Full Breakdown
Hong Hong Positions Itself as a Belt and Road Hub Ahead of the 11th Summit
9/7/2026, 12:01:33 PM
Core Event – “Go Global” Session at the 11th Belt and Road Summit
Hong Kong’s government announced that the 11th Belt and Road (BRI) Summit, to be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on September 9-10, will include a new “Go Global” session. The session is designed to help mainland Chinese enterprises and firms from BRI partner economies expand overseas, lower transaction costs, and access capital, talent, and professional services in the city.
Background & Context
The Belt and Road Initiative seeks to create a China-centred global trading network linking Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Hong Kong markets itself as a “one-stop platform” for BRI participants, leveraging its “one country, two systems” framework, deep financial markets, and legal infrastructure. Recent high-level visits, such as Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s delegation to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in early June 2026, have reinforced these ties through cooperation agreements.
Official Statements & Responses
Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po emphasized that Hong Kong will continue to leverage its unique strengths under the “one country, two systems” policy to support BRI enterprises, noting the surge in emerging-market demand and projected IMF growth of 3.8 percent for emerging markets and 4.5 percent for developing economies over the next two years.
Commissioner for Belt and Road Nicholas Ho Lik-chi described Hong Kong as a resource-allocation centre that brings together capital, talent, and professional services.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, during his June 2026 visit to Astana, underscored the city’s “super-connector” role, citing memoranda of understanding to develop a soybean industry chain in Kazakhstan with a projected annual capacity of up to 2 million metric tons.
Johnson Chui, head of global issuer services at Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd, noted that Central Asian firms can raise funds efficiently in Hong Kong thanks to its deep liquidity, internationally aligned regulatory framework, and broad investor base, and announced new memoranda of understanding with the Astana International Exchange.
On-the-Ground Reports – Central Asian Engagement
The summit is expected to attract nearly 6 000 participants from more than 80 countries and regions. Recent developments include a Kazakhstan-based oil and gas company issuing RMB 3.5 billion in offshore bonds on September 3, and the Development Bank of Kazakhstan planning a RMB 3.7 billion dim-sum bond issuance, reflecting growing Central Asian interest in Hong Kong capital markets.
What’s Next – Upcoming Summit Activities
The 11th Belt and Road Summit will run on September 9-10, featuring the inaugural “Go Global” session, thematic chapters on mainland enterprises’ overseas expansion, Central Asia, and the Middle East, as well as field visits and investment-matching events. The summit’s outcomes are expected to shape Hong Kong’s continued role as a financial and trade gateway for Belt and Road participants.
