Uzbekistan, Hong Kong agree to expand cooperation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov held talks in Tashkent on 3 June with John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, to discuss prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation.

According to the Uzbek foreign minister, the visit by the Hong Kong leader is viewed as an important contribution to further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and China, as well as to advancing cooperation between Uzbekistan and Hong Kong.

During the meeting, the sides reviewed opportunities for cooperation in investment, finance, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, transport and logistics. Particular attention was given to expanding interregional ties, strengthening contacts between business communities and promoting new joint initiatives.

Saidov noted that Hong Kong, as one of the world’s leading international financial and business centres, possesses unique expertise and capabilities that could support the modernization of Uzbekistan’s economy and the implementation of joint high-tech projects.

Following the talks, the sides exchanged verbal notes expressing their intention to conclude an intergovernmental agreement on a mutual visa-free regime. The initiative is expected to create additional opportunities for business, tourism and people-to-people exchanges between Uzbekistan and Hong Kong.