3 key belt and road connectivities that Hong Kong drives

Hong Kong plays a pivotal role in driving the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) through a multi-pronged approach focusing on hard, soft, and people-to-people connectivity. The Belt and Road Office in Hong Kong is actively engaged in coordinating infrastructure and project development with partner countries and regions, identifying opportunities for local companies and professionals to participate in BRI projects.

In June, Chief Executive John Lee led a business delegation to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, signing 96 cooperation agreements and memorandums of understanding valued at over US$1.65 billion.

Hong Kong also excels in soft connectivity, aligning rules and standards with belt and road partner countries through a network of capacity-building platforms. These platforms facilitate training for personnel from partner countries, fostering understanding and alignment in transport, logistics, financial services, legal services, development and construction, environment, innovation, health, and integrity sectors.

This April, the office hosted the Seminar on Belt and Road Capacity Building Platforms, promoting collaboration and sharing of Hong Kong's governance experience and expertise.

People-to-people connectivity is the foundation of meaningful Belt and Road cooperation. Hong Kong has welcomed over 6,000 students from belt and road countries to its universities, as well as around 400 students who undertook internships in the city last summer. This human capital development is crucial for fostering multilateral cooperation.

Cultural exchanges are also a vital aspect of Belt and Road ties, with the Asia+ Festival bringing together more than 30 countries and regions, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of Asia and belt and road countries. Major cultural exhibitions from Qatar and Egypt have been presented at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, and collaborations with Uzbekistan are advancing, allowing Silk Road civilisations to converge in Hong Kong.

The Belt and Road Summit is Hong Kong's flagship platform for belt and road cooperation, recently hosting its 10th edition, attracting 6,200 participants from over 70 countries and regions. The upcoming 11th summit, themed "Advancing High-Quality Development: Embarking on a New Journey," will include a dedicated "Go Global Chapter," highlighting opportunities in Central Asia, the Middle East, and emerging areas such as the low-altitude economy.

Belt and road signature project sessions at the summit will enable precise matching between enterprises and projects. Hong Kong is positioned as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" between the mainland and the rest of the world, providing practical solutions to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.