The Chief Executive in Council today approved enactment of the Safeguarding National Security (Procedural Matters) Regulation (Procedural Matters Regulation) under section 110 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO).

The Procedural Matters Regulation was also published in the Government Gazette today and came into effect immediately.

The subsidiary legislation was enacted to clarify the classification mechanism for "other offences endangering national security under the law of the HKSAR", as specified under the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKNSL) and the SNSO. The objective is to reflect the legislative intent of the HKNSL and the SNSO, and to better carry into effect the relevant provisions of both.

In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it continuously reviews the city’s current legal system and enforcement mechanisms, with a view to fulfilling its constitutional responsibility in relation to safeguarding national security. Where the need for improvement or clarification is needed, it added, legislative proposals will be introduced in a timely manner. 

The statement added that, with reference to the legislative intent of the HKNSL, section 7 of the SNSO and relevant Court of Final Appeal case law define “offences endangering national security” as including: offences under the HKNSL, the Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong SAR, and the SNSO itself; as well as other offences under Hong Kong law, as referenced in section 7(d) of the SNSO, where the conduct in a particular case is, by its nature, considered to endanger national security.

In this connection, the Hong Kong SAR Government considered it necessary to clarify the classification mechanism under the HKNSL and SNSO for "other offences endangering national security under the law of the HKSAR" by way of subsidiary legislation, in order to better carry into effect section 7(d) of the SNSO and the provisions applicable to offences endangering national security in the HKNSL, the SNSO and other laws.

The Procedural Matters Regulation states that if the Chief Executive issues a certificate under Article 47 of the HKNSL or section 115 of the SNSO to certify that an act in a criminal case involves national security, then the case will be treated as one involving an offence endangering national security, as mentioned in Article 41 of the HKNSL and section 7(d) of the SNSO.

The Hong Kong SAR Government highlighted that the relevant provisions on certificates issued by the Chief Executive are entirely consistent with common law principles.

It noted that courts in common law jurisdictions including Hong Kong and the United Kingdom are all of the view that executive authorities are in a better position than the courts to make appropriate assessments and judgements on matters of national security. As such, judicial authorities defer to the assessments and judgements of executive authorities in such instances.

The Hong Kong SAR Government also pointed out that the mechanism for the Chief Executive to issue a certificate under Article 47 of the HKNSL or section 115 of the SNSO, and the provisions applicable to offences endangering national security in laws such as the HKNSL and the SNSO, are all existing provisions that have been operating effectively.

It stressed that the Procedural Matters Regulation does not alter those provisions, the scope of application of the HKNSL and SNSO, or the definition of “offence endangering national security”. The regulation also does not create any new offence, penalty or enforcement power.

The statement emphasised that the enactment of the Procedural Matters Regulation refines details of relevant procedural matters and brings greater certainty to the implementation of relevant provisions under the HKNSL, the SNSO and other laws.

The Hong Kong SAR Government iterated that relevant provisions under the HKNSL, the SNSO and other laws are only applicable to a small number of criminals who commit offences endangering national security, and will not affect the lives of the general public, or the normal operation of organisations and institutions.

Law-abiding individuals, organisations and institutions will therefore by no means be affected by the Procedural Matters Regulation, it said.

The Government today made pay offers to the staff side of the four civil service central consultative councils, proposing that pay for civil servants in the upper, middle and lower salary bands, as well as the directorate, be increased by 2% for 2026-27, effective retrospectively from April 1, 2026.

Meeting the media this afternoon, Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung said the Government had taken into account all the factors in the pay adjustment mechanism before tabling the offer.

These factors include the economic outlook, the increase in the cost of living in the past year, the Government’s overall fiscal position and its principle of prudent financial management, the positive net pay trend indicators in every salary band, claims from the staff side, and civil service morale.

Mrs Yeung elaborated: “Factors like the substantial financial commitment that the Government has to make for Hong Kong’s future development, and also the geopolitical situation that has brought drastic changes to economies worldwide, and the impact on Hong Kong’s economy, and the continual geopolitical tensions: all these the Executive Council has taken into account.

“In every decision made by the Executive Council, the Executive Council takes into account public sentiment.”

After the Chief Executive in Council has considered the staff side’s response and made a decision on the pay adjustment, the Government will submit a pay adjustment proposal to the Legislative Council Finance Committee for consideration.

(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Chief Executive John Lee today said that the Government introducing subsidiary legislation for safeguarding national security is purely to make the law even clearer in the classification mechanism for offences that relate to endangering national security.

Speaking ahead of this morning's Executive Council meeting, Mr Lee explained the introduction of the subsidiary legislation.

He said: “The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, Section 7 makes mention of the offence of endangering national security, and includes other offences endangering national security under the law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.”

Mr Lee highlighted that the purpose of introducing the subsidiary legislation is to make it clear how offences endangering national security under the laws of Hong Kong will be so classified.

“It is not intended, and will not expand the definition of the offences. It is not adding any new offences, any new power or punishment, and it also does not expand the scope of application of the law.

“Having a clearer mechanism of classifying offences endangering national security will have the benefit of reducing the risk of controversies or debates in court about what constitutes an offence endangering national security,” he added.

To celebrate the 29th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s establishment, on July 1, the Government and various sectors of the community will organise a range of special offers and activities for the public.

The Mass Transit Railway Corporation will give away 71,000 single rides via a lucky draw, and will also provide Airport Express offers to holders of Child Octopus, Personalised Octopus with Student Status and JoyYou Cards.

Free rides on several ferry routes will be offered, with vouchers for certain ferry routes being distributed in advance of July 1.

Moreover, the public will be offered free admission to a number of fee-charging Leisure & Cultural Services Department facilities and to the Hong Kong Wetland Park, operated by the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department.

The public can also enjoy free admission to specified exhibitions at M+ and all thematic exhibitions at the Hong Kong Palace Museum.

Free guided tours, as well as dining, consumption and accommodation offers, will be available from mid-June to early July in relation to the 14 projects under the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme.

Additionally, more than 1,000 restaurants and merchants are expected to provide dining offers on July 1.

The Peak Tram, Ngong Ping 360, Ocean Park Hong Kong and Tai Kwun will provide ticket offers, while Hong Kong International Airport, the Hong Kong Science Park, the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, and various shopping malls and department stores, will roll out dining, consumption or parking offers.

For its part, the Hong Kong Tourism Board will team up with industry partners to offer various dining, shopping, tourism and entertainment deals.

Several public markets under the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department will also roll out offers. Consumers can enjoy a 29% discount when purchasing selected products via the “Local Fresh” online store or mobile app from July 1 to 7.

The Environmental Protection Department will award double GREEN$ Points to members of the public who recycle at GREEN@COMMUNITY on July 1. 

(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Chief Executive John Lee today described the Civil Service Bureau’s new reward and punishment system as sensible and practical.

Speaking before the Executive Council meeting this morning, Mr Lee noted that various sectors of society, including legislators, had suggested strengthening the civil service appraisal system.

He explained that the bureau, after reviewing the feedback, agreed to enhance the mechanism. Consequently, a new measure has been introduced to ensure that underperforming civil servants will have their pay adjustments withheld.

“This point system will be granted only if the merits deserve it, and the Civil Service Bureau has introduced this new measure to ensure a clear reward and punishment system, and that will reward those who are working hard, who have a passion for their job and serve the public well. It will motivate them.

“At the same time, those who are not performing should be told, and be appropriately dealt with, such as not giving them a point of increment. I can understand that civil servants may take time to adapt to the new system,” he added.

Mr Lee said that while the Civil Service Bureau must step up its explanatory efforts, the public and the workforce should understand that the reform ultimately benefits the civil service as a whole.

“Those who work hard will be better recognised and supported by the citizens of Hong Kong, and those who do not perform, will have to know that they must improve,” he said.

The Government today announced that Mok Mong-chan will assume the post of District Officer (Islands) tomorrow, succeeding Amy Yeung.

Mr Mok joined the Administrative Service in 2014 and has served in various bureaus and departments, including the Judiciary, the Innovation & Technology Commission, the Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Bureau and the Education Bureau.

He was most recently the Assistant District Officer (Islands).

Chief Executive John Lee concluded his trip to Uzbekistan today by meeting local officials and business leaders, and visiting innovation and technology (I&T) and cultural institutions.

In the morning, he toured IT Park Uzbekistan, an innovation technology park, and met First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan Ayubkhon Sultonov to exchange views on strengthening co-operation between the two places in I&T and the digital economy. 

Mr Lee said: “Our visit to the IT Park is for many purposes, so we come here for building co-operation, cross-fertilising and see what other things that you are doing and what other things we are doing so that we can mutually benefit.”

Welcoming the Chief Executive, Mr Sultonov said: “We highly value your visit, we see today's meeting as an important step to develop practical co-operation between Uzbekistan and Hong Kong.”

During the meeting, Mr Lee also witnessed the exchange of memorandum of understanding (MoU) or the confirmation of intention to co-operate between IT Park Uzbekistan and Hong Kong's three major I&T parks - Cyberport, the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation & Technology Park - to promote closer co-operation between the two places on various fronts, including startup incubation, talent exchanges and joint research and development.

In the afternoon, the Chief Executive visited the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion.

He expressed hope that Hong Kong and Uzbekistan will further strengthen co-operation in arts and culture, people-to-people exchanges and museum collaboration, and deepen friendship between the two places.

Mr Lee then attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan, where he again met Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov.

He noted that Hong Kong can provide professional support for Uzbekistan's economic development needs and serves as an ideal platform to assist Uzbek enterprises in expanding their business.

Mr Lee also attended a dinner hosted by the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan where he expressed confidence that the two places will open up a new chapter of mutual benefits and win-win co-operation.

Concluding his trip, Mr Lee said that the Central Asia visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan has yielded fruitful results, with achievements secured in eight areas.

They include establishing high-level contacts and ties between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Governments of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and reaching consensus on co-operation in multiple areas.

The Hong Kong SAR Government and the two governments signed a total of 15 MOUs and agreements covering areas such as commerce, education and development projects. 

Beyond the government level, a total of 81 MOUs and agreements were concluded, covering such areas as trade and economic co-operation, investment, finance, technology and aviation. 

A total of 96 co-operation agreements and MOUs were reached during the visit, involving specific amounts exceeding US$1.65 billion in total.

The governments agreed to commence bilateral discussions on agreements in various areas, including discussions with the Governments of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on comprehensive avoidance of double taxation agreements, negotiations on a bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement, and co-operation with the Government of Uzbekistan on customs clearance facilitation.

Another achievement involved deepening project matching and research collaboration between Hong Kong and the Central Asian region in areas including finance, I&T and aviation.

It has also demonstrated Hong Kong's effective role as a platform for going global and achieving substantial results.

The trip has facilitated more convenient people-to-people exchanges by promoting direct flights, aviation and transport co-operation, and extensions to the mutual visa-free period.

In addition, it has promoted exchanges in education, talent and culture to further deepen people-to-people bonds.

Mr Lee also noted that the trip has advanced a hub-to-hub co-operation model to open up broader room for co-operation between Hong Kong and the Central Asian region.

The Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po announced today that the fifth round of evidential hearings will be held on June 22, 24 and 25.

On each of those dates, hearings take place from 10am to 1pm, and from 2.15pm to 4.30pm, at the Multi-purpose Hall, 3/F, City Gallery, in Central.

From 10am on June 8 to 10am on June 11, members of the public can pre-register online. Successful registrants will receive a confirmation issued by the committee secretariat no later than June 17.

In this round of hearings, the committee will receive oral evidence from experts, appointed by the Government and the committee, on issues relating to the causes that led to the fire and its rapid spread.

Part of the evidence will be given in English. Simultaneous interpretation in Cantonese, Putonghua and English will be provided on-site at City Gallery.

Chief Executive John Lee today led a business delegation comprising representatives from Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises to begin a visit to Uzbekistan.

Mr Lee and the delegation arrived in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, last night and met Uzbek Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov.

Mr Lee and Mr Saidov jointly witnessed an exchange of notes between the two places on a mutual visa-free arrangement, which would allow a visa-free period of 30 days for visitors from both sides.

The governments of both places will immediately advance discussions of the detailed arrangements to strive for early implementation. Mr Lee said he looked forward to the early advancement of the relevant visa-free arrangement with Uzbekistan.

This morning, Mr Lee met Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov and Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev to discuss ways to deepen economic and trade exchanges and co-operation.

Mr Lee said that he was pleased to have the opportunity of meeting them in Uzbekistan for the first time, following his earlier meeting the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister in Hong Kong, when they led their delegations to visit the city.

The Chief Executive noted that Hong Kong and Uzbekistan are respectively important gateways for trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific and Central Asian regions. The two places can leverage their complementary strengths to further enhance economic and trade co-operation and help enterprises explore broader markets.

Mr Lee highlighted that Hong Kong has been deepening economic and trade ties with its trading partners through its overseas Economic and Trade Offices, adding that he looks forward to further strengthening bilateral co-operation with Uzbekistan in various areas in the future.

Afterwards, Mr Lee met Uzbek Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan on Strategic Development Sardor Umurzakov to exchange views on deepening co-operation between Hong Kong and Uzbekistan.

At noon, Mr Lee met Uzbek President Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev to discuss furthering co-operation.

Mr Lee stressed that Hong Kong will continue to play its roles as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder” to further deepen co-operation and exchanges with Uzbekistan on various fronts in line with Uzbekistan's goal of achieving high-quality development.

He noted that the two places will join hands in seizing the opportunities from the joint development of the Belt & Road Initiative and promoting common development between the two places and the Central Asian region.

Mr Lee invited Uzbekistan to stage its major conferences and key projects in Hong Kong in the form of Asian chapters or roadshows. He also encouraged more young people from Uzbekistan to study in Hong Kong, building a stronger foundation for long-term co-operation between the two places through education, cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Mr Lee said that Hong Kong is actively developing into an international gold trading centre, attracting the storage, clearing and delivery of gold in Hong Kong and building a comprehensive gold trading ecosystem.

He outlined that Uzbekistan has abundant gold reserves, and that Hong Kong can provide strong support to Uzbekistan in areas such as gold trading, reserve allocation and professional services, and create more mutually beneficial business opportunities for the two places.

In the afternoon, Mr Lee attended a luncheon hosted by the Uzbek Ministry of Investment, Industry & Trade to discuss ways to facilitate business matching and expand market opportunities between enterprises of the two places.

In the evening, the Chief Executive attended a business dinner and a signing ceremony for memoranda of understanding, where he introduced Hong Kong's development opportunities and business advantages to local political and business representatives.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Government of Uzbekistan have exchanged notes on an agreement to discuss the implementation details of a mutual visa-free arrangement that would extend visa-free travel to 30 days for both Hong Kong SAR and Uzbek passport holders.

The exchange of notes was witnessed by Chief Executive John Lee and Uzbek Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov. Following the ceremony, both governments will immediately advance discussions to implement the visa-free arrangement as soon as possible.

Currently, Hong Kong SAR passport holders can visit Uzbekistan visa-free for 10 days. Holders of diplomatic and service passports from Uzbekistan can visit Hong Kong visa-free for 14 days, and holders of ordinary passports must apply for a visa to visit Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong SAR Government said the establishment of a mutual visa-free arrangement is aimed at boosting economic, trade and tourism co-operation with Central Asia.

Chief Executive John Lee today continued his trip to Kazakhstan by visiting a local university and meeting its President to exchange views on strengthening higher education collaboration between the two places.

In the morning, Mr Lee led a delegation to visit Nazarbayev University in Astana and was greeted by its President Prof Waqar Ahmad.

Following a meeting with the professor, Mr Lee attended a signing ceremony for Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between the university and Hong Kong higher education institutions.

He iterated that Hong Kong is promoting the “Study in Hong Kong” brand and offering the Belt & Road (B&R) Scholarship. Currently, about 500 Kazakhstani students are studying in Hong Kong, making them one of the largest groups among Hong Kong’s B&R student community.

Mr Lee welcomed more Kazakhstani students to come to Hong Kong for study and career development, and further promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two places.

He noted that Nazarbayev University is Central Asia’s No. 1 university, and the place where President Xi Jinping first proposed the joint building of the Silk Road Economic Belt in 2013, marking the profoundly significant genesis of the B&R Initiative.

Nazarbayev University today signed MOUs with the Education University of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University to continuously deepen academic exchanges and research collaboration. Today's pacts followed a 2025 MOU that was signed with the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology to launch a bachelor programme in Eurasian business administration.

“These agreements will deepen academic and research collaboration. They will strengthen people-to-people ties between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan. This growing network of institutional partnerships is precisely how we build enduring foundations for long-term co-operation and mutual rewards,” said the Chief Executive.

He added that the partnerships today are just the beginning for more education collaboration between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan in the future to jointly nurture talent with a global vision and contribute to the talent pool of the Belt & Road Initiative.

Mr Lee attended a luncheon hosted by Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Kazakhstan Han Chunlin, before heading for Uzbekistan.

Chief Executive John Lee continued his trip to Kazakhstan by meeting Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, visiting various enterprises, and witnessing the achievement of multiple outcomes among government departments, enterprises and organisations of Hong Kong, the Mainland and Kazakhstan.

In the morning, Mr Lee visited a national investment holding company and met its Chairman of the Board Rustam Timurovich Karagoishin.

He welcomed the company to explore the development potential of the Northern Metropolis and jointly create new business opportunities.

The Chief Executive then met Olzhas Bektenov to exchange views on strengthening bilateral co-operation. He expressed hope that Hong Kong and Kazakhstan would strengthen hub-to-hub connectivity.

Mr Lee then attended and gave a speech at a business luncheon, noting that he was pleased to announce that multiple outcomes had been achieved during this visit.

Notably, Hong Kong and Kazakhstan have agreed to push ahead at full speed with exploratory discussions on a Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement, and discussions on an Investment Promotion & Protection Agreement, with the aim of concluding such agreements as soon as possible.

Additionally, a Hong Kong airline plans to launch direct flights to Almaty in the first quarter of 2027, further promoting economic, trade and people-to-people exchanges.

Mr Lee said that the Hong Kong business delegation has so far concluded a total of 43 memoranda of understanding and agreements covering areas including aviation, finance and trade, innovation and technology, the digital economy, and green development.

In the afternoon, Mr Lee visited the national sovereign wealth fund of Kazakhstan and met its Chief Executive Officer Nurlan Zhakupov to learn about the fund's diversified portfolio of assets and Kazakhstan's investment strategies across different sectors.

During a meeting with the Minister of Trade & Integration of Kazakhstan, the officials exchanged views on further deepening bilateral trade co-operation.

The Highways Department (HyD) held its 40th anniversary celebration ceremony today, highlighting four decades of contributions to Hong Kong’s transport infrastructure and regional connectivity. 

Financial Secretary Paul Chan, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong, Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan and Director of Highways Tony Yau officiated at the event.

Over 300 distinguished guests attended, including representatives from the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Executive Council members, over 30 Legislative Council members, heads of bureaus and departments, and construction industry leaders.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Chan commended the HyD for its pivotal role in the city’s growth. He noted that through the joint efforts of the HyD and other government departments, Hong Kong has established an extensive road and railway network. This infrastructure spans the territory and connects directly with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, facilitating public mobility, supporting economic development and promoting regional integration.

Mr Chan also praised department staff for remaining steadfast at their posts to monitor roads, bridges, tunnels and street lighting, ensuring a smooth and reliable transport system.

The Government will increase investment in public works over the coming years, particularly by accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis. This infrastructure-led strategy aims to create development capacity, strengthen Hong Kong’s long-term growth and open up broader opportunities for the construction industry.

He remarked that technology empowerment is essential to enhance the quality and efficiency of infrastructure, noting it will continuously elevate design, construction and maintenance standards.

Mr Chan expressed hope that the HyD and other works departments would actively explore high-quality Mainland standards and technologies to boost project quality. This approach will enable Hong Kong to leverage its role as a “super connector” and “super value adder” by aligning national standards with international standards and rules.

Furthermore, he encouraged the department to maintain its pioneering spirit and collaborate with all sectors of the community to build a more liveable, efficient and convenient city for the public.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ms Chan described roads and railways as vital arteries connecting a city, praising the HyD team for its four decades of quiet contribution to improving the public’s daily lives. 

She pointed out that Hong Kong's road network has expanded significantly from about 1,323 km when the department was established in 1986 to more than 2,200 km today, marking a 70% increase.

“Looking back at the many milestones the HyD has achieved, from the early Island Eastern Corridor, to the Tsing Ma Bridge, the Tung Chung Line, the Airport Express and Stonecutters Bridge, and more recently completed East Rail Line Cross-Harbour Extension and Central Kowloon Route (Yau Ma Tei Section), as well as the formulation of the Hong Kong Railway Standards, all of these reflect the professional dedication of generations of HyD colleagues and industry partners in their pursuit of excellence.”

She expressed hope that HyD colleagues would adopt a dual-innovation mindset covering policy and technology, enabling the department to play a more active role in integrating into the national development strategy.

“Through the advancement of strategic projects including the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link, the Northern Link, Tsing Lung Bridge and the Northern Metropolis Highway, the Government will build a broad network of roads and railways under the 'Eight Vertical and Eight Horizontal' layout, fully unlocking Hong Kong's future development potential, deepening connectivity with the Greater Bay Area, and leveraging today's planning to achieve Hong Kong's long-term development.”

Mr Yau noted that 40 years ago today, the Highways Office was upgraded to the HyD, reflecting the Government's determination to advance transport infrastructure to support Hong Kong's development.

He stated that the department is fully prepared to take forward the major road and railway infrastructure projects for the Northern Metropolis. These include the Northern Metropolis Highway, Route 11, the Tsing Lung Bridge, the Northern Link and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link, which will unlock new growth opportunities for the city.

At the same time, the department will continue road maintenance and district works to ensure road safety.

To celebrate the milestone, the HyD is holding a roving exhibition at various locations in Hong Kong from late May to mid-July.

The exhibition reviews the department's achievements and future blueprints in expanding the road network, maintaining infrastructure and advancing railway development. It also features interactive games and displays historical artifacts, including vintage street name plates and thematic manhole covers.

Chief Executive John Lee today led a joint Hong Kong-Mainland business delegation to Kazakhstan, kicking off an official visit aimed at deepening economic co-operation.  

Mr Lee began the morning by meeting Kazakhstan Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin.

During the meeting, Mr Lee highlighted Kazakhstan’s rapid economic growth driven by its ongoing structural reforms. He noted that Hong Kong, as a leading international financial centre, the world’s largest cross-boundary wealth management centre and a premier offshore renminbi business hub is uniquely positioned to support these reforms. The city can provide flexible, diversified capital and asset allocation solutions to fuel Kazakhstan's infrastructure and economic projects. 

The Chief Executive welcomed Kazakhstan's government and local enterprises to leverage Hong Kong's financial advantages. He encouraged them to list, issue bonds and secure project financing in the city to connect with global investors, raise international funds and add value to local development initiatives.

Mr Lee then met Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at noon to discuss deepening bilateral relations, before attending an official luncheon hosted by the President. 

The Chief Executive highlighted Kazakhstan’s significance as the birthplace of the Belt & Road Initiative, where President Xi Jinping first proposed the Silk Road Economic Belt in 2013. The country is currently Hong Kong's largest trading partner in Central Asia, with strong economic and trade ties and broad prospects for future co-operation.

As vital regional trade gateways, both economies are actively driving diversification. Mr Lee noted that Hong Kong, as one of the world’s most competitive economies, bridges the Chinese Mainland and global markets, making it a perfect partner for Kazakhstan's industrial transformation. 

This visit marks the first overseas trip led by Mr Lee since the formation of the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global. It is also his largest delegation to date, comprising more than 70 business leaders and professionals from Hong Kong and the Mainland. 

The Chief Executive said that he looks forward to reaching multiple co-operation agreements during this mission. The pacts will span trade, investment promotion, financial services, innovation and technology (I&T) and culture and tourism, as well as further exploring emerging markets and strengthening bilateral economic ties.

Mr Lee emphasised that under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong enjoys strong support from the central government alongside global connectivity. This unique pairing positions the city as a crucial functional platform for the Belt & Road Initiative. 

He added that Hong Kong will continue to leverage its roles as a "super connector" and a "super value-adder", as it deepens international exchanges and accelerates the growth of new economic sectors. 

He expressed his desire to strengthen two-way co-operation between the two regions. He  encouraged enterprises in Kazakhstan to leverage Hong Kong's professional services and business advantages to enter the Chinese Mainland and Asian markets. Concurrently, this partnership enables Hong Kong and Mainland firms to go global, capture opportunities from Kazakhstan's economic reforms and build a corporate presence in Central Asia.

The Chief Executive noted that these joint commercial efforts will inject fresh momentum into the high-quality development of the Belt & Road Initiative.

In addition, Mr Lee visited the Astana Hub, a local technology and innovation park, to learn about Kazakhstan’s latest milestones in artificial intelligence. He met Kazakhstan Deputy Prime Minister & the Minister of Artificial Intelligence & Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev. 

Mr Lee introduced Hong Kong's developments in I&T and welcomed Kazakhstan's technology and innovation enterprises to set up operations in Hong Kong.

He then visited the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) to learn about Kazakhstan's experience in promoting the development of the non-bank financial sector, and met the AIFC Governor Renat Bekturov. 

In the evening, Mr Lee attended a dinner hosted by the Kazakhstan Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.

A delegation led by Chief Executive John Lee will visit Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in June to establish new trade routes for Hong Kong.

Commissioner for Belt & Road Nicholas Ho believes that Hong Kong and Central Asian countries have significant bilateral development potential.

Mr Ho said there are areas of co-operation that Hong Kong and Central Asia can further explore.

“Number one is natural resources. These state-owned companies are looking for a platform, a market to list their companies and to fundraise. Hong Kong can empower that.

“Second is green development. Hong Kong has a comprehensive green economic engine, from green finance to green industry, green technologies, green standards, and green professional services; with these, we can help Central Asian countries to reach carbon neutrality a lot sooner.

“Third is digital economy. Many Central Asian countries are driving artificial intelligence and digital development, and they are hoping that Hong Kong can help them get there faster.

“Fourth is tourism infrastructure. Central Asia has a lot of rich tourism assets, and Hong Kong service providers and hospitality brands can help invest and develop Central Asian countries to unlock these tourism treasures.”

Opening doors

Mr Ho added that Hong Kong is the ideal Belt & Road trading hub. Compared with 2020, Hong Kong's total merchandise trade with Central Asia had increased by 27% in 2025.

He expressed confidence that the Chief Executive's visits will further promote economic and trade development between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

“For this mission, we are hoping to first expand into new markets. Second is to build these communication mechanisms.

“We are hoping that this mission will open big doors between government to government, and also chamber to chamber, business to business. These are important communication channels.

“Third is the hub to hub model, we hope that Hong Kong can be Central Asian companies’ hub to access the Greater Bay Area (GBA), the Chinese Mainland, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and beyond. And in return, we are hoping that Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan can be Hong Kong companies, GBA companies and ASEAN companies’ hub to access into Central Asia.”

Trading partners

Kazakhstan has the most developed economy in Central Asia and is rich in oil resources. In 2025, Kazakhstan was Hong Kong’s largest trading partner and the leading export market in the region.

Hong Kong has also made a significant investment in Kazakhstan, with the city ranked as the country’s 10th largest net-investor globally and its fourth largest Asian net-investor as of January 2026.

Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Principal Economist Alice Tsang said the council tracks the development of this emerging market closely because there is always new potential.

“We can see that more Kazakhstan companies are actually seeking for listing in Hong Kong, as well as (organisations) like the Development Bank of Kazakhstan also have a 'dim sum' bonds issuance in Hong Kong, so we can see that in the services sector there will be huge potential; in particular, there are 14 Hong Kong companies already registered in the Astana International Financial Centre.

“We believe that there are more Hong Kong businessmen or companies that are interested in these new Central Asian markets.”

Rail links

The most populous Central Asian country, Uzbekistan is home to more than 38 million people. It also boasts a diverse range of natural resources, including hydrocarbons, gold and cotton.

In 2025, Uzbekistan was Hong Kong’s third largest trading partner in Central Asia. 

Uzbekistan is actively working to open and integrate into international transport corridors, with the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway as one of its top priorities. Once completed, the railway will provide Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan with their first direct rail connections to China.

HKTDC Director of Research Bruce Pang noted that some of the countries have introduced serious economic reforms.

“They want to diversify their economy. Like Uzbekistan, the policy-makers vow to better upgrade their light industry. So we may expect more imported products from their light industries.”

Chief Executive John Lee today received a briefing from Legislative Council members on research conducted and views gathered in relation to Hong Kong's first five-year plan.

At the Chief Executive's Office, LegCo members presented findings gathered under a mechanism involving collaboration between the Government and LegCo. 

They presented a report and a compendium of research, with a view to assisting the Government in formulating Hong Kong's five-year plan. The Government will launch a public consultation on the plan within the current quarter.

Mr Lee thanked all LegCo members for their efforts and support. He said he was delighted and encouraged by the complementarity being demonstrated between executive and legislature, and the joint commitment of both to building a brighter future for Hong Kong.

The Chief Executive said that Hong Kong's first five-year plan, as a forward-looking and strategic guiding document, will align with the vast opportunities brought by the National 15th five-year Plan, and will provide clear directions for Hong Kong's economic and social development over the next five years.

He added that the plan will lay a solid foundation for growth; consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's traditional strengths, while actively exploring new avenues; and capitalise on Hong Kong's distinctive advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle, thereby expanding international development opportunities while allowing the city to integrate with and serve national development overall.

Mr Lee said he is leading the Government in drafting the plan. The Government has established a collaborative mechanism to foster synergistic partnership between the executive and the legislature.

Under this mechanism, LegCo conducted thematic research and analysis and gathered views. It consolidated its findings in a compendium with a view to assisting the Government in formulating the city's five-year plan.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today welcomed the Ministry of Finance’s announcement that is has successfully issued renminbi (RMB) sovereign green bonds totalling RMB6 billion, marking the central government’s first such issuance in the city.

Total subscriptions amounted to RMB62.4 billion - 10.4 times the issue size.

The three-year bonds were oversubscribed by 9.8 times, while the five-year bonds were oversubscribed by 11 times, highlighting strong market demand.

To be listed on Hong Kong’s stock exchange, all proceeds raised from the bond issuance will be applied to eligible green expenditures under the central fiscal budget in accordance with the People's Republic of China Sovereign Green Bond Framework.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan noted that the issuance strengthens the role of Hong Kong's “Finance+” development strategy in supporting national high-quality development.

"This issuance will further enhance the yield curve for Hong Kong's offshore RMB bond market, provide a new investment benchmark for international capital, and attract more cross-boundary RMB financing and trading activities to Hong Kong,” he said.

“It will also support the efficient matching of global capital with the country's high-quality green projects. By giving strong impetus to the green transition while delivering reasonable returns for investors, the issuance will help attract more long-term capital into the green sector and promote sustainable development,” Mr Chan added.

Chief Executive John Lee will lead a business delegation to visit Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on Sunday, with a view to strengthening exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and Central Asia in areas including finance, trade, infrastructure, innovation and technology (I&T), and green development. The delegation also aims to create trade corridors and explore market opportunities.

Mr Lee will start his visit in Kazakhstan before proceeding to Uzbekistan on June 3. He will meet senior government officials of the two countries, lead delegates in connecting with local business representatives, promote Hong Kong’s advantages, expand business networks, and tour various enterprises and facilities.

Highlighting that Central Asia offers vast scope for collaboration, the Chief Executive said the delegation will further harness Hong Kong’s advantages under “one country, two systems” in connecting the Mainland and the world, support Mainland enterprises in going global, and capitalise on complementary strengths.

He added that the delegation will promote Hong Kong’s advantages, as well as investment opportunities in the city, thereby encouraging Central Asian enterprises to utilise Hong Kong as a platform for business expansion and leverage its role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”.

The largest of its kind under the current-term Government, the delegation will comprise over 40 Hong Kong business and professional representatives, as well as about 30 representatives of Mainland enterprises. They span sectors such as industry, finance, legal services, construction and engineering, logistics, I&T, advanced manufacturing and the automotive industry.

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government officials joining the delegation include Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan; Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui; Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau; Director of the Chief Executive’s Office Carol Yip; and Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Lillian Cheong.

Mr Lee will return to Hong Kong on June 6. In his absence, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki will be Acting Chief Executive.

President of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong Wingco Lo will accompany Chief Executive John Lee on an upcoming delegation to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The visit will evaluate local business conditions, investment policies and industrial support to facilitate the entry of Hong Kong enterprises into the Central Asian market.

Highlighting the importance of the region, Mr Lo noted that Central Asian countries are key members of the Belt & Road Initiative and represent fast-growing economies.

"We want to have a strong connection with Central Asia in the future," he said. "We want to identify business opportunities by visiting local enterprises and infrastructure projects. We can better understand the latest developments in areas such as innovation, technology, manufacturing, green development and trade. This will help our Hong Kong businesses access and explore more opportunities there."

While Mr Lo acknowledged that Hong Kong’s current trade volume with Central Asia remains lower than that of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Middle East, both regarded as leading emerging markets, he emphasised that the region's accelerating opening-up process gives it significant market potential and strategic importance.

"The gross domestic product growth each year is over 6% or 7%," he observed. "It is a very important logistics hub in Central Asia, especially with the direct railway from China to Europe, which must pass through the region. Furthermore, the local markets are on the rise. They have huge populations, which provides an advantage for our retail sectors. They also have low-cost labour and a sufficient, young workforce, which will help our manufacturers to settle there."

Regarding the composition of the delegation, Mr Lo noted that the inclusion of Mainland enterprises enables a collaborative strategy for overseas expansion. By leveraging the existing local networks of Mainland firms to accelerate market entry, and utilising Hong Kong’s high-value supply chain management and professional services to support their international growth, both sides can achieve a win-win outcome.

Federation of Hong Kong Industries Chairman Antony Lam, who will be part of a Chief Executive-led delegation visiting Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan early next month, believes the trip will offer a good start to exploring the Central Asian market. 

Mr Lam said it provides an opportunity to learn more about the region’s economic development, as Hong Kong companies are relatively unfamiliar with Central Asian countries.

He also highlighted that Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are executing massive industrial upgrades and both boast enormous market potential. “This is a great opportunity for Hong Kong companies to participate in the development and the growth of Central Asian countries,” he said.

Mr Lam added that the Central Asian market is crucial for Hong Kong’s plan to become a commodities trading hub as both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have substantial natural resources, such as minerals. The Federation of Hong Kong Industries has also established a Commodities Council dedicated to developing related trading activities.

Mr Lam hopes the federation can serve as a bridge to open up trade channels between Hong Kong and Central Asia. It has been seeking to establish partnerships with local companies, and many of its members have already invested in both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in areas such as 3D printing technology for medical applications.