HK eyes strategic gateway role with Central Asia

The Director-General of Investment Promotion Alpha Lau Hai-suen is touring three Central Asian nations this week in a bid to deepen partnerships and open up new areas of cooperation, highlighting the city's unique advantages as a super-connector to mainland and Asian markets.

Lau started her eight-day trip on Saturday (Oct 18), which will take her to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

During the visit, Lau will meet with government departments, financial regulators, securities exchanges, chambers of commerce, banks, and business leaders from sectors including finance, innovation and technology, and trade to explore collaborative opportunities.

"The three Central Asian nations are located in the heart of the Eurasian continent and are key nodes in the Belt and Road Initiative," Lau said. "Their abundant natural resources, ongoing economic reforms, and massive market potential are unleashing robust growth momentum."

She added: "Hong Kong, as a leading international financial and business hub, coupled with the synergistic effects of the Greater Bay Area, is committed to becoming a strategic gateway for Central Asian enterprises to access the mainland and Asian markets."

The mission underscores the city's ongoing efforts to strengthen its economic ties with the region and position itself as the premier springboard for trade and investment flows.