The 11th Belt and Road Summit, co-organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded successfully after two days of intensive networking and deal-making. The event attracted over 6,200 political and business leaders from more than 70 countries and regions, showcased over 300 investment projects, arranged more than 800 one-on-one meetings, and facilitated over 60 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). This year's Summit focused on business globalisation, new market opportunities, and cross-regional cooperation, reinforcing Hong Kong's unique position as a super connector and super value-adder.
A key highlight was the introduction of the GoGlobal Chapter, designed to assist Chinese Mainland enterprises in expanding overseas. The chapter included thematic sessions, the GoGlobal Connect Zone, roundtable discussions, and a business study mission, providing a one-stop platform for matchmaking and exchange. During the Summit, Shaanxi TIRAIN Science & Technology Co., Ltd. signed an MoU with Deloitte Advisory (Hong Kong) Limited to collaborate on going global. Chen Li, President of Shaanxi TIRAIN, noted that the partnership leverages Deloitte's global expertise in tax, legal, and labour consultancy to ensure compliance and enhance competitiveness. This initiative underscores Hong Kong's appeal as the preferred platform for mainland enterprises seeking international markets.
Deepening ties with Central Asia and the Middle East was another focal point. Building on Chief Executive John Lee's visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in June, the Summit introduced a dedicated Central Asia Chapter and Zone, bringing together government officials and business leaders to explore opportunities. Key projects like Kazakhstan's Alatau City and Data Center Valley drew significant interest. Bakhtiyar Mukhametkaliyev, Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan, highlighted the country's aerospace foundation and its development of satellite systems for agriculture and resource management. Simultaneously, the Middle East Chapter and Zone helped enterprises grasp investment opportunities in the region, with the Business Plenary focusing on markets in the Middle East and Africa. Speakers from Qatar, Oman, South Africa, and Nigeria shared insights on emerging market potential, while a Project Investment Session featured representatives from Brazil, Egypt, Morocco, Oman, and South Africa.
The Summit also facilitated project matchmaking and industrial cooperation. Over 300 investment projects valued at more than US$5.4 billion were showcased, and more than 800 one-on-one meetings were arranged. Among the MoUs was one involving Jabal Asset Management LLC of Oman. Issa Al Battashi, Managing Director, emphasized the Summit's role in connecting capital and institutions across markets. Exhibition Zones featured over 120 exhibitors, including new zones for University, GreenTech, and GoGlobal Connect, promoting cross-industry collaboration.
As a new highlight of Belt and Road Week, ASEAN Market Day attracted 340 SMEs, offering consultation sessions with HKTDC's ASEAN offices and consulates to align with overseas expansion needs. The HKTDC plans to launch more thematic activities for high-potential markets, including GoGBA Development Day, African Market Day, and Middle East Market Day, to help Hong Kong enterprises, especially SMEs, seize global opportunities. Although the Summit has ended, follow-up activities like the Belt and Road Deal-Making, extended online to 14-15 September, and the Belt and Road Global Forum Annual Roundtable 2026, will continue to drive cooperation implementation. These outcomes highlight Hong Kong's critical role in fostering international business and unlocking new potential in emerging markets.
