Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee traveled to Kazakhstan with his largest foreign delegation yet, consisting of 75 officials and business leaders from logistics, green energy, mining, technology, and education sectors, at a time when China's trade with Central Asia rose 12 percent compared to the previous year.

Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Lee and voiced optimism that the trip would create fresh chances to boost beneficial ties, grow commercial links, and start joint ventures in investment, finance, digitalization, artificial intelligence, as well as transport and logistics.

"This occasion will surely add momentum to cooperation between Kazakhstan and Hong Kong, and more widely between Kazakhstan and China, with whom we share a longstanding comprehensive strategic partnership," Tokayev noted.

"Our nations sustain a strong level of political exchange and continue to advance trade, economic, and investment ties. The same holds true for our relations with Hong Kong," he continued.

Hong Kong Deputy Secretary for Justice Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan explained to Euronews that the group aims to establish Hong Kong as a link for mainland Chinese firms looking to grow abroad and Central Asian markets.

"Central Asia represents a promising and emerging market for mainland Chinese enterprises," he stated.

"In this delegation we include Hong Kong firms strong in finance along with innovation and technology, plus mainland Chinese enterprises that rank among the largest in China."

The online platform under his oversight illustrates the cooperation Hong Kong pursues by offering a database of professional service providers for companies from Hong Kong and mainland China seeking entry into overseas markets.

"Previously Chinese firms entering international markets without Hong Kong professional services encountered numerous difficulties and setbacks due to unfamiliarity with local commercial practices or regulatory systems," Dr Cheung noted.

"For Hong Kong service providers Central Asia is familiar territory, and this delegation brings several success examples, such as assisting Central Asian airlines in leasing aircraft from Chinese carriers."

Shared Legal Foundation

The delegation visited the Astana International Financial Centre, which follows English common law, matching the system used in Hong Kong.

Cheung highlighted how this common legal base opens direct paths for Hong Kong lawyers and finance experts to serve as intermediaries for mainland Chinese businesses active in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

"Mainland Chinese companies can operate here with guidance from Hong Kong legal practitioners," he said. "This applies not only to firms from the mainland but also to businesspeople from the Middle East and worldwide."

The visit aligns with rising Chinese economic activity throughout Central Asia.

Trade between China and the five Central Asian countries hit 106.3 billion dollars in the first ten months of 2025, per China's Ministry of Commerce, exceeding the prior year's growth by six percentage points.