{
  "id": 6117498,
  "title": "HK 'can play wider super connector role in C Asia'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/hk-can-play-wider-super-connector-role-in-c-asia",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-07T07:44:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTHK English",
    "slug": "rthk-english",
    "url": "https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1869118-20260907.htm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Chief Executive John Lee expressed Hong Kong's unwavering commitment to strengthening ties with Central Asian nations, highlighting the city's aspiration to assume a more prominent role as a \"super connector\" under the Belt and Road Initiative. In a video address during the South China Morning Post's China Conference in Astana, Lee emphasized that the surge in merchandise trade between Hong Kong and Central Asia serves as compelling evidence of the deepening trade and investment relationships between the two regions. Last year, the total merchandise trade between Hong Kong and Central Asia reached over US$324 million, marking a substantial 27 percent rise compared to 2020, as reported by Lee. He underscored that this thriving trade partnership, bolstered by Hong Kong's unique advantages under the \"one country, two systems\" framework, including a common law system, low taxes, and a diverse pool of talents, positions the city as an ideal gateway for Central Asian businesses seeking entry into the vast Chinese mainland market.",
  "summary": "Chief Executive John Lee said on Monday Hong Kong is fully committed to furthering its partnership with Central Asian countries, saying the city aims to expand its role as a \"super connector\" under the Belt and Road Initiative. Speaking via video at the South China Morning Post's China Conference in Astana, he said increasing merchandise trade between Hong Kong and Central Asia is a clear…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "RTHK News",
        "title": "HK 'can play wider super connector role in C Asia'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/hk-can-play-wider-super-connector-role-in-c-asia-6117672",
        "published": "2026-09-07T07:44:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}