BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 4. Uzbek President
Shavkat Mirziyoyev received a delegation from China led by John Lee
Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region, to discuss expanding economic, financial, and regional
cooperation, Trend
reports via the press service of the Uzbek president.


At the beginning of the meeting, Lee conveyed warm greetings and
best wishes from Chinese President Xi Jinping.


The talks focused on strengthening Uzbekistan–China relations
and expanding practical cooperation with Hong Kong, particularly in
the areas of trade, investment, and interregional exchange.


Both sides noted the unprecedented level of bilateral relations,
describing them as a “comprehensive strategic partnership for a new
era,” and highlighted the successful implementation of agreements
reached at the highest level in recent months.


Officials pointed to a series of recent engagements, including a
meeting of the intergovernmental commission in Beijing, the third
interregional forum in Xi’an, an economic forum and industrial
exhibition in Hong Kong, and the opening of an Uzbekistan trade
house in the territory.







Particular emphasis was placed on expanding cooperation between
Uzbekistan’s regions and Hong Kong, supported by the visit of a
large delegation of Hong Kong business representatives to
Tashkent.


The two sides agreed on the importance of developing a
comprehensive cooperation program covering trade, investment,
financial services, industrial collaboration, education, tourism,
and business exchanges. They also discussed the potential launch of
direct flights and improved consular services for citizens.


Priority areas for future cooperation include green energy,
agriculture, biotechnology, the digital economy, fintech,
innovation startups, artificial intelligence, and related high-tech
sectors.


The meeting concluded with an agreement to develop a joint “road
map” for priority cooperation areas, establish a business council,
and move toward introducing a reciprocal visa-free regime with Hong
Kong in the near future.