BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. Hong Kong leader John
Lee Ka-chiu described Uzbekistan as one of Hong Kong’s most
important strategic partners in Central Asia, citing the country’s
economic growth, reform agenda, and growing role in regional
connectivity, Trend
reports via Official Channel of the Chamber of Commerce and
Industry of Uzbekistan.


Speaking during his visit to Uzbekistan as part of a broader
tour of Central Asia, Lee said the country has emerged as an
attractive destination for international business thanks to its
economic reforms, improving investment climate, and openness to
foreign cooperation.


“Uzbekistan is the most populous country in Central Asia and one
of the region’s fastest-growing economies,” Lee said, noting that
the country has maintained annual economic growth of more than 5%
in recent years.


During the visit, Lee held talks with President Shavkat
Mirziyoyev, Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, Presidential Adviser
Shukhrat Vafayev, Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev, and
Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov.


One of the key outcomes of the discussions was the signing of an
agreement establishing a mutual visa-free regime, allowing citizens
of both sides to travel without visas for up to 30 days. The
parties are currently working on the implementation of the
arrangement.


The talks also focused on expanding cooperation in finance,
trade, aviation, innovation, and investment.


Lee said the Central Asia visit was aimed at opening new
markets, strengthening government-to-government ties, and
developing a “hub-to-hub” model of cooperation linking Hong Kong
with key regional economies.







The delegation included representatives of more than 70 Hong
Kong and Chinese companies, who visited Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
and took part in more than 20 business and official events.


According to Lee, a total of 96 cooperation agreements and
memorandums of understanding were signed during the tour, with
projects carrying specified financial commitments valued at more
than $1.65 billion.


The delegation also met with representatives of Uzbekistan’s
business community and visited the country’s IT Park, where
discussions focused on opportunities for cooperation in digital
technologies and innovation.


Among the initiatives discussed during the visit were plans for
Uzbekistan to open a Consulate General in Hong Kong, negotiations
on agreements to avoid double taxation and protect investments, and
cooperation in customs procedures through the mutual recognition of
authorized economic operators.


Hong Kong Trade Development Council Chairman Peter Lam said the
visit had opened new business opportunities and led to practical
discussions on major investment projects.


According to Lam, several companies are exploring projects in
Uzbekistan’s pharmaceutical sector, including the construction of
manufacturing facilities and the production of traditional Chinese
medicine products using local raw materials.