hong Kong and Uzbekistan accounted for more than 13 percent of Hong Kong’s total trade with Central Asia.

He also highlighted high-level engagement between the two sides. In September, Uzbek Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance Umid Abidkhadjaev attended the 10th Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong. During the summit, the Hong Kong Airport Authority signed a memorandum of understanding with an Uzbek counterpart to strengthen air connectivity between the two sides.

To support Chinese mainland companies expanding abroad, the Hong Kong government established a dedicated task force on internationalization last year. It integrates resources across government agencies and sectors to create a comprehensive platform for overseas expansion. Hong Kong International Airport has been ranked the world’s busiest cargo airport 15 times since 2010.

Yau noted that five universities in Hong Kong rank among the world’s top 100. The Belt and Road Scholarship Programme has already supported more than 830 students from 57 countries. He also emphasized Hong Kong’s experience in urban planning and sustainable development, noting that despite its high population density, around 40 percent of its territory is dedicated to parks and green spaces.

In conclusion, Yau described Uzbekistan as a key regional hub in Central Asia and Hong Kong as a leading global connectivity node in Asia. He said both sides can become ideal partners in areas such as green development, digital economy, healthcare, and other innovative sectors. He invited Uzbek companies to actively expand into Hong Kong, invest, and use its international platform to access mainland China and global opportunities.