The 11th Belt and Road Summit, co-organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. Under the theme Advancing High-Quality Development • Embarking on a New Journey, the Summit brings together more than 100 government officials, business leaders and professionals from Belt and Road countries and regions to jointly explore new opportunities in high-quality Belt and Road development, to promote cross-regional trade and industrial matching, and accelerate the implementation of concrete outcomes.The Summit has achieved significant results in promoting international cooperation and facilitating business partnerships. Multiple memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements were signed on the first day, spanning sectors such as finance, professional services, industry and construction, and involving organisations from the Chinese Mainland, Australia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Laos, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar and Uzbekistan. More MoUs and agreements are expected to be signed tomorrow, helping to transform connections forged and ideas exchanged at the Summit into tangible collaborations and business opportunities.
The Opening Session featured opening remarks by John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, and welcome remarks by Professor Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC. Abdulla Aripov, Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Carolina Cosse, Vice President of Uruguay, and Saleumxay Kommasith, Deputy Prime Minister of Laos, delivered special addresses. Yan Dong, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, and Li Zhen, Vice Chairman of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, delivered special remarks.
John Lee said in his opening remarks: “Hong Kong is an ideal two-way springboard for Mainland enterprises expanding overseas, and for international companies looking to enter the Mainland market. Our GoGlobal Task Force, established last October, has assisted more than 300 Mainland enterprises in establishing or expanding their businesses in Hong Kong, and our world-class professional services are ready to support their overseas expansion plans.” He continued: “In addition to strengthening our relations with traditional partners, Hong Kong continues to expand our network of friends along the Belt and Road. Since 2022, I have led high-level business delegations to explore opportunities in 13 Belt and Road countries across ASEAN, the Middle East, and Central Asia. These missions delivered over 250 MOUs (Memorandum of Understanding) and other agreements, from policy co-ordination and trade and investment, to expanded connectivity and support for companies. They underline Hong Kong's long-standing focus on opening new markets, forming new partnerships and advancing regional co-operation.”
John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, delivered opening remarks at the Opening Session.
Professor Frederick Ma said in his welcome remarks: “In a world full of risks and uncertainties, diversification is a necessity, not a choice. We must seize new opportunities even as we navigate new challenges. That is why the Belt and Road Initiative has never been more relevant.
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