The 11th Belt and Road Summit, held in Hong Kong from September 9 to 10, concluded with more than 60 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and bilateral co-operation agreements signed, with a total value exceeding US$3.1 billion. The event, hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, attracted over 6,200 political and business leaders from more than 70 countries and regions, underscoring Hong Kong's enduring appeal as a premier platform for international trade and investment under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The sheer scale of the summit and the value of the deals finalised signal that despite global economic uncertainties, the BRI remains a powerful engine for cross-border collaboration. For Hong Kong, the event reinforces its unique position as a "super connector" between mainland China and the rest of the world, particularly in emerging markets across ASEAN, Central Asia, and the Middle East. The record number of participants and agreements demonstrates that businesses are actively seeking new opportunities along the Belt and Road, and they view Hong Kong as the ideal gateway to facilitate these connections.
HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee emphasised Hong Kong's role in bridging East and West: "Hong Kong, as a place where East meets West, is where capital, talent, businesses and opportunities converge. In addition to strengthening our relations with traditional partners, Hong Kong continues to expand our network of friends along the Belt and Road." His remarks highlight the strategic importance of the summit in diversifying partnerships and opening new markets.
The summit's theme, "Advancing High-quality Development · Embarking on a New Journey," focused discussions on key sectors such as trade and commerce, legal services, green technology, logistics, artificial intelligence, and new quality productive forces. The addition of three special chapters—GoGlobal, Central Asia, and Middle East—provided targeted platforms for mainland Chinese enterprises to explore overseas expansion and for participants to engage with officials and business leaders from these regions. This tailored approach reflects a nuanced understanding of the varying opportunities and challenges across different Belt and Road markets.
Mr Algernon Yau, the HKSAR Government's Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, noted the shifting global landscape: "In light of the shifting geopolitics, rising trade protectionism and the reshaping of global supply chains, businesses going global is no longer simply an option; it is an increasingly important strategy for Chinese Mainland enterprises to diversify risks, strengthen resilience and pursue new growth opportunities." This perspective underscores why the summit matters: it provides a timely and necessary platform for enterprises to adapt to a changing world by forging new partnerships and exploring untapped markets.
Beyond the deals, the summit introduced a University Zone to showcase Hong Kong's research and development strengths and technology commercialisation capabilities, as well as a Dialogue for Future session for think-tank exchanges. These initiatives aim to consolidate Hong Kong's status as an international education hub and a centre for innovation, adding long-term value to its economy. The Project Investment Session, Belt and Road Deal-Making, and Exhibition Zones featured over 300 investment projects and arranged more than 800 one-on-one meetings, directly facilitating business connections.
For more information about Hong Kong's role in the Belt and Road Initiative, visit Brand Hong Kong. The implications of this summit are clear: Hong Kong is not just participating in the BRI; it is actively shaping its trajectory by providing a trusted and dynamic environment for global collaboration. As the world navigates geopolitical shifts and supply chain realignments, Hong Kong's ability to convene such a diverse group of leaders and secure tangible outcomes reaffirms its resilience and relevance as an international business hub.
