A smart port is one that makes global connections easier through advanced technologies and efficient logistics.

Spearheaded by the Transport & Logistics Bureau, Hong Kong’s Port Community System (PCS) is an essential piece of digital infrastructure bolstering the city’s smart port development.

The PCS began pilot trials in early 2023 and was officially launched in January of this year. It allows enterprises to perform cargo tracking and cross-border customs clearance via a single platform.

End-to-end visibility

One PCS registrant, and an early adopter of the system during its pilot phase, is a logistics company headquartered in Japan.

Operating across markets in Asia, Europe and the Americas, the company has over 700 offices and distribution centres worldwide, and specialises in sectors including healthcare and automobiles. Its Hong Kong branch, a key regional hub, offers a comprehensive suite of freight services, such as international forwarding and door-to-door delivery.

With the PCS, the firm has embraced the integration of data on freight logistics and customs clearance status. Its Deputy Head of Air Freight Forwarding Group Kazunori Goto said that the PCS enhances operational efficiency and sidesteps human error.

He explained that, prior to the PCS being introduced, data was scattered across multiple platforms. Staff members lacked real-time visibility and spent significant time reconciling conflicting data.

“The PCS has effectively resolved these challenges. It provides a standardised customs clearance status that interfaces directly with our internal system.

“This enables us to offer seamless end-to-end cargo visibility for every shipment, while substantially reducing the subsequent manual follow-up workload for our teams.”

Specifically, Mr Goto mentioned that staff previously had no direct access to customs data from the China International Trade Single Window.

“With the adoption of the PCS, we can now conveniently obtain this critical data via API (application programming interface) integration. This has not only shortened our operational processing time, but also significantly reduced manual data entry errors.”

Digital empowerment

The PCS is developed and managed by the Logistics & Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre (LSCM).

LSCM Chief Executive Officer Simon Wong said the system’s development has followed an industry demand-oriented approach, and is being rolled out in three phases.

“In the final stage, we will connect and complete end-to-end workflows for multimodal transportation, and build a comprehensive digital ecosystem to enable the industry to reap the benefits of artificial intelligence-powered digital services.”

Mr Wong said that by linking to the PCS, enterprises can simply enter an ocean or airway bill number to check real-time information covering everything from cargo receipt to loading, departures, arrivals and customs clearance.

Notably, the PCS provides a “One-Data-Multiple-Declarations” function, which enables auto-filled data and one-click submissions to both Hong Kong customs and the China International Trade Single Window, thereby reducing repetitive data entry and mistakes.

The system also sends real-time alerts about shipping delays and temperature anomalies, allowing companies to adjust vehicles and warehousing arrangements.

Moreover, the PCS utilises blockchain technology to guarantee data safety and prevent unauthorised access.

Mr Wong explained that the data recorded covers cargo movement transfers, document numbers, warehousing, land transport tracking, customs declaration records and operational timestamps.

“Once this information is recorded on the blockchain system, it cannot be altered unilaterally. This provides credible evidence for trade financing, cargo traceability and other logistics services.”

Public reputation

Deputy Secretary for Transport & Logistics Amy Chan revealed that the industry’s response to the system has been highly positive since its launch, with over 6,000 enterprises getting on board to date.

Among the registrants are shipping companies, trading firms, freight forwarders and warehousing companies. Most of these are small and medium-sized enterprises.

Citing registrants’ feedback, Ms Chan said the system is viewed as highly cost-effective, and urged more firms to make use of it to realise the scale benefits of data interconnectivity.

“Looking ahead, we will actively explore connecting the PCS with more ports worldwide and international shipping data platforms to further strengthen Hong Kong’s digital connectivity as an international maritime hub.”

Ms Chan also outlined that the bureau is planning a number of pilot programmes in areas such as trade finance, offshore cargo tracking and smart customs, with a view to expanding PCS application scenarios.

“Nine banks in Hong Kong have already recognised the reliability of the trusted cargo status data for use in processes such as risk management, thereby facilitating trade finance.”

She added that the Government is expanding offshore cargo tracking to offer banks more comprehensive data, which will make it easier for Hong Kong’s offshore trading firms to secure financing.

In addition, the Government this month launched the Future Innovative Logistics Acceleration Scheme to encourage industry adoption of logistics data platforms, such as the PCS, that are operated by the Government or public organisations, with a goal of benefiting 100 logistics enterprises.

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.

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.

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.

The Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme is inviting applications from non-profit-distributing organisations for a new round of funding starting today. The application deadline is August 31.

Eligible applicants include professional bodies, trade and industrial organisations and research institutes.

With a $200 million allocation, the scheme offers subsidies to non-profit, industry-led projects. These initiatives must boost exchanges and co-operation between local professionals and external counterparts, enhance sector standards or promote Hong Kong’s professional services globally.

The scheme covers sectors such as accounting, legal, architecture, engineering, healthcare, information and communications technology, design and technical testing. It accepts both sector-specific and cross-sectoral projects.

The maximum grant is $3 million per project or 90% of the total approved cost, whichever is lower.

As of early May 2026, more than 130 projects had been funded, covering project deliverables in Hong Kong and elsewhere.

The Government has also set aside $50 million to launch the Professionals Participation Subsidy Programme under the scheme.

The programme subsidises major professional bodies to join Government and Trade Development Council activities. This participation aims to promote Hong Kong’s competitiveness and professional services to the Mainland and overseas markets.

Both the scheme and the programme accept applications all year round, with processing conducted on a quarterly basis.

A briefing session will be held this month for interested organisations. For enquiries, contact the secretariat at 3655 5418 or via email.

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.”

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today welcomed the State Council's approval of exemption of the requirement of a guarantee and implementation of temporary ship nationality registration for Hong Kong and Macau yachts temporarily entering and exiting the Chinese Mainland through designated ports in the nine cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and only navigating within these cities.

The Transport & Logistics Bureau noted that under the new policy, the exemption for the requirement for a guarantee will significantly reduce the financial burden on owners of Hong Kong and Macau yachts when handling cross-boundary procedures.

Meanwhile, the temporary ship nationality registration allows Hong Kong and Macau yachts to obtain temporary ship nationality certificates issued by Chinese Mainland without affecting their original ship registration, enabling individual yacht travel within the waters of the nine Chinese Mainland cities in the GBA.

In addition, the Marine Department is actively co-ordinating with the Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration on facilitation measures for southbound travel for yachts from the Chinese Mainland. 

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.

As Chief Executive John Lee prepares to lead a delegation to Central Asia in early June, a key figure in the city’s financial sector believes the region is a key market to watch.

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing (HKEX) Chief Executive Officer Bonnie Chan will join the delegation which will visit Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, aiming to expand Hong Kong’s economic and trade ties with Central Asia.

She remarked that last year’s dual listing of a mining company in Hong Kong and Kazakhstan shows there is room for deeper co-operation between the two markets.

Ms Chan added that she hopes the visit will create opportunities to connect with more local enterprises, and believes more Central Asian companies will look to Hong Kong as a fundraising platform.

She said HKEX has noted growing interest from Central Asian companies in tapping Hong Kong for fundraising beyond the equities market.

“There is actually a strong indication of interest in terms of these Central Asian companies issuing bonds.

“Dim sum bonds, I think, have been increasingly popular, so I think this coincides with Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing’s strategy to diversify beyond equities.”

Meanwhile, Managing Director & Head of Global Issuer Services at HKEX Johnson Chui said several successful fundraising cases involving Hong Kong last year have helped boost interest from Central Asia.

Mr Chui said a number of Kazakhstani issuers had successfully completed fundraising and listings in Hong Kong through dim sum bonds last year, drawing the attention of stakeholders in Central Asia.

He added that during a recent trip to the region, various entities had expressed interest in learning more about the Hong Kong market and how they could tap it, whether through dim sum bonds or potentially a dual listing.

Hong Kong is the world’s largest cross-boundary wealth management centre, according to the Global Wealth Report 2026 published by Boston Consulting Group today.

Moreover, the report projected that from 2025 to 2030, cross-boundary wealth managed by Hong Kong will grow 9% on average annually and maintain first place globally, fully affirming the city’s position as a world-leading cross-boundary wealth management centre.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan said the National 15th Five-Year Plan clearly supports Hong Kong in strengthening its functions as an international asset and wealth management centre, which is also a key component of Hong Kong’s “Finance+” development strategy.

He highlighted that as global investors are actively seeking diversified asset allocation, Hong Kong, leveraging its advantages of “one country, two systems” whilst complemented by transparent economic policies, secure investment environment and cross-market connectivity, is attracting more and more ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices to establish a presence and invest in the city.

Mr Chan added: “Benefiting from the wealth generated by technological innovation and the rapid development of industries related to artificial intelligence, demand for asset and wealth management in the Mainland and the Asian region is set to grow at an accelerated pace. This is expected to open up greater room for development for Hong Kong’s asset and wealth management sector.

“The Government will continue to grasp and propel this wave of development to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s status and function as an international financial centre.”

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui said the current-term Government strives to reinforce Hong Kong’s competitive advantages as a leading asset and wealth management centre.

“The Government will introduce legislative proposals into the Legislative Council next month to further enhance the preferential tax regimes for funds, single family offices and carried interest, so as to further enhance the competitiveness of the tax regimes, and attract more funds and family offices to set up and operate in Hong Kong.”

Mr Hui remarked that as global economic gravity shifts eastward, geopolitical tensions further highlight Hong Kong’s role as a safe harbour and reflect Hong Kong’s appeal as an international financial centre.

“Amid the global environment of heightened geopolitical risks, we will work concertedly with the industry to continue driving the growth momentum of Hong Kong’s asset and wealth management industry,” he stressed.

The Inter-departmental Task Force on Monitoring Fuel Supply announced today that the Government will provide a fuel subsidy of $0.5 per litre of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for taxis, public light buses and school private light buses, from May 31 until July 30.

It is expected that about 16,900 LPG (including LPG-hybrid) taxis, 3,440 LPG public light buses and 170 LPG school private light buses will benefit from the subsidy.

The Government said the two-month temporary measure aims to alleviate operating costs for local passenger transport commercial vehicles which primarily use LPG as fuel, thereby reducing the pressure for fare increases.

In practice, oil companies will offer a discount of $0.5 per litre of LPG at all 66 LPG filling stations across Hong Kong for all LPG taxis, public light buses and school private light buses. No registration or application is required.

To ensure proper use of public funds, the Government and oil companies have signed agreements which set out responsibilities and terms. These arrangements include the Government’s reimbursement to oil companies for the actual amount of subsidies provided; the requirement for oil companies to maintain complete and accurate books and records; the requirement to submit reports to the Government every week; and auditing arrangements. In addition, the Transport Department has steered oil companies in completing system enhancements and testing to ensure smooth implementation.

The Transport Department will also display posters at its licensing offices and LPG filling stations. Leaflets will be distributed at major taxi stands, public light bus stands and all dedicated LPG stations to inform frontline drivers of the subsidy details.

The Government announced today that, with the Chief Executive’s approval, it has appointed Sunny Chai as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the San Tin Technopole Company (STTC).

Mr Chai will serve as Chairman for a three-year term starting from July 1. The San Tin Technopole Company will be established before then as a non-statutory, limited company wholly owned by the Financial Secretary Incorporated. It will press ahead with developing 210 hectares of land for innovation and technology within the technopole.

Mr Chai has been serving as Chairman of the Board at Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC) since 2018. He will become the STTC’s first Chairman upon the expiry of his chairmanship at HKSTPC on June 30.

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong said Mr Chai is a seasoned industrialist with rich experience in public service.

“Under his sterling leadership, the HKSTPC has conducted planning studies for approximately 20 hectares of land within the San Tin Technopole.

“I am confident that under Dr Chai's leadership, the San Tin Technopole will become a stronghold for the future development of emerging technology industries in Hong Kong and an important base for developing new quality productive forces.”

In terms of corporate structure, the STTC Board, appointed by the Government, will comprise a chairperson, official directors, and non-official directors that come from diverse backgrounds and sectors.

The Government will participate directly in the STTC’s major decisions through the official directors, who will include the Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry, the Permanent Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury (Treasury), and the Commissioner for Innovation & Technology.

The Innovation, Technology & Industry Bureau said it is striving to complete other preparatory tasks within the current year, with a view to enabling the STTC to start operating fully as soon as possible. 

3D-printed metal implants modelled on human bones are offering patients customised treatment at a lower cost, helping to improve recovery outcomes.

At the Belt & Road Summit 2021, a Hong Kong medical technology company specialising in 3D-printed metal implants signed a co-operation agreement with the Kazakh Research Institute of Oncology & Radiology. The partnership introduced medical 3D printing technology to Kazakhstan, marking a milestone for Hong Kong’s medical innovation exports.

Chief Executive John Lee will lead a delegation to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in June. The 3D printing team believes the earlier agreement has laid a solid foundation for further collaboration. During the upcoming visit, the company’s CEO will join the delegation to sign a new co-operation agreement with Kazakhstan, aimed at introducing more advanced technologies and expanding business opportunities.

The company’s Chief Technology Officer Sun Hao-ran said the team is looking to broaden its scope of collaboration.

“In the future, we aim to handle more clinical cases and also seek the potential for local manufacturing and collaboration on more advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and other technologies.

“We can bring the standard of Hong Kong technologies and clinical services to all of Central Asia, not only Kazakhstan, but also Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries.”

The company maintains close collaboration with Hong Kong universities. Its team believes that partnerships between the medical and innovation sectors are vital to entering the Central Asian market, while expanding Hong Kong’s role in global healthcare.

Chief of Division of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Hong Kong Faculty of Dentistry Richard Su said such collaboration helps strengthen long-term ties.

“Through the company, we can establish more connections with local hospitals and even local universities. That will be beneficial in the long term, for Hong Kong universities’ research and also for patient care.”

The team also advises businesses seeking to expand overseas to introduce innovative technologies, gain a thorough understanding of local cultures and establish strong ties with stakeholders to build mutual trust.

The Kick-off Ceremony of the People-oriented Technology Programme by Qiangnao Technology and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) was held today, marking a major milestone in the application of intelligent bionic hands and smart bionic knee joints in Hong Kong.

In the first phase of the programme over the next two years, 60 amputees in the city will be provided with the new high-tech prostheses free of charge.

No implantation will be required for the programme participants. Through non-invasive brain-computer interface technology, the high-tech prostheses will use the wearer's myoelectric and neural signals to enable natural, precise, and flexible motion control.

Professional assessment and rehabilitation support services will also be provided by a PolyU team to help recipients gradually adapt to and master the use of prosthetics, thereby comprehensively improving their daily living abilities and quality of life.

Qiangnao Technology is a leading global enterprise in the field of brain-computer interfaces, representing China's breakthrough development in this cutting-edge field. Meanwhile, PolyU has a strong research foundation and international influence in prosthetics and orthotics, rehabilitation sciences and biomedical engineering. 

The collaborative project is backed by the Government’s Innovation & Technology Fund.

Speaking at the kick-off ceremony, Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong said the programme responds to the National 15th Five-Year Plan, which calls for the full implementation of the "AI+" action plan to empower public well-being through artificial intelligence (AI).

He added that Hong Kong possesses strong research capabilities and is well positioned to put into practice the principle of technology for the benefit of people.

Prof Sun also noted the launch of the programme embodies the original intent of using technology for good and being people-oriented, bringing cutting-edge technologies into real-world applications, to the lives of citizens in need.