Summit Draws Global Elites to Hong Kong
The 11th Belt and Road Summit took place at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre on September 9–10, drawing more than 6,200 political and business elites from over 70 countries and regions. Hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government since 2016, the event served as a primary platform for participants to explore cooperation opportunities under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
During the two-day gathering, officials witnessed the signing of more than 60 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and bilateral cooperation agreements. The total value of these MoUs, combined with new projects and deals finalized both before and during the summit, exceeded US$3.1 billion.
Leadership Focus on Regional Expansion
HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee addressed the convergence of capital, talent, businesses, and opportunities in Hong Kong, describing the city as a place where East meets West. Lee stated that Hong Kong continues to expand its network of friends along the Belt and Road, positioning itself as a critical hub for international engagement.
Lee highlighted his administration's proactive approach by noting that he has led high-level business delegations to 13 Belt and Road countries across ASEAN, the Middle East, and Central Asia. These diplomatic efforts have resulted in the delivery of over 250 MoUs and other agreements covering policy coordination, trade, investment, and connectivity.
Strategic Themes and New Market Focus
Business and government leaders discussed cooperation across a wide array of sectors, including trade, commerce, legal services, green technology, logistics, artificial intelligence, and new quality productive forces. The discussions were framed under the theme "Advancing High-quality Development · Embarking on a New Journey." A significant portion of the summit focused on emerging opportunities in ASEAN, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
To facilitate deeper engagement in these regions, the summit featured newly added special chapters for GoGlobal, Central Asia, and the Middle East. These sections were designed to facilitate exchange and matchmaking for enterprises seeking to enter or expand within these specific markets.
Commercial Opportunities and Deal-Making
The event showcased over 300 investment projects and arranged more than 800 one-on-one deal-making meetings through the Project Investment Session and Exhibition Zones. These mechanisms allowed participants to directly connect with potential partners and investors.
HKSAR Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau emphasized the strategic importance of these efforts, stating that going global is an increasingly important strategy for Chinese Mainland enterprises. He noted that diversifying risks and pursuing growth are essential amid shifting geopolitics and rising trade protectionism.
Through these structured interactions, Hong Kong aims to reinforce its role as a "super connector" and "super value-adder," bridging the gap between domestic markets and international opportunities for businesses participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.