Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Uzbekistan-China (Hong Kong) Economic Forum today (May 6):

Your Excellency Mr Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov (Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good afternoon and welcome to Hong Kong. 

     It is an honour to have His Excellency Abdulla Aripov, the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, with us today. His Excellency is here, in Hong Kong, leading a high-powered government and business delegation, some 200 strong, from Uzbekistan. 

     Mr Prime Minister, your presence here speaks volumes about the strength of the relations between Uzbekistan and China, our country. 

     In 1992, Uzbekistan became the first Central Asian country to establish diplomatic relations with China, our country. Two years ago, the two countries established an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era. 

     Your trip this week to our country, and the eighth session of the China-Uzbekistan Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee, will surely boost our rewarding ties. 

     I am confident, too, that today's Uzbekistan-China (Hong Kong) Economic Forum will set our two economies, and our two peoples, together on a far-reaching and mutually rewarding partnership.

     The good news is that we are already exploring co-operation, and in more than several areas, I'm pleased to say. 

     Last August, I met with His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev here in Hong Kong, exchanging views on our trade relations and other collaboration. And my Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury is in Uzbekistan now for the Asian Development Bank's annual Board of Governors meeting.

     Last October, the Director-General of Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), our designated investment promotion agency, visited Uzbekistan to explore opportunities in trade, logistics, financial technology, sustainable development and other sectors. InvestHK is also, let me add, engaging with enterprises from Uzbekistan to support their business expansion in Hong Kong.

     To put it simply, our government and business ties are growing stronger and stronger. And for good reasons. A good many reasons. Uzbekistan is at the heart of the ancient Silk Road. It has served as a conduit for trade and cultural exchange for centuries. 

     Central Asia's most populous country, and the region's fast-growing economic engine, Uzbekistan has realised a GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth rate consistently above 6 per cent in recent years. That is a compelling testament to the country's reform and development initiatives.

     Indeed, the Asian Development Bank, in a report last month, said, and I quote, "Uzbekistan enters the next two years from a position of strength, supported by resilient domestic demand, high levels of investment, and ongoing structural reforms." 

     The country's dynamic economy serves as a gateway to Central Asia and beyond. It offers diversified investment and trading opportunities, thanks to modernised industrial zones, as well as mining and commodities trading. Its agricultural sector is thriving, and the country's rich cultural heritage draws more visitors every year. 

     No less important, Uzbekistan continues to reform its economy. And the country is dedicated to joining the World Trade Organization (WTO), to better integrate into the global economy.

     Hong Kong, of course, is a long-standing champion of free trade, and a founding member of the WTO. We are also the world's fifth-largest entity in merchandise trade. And the WTO is a critical institution in promoting free and open global trade, especially in today's fractured world. 

     Under our "one country, two systems" framework, Hong Kong enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage. We offer low taxes, a free flow of capital and information, the rule of law and a legal system based on common law - trusted by businesses all over the world.

     Hong Kong believes in the power of multilateralism and win-win co-operation. We welcome the world, Uzbekistan very much included, to join us in pursuing, and creating, opportunity. 

     That's why we are fully engaged in our country's Belt and Road Initiative. Hong Kong, one of the world's top three global financial centres, offers a wealth of financing, as well as professional services, dispute resolution and much more - for Uzbekistan and for all countries along the Belt and Road. 

     For Uzbek enterprises here with us today, if you're looking to tap into the vast Chinese market, Hong Kong is your ideal partner. Hong Kong speaks the language of international business. Our financial experts can help you raise capital. Our lawyers, accountants and arbitration specialists can guide you and your business every step of the way. 

     Last year, the number of companies in Hong Kong with Chinese Mainland or overseas parent companies rose to more than 11 000. That's up 11 per cent over the year before - and a record high. 

     Our start-up companies last year also hit a record high, totalling over 5 200, also up 11 per cent, year on year.

     In a global economy fraught with geopolitical uncertainties and fragmented trade and investment flows, Hong Kong is where you want to be. 

     Stability, certainty and trust are our natural resources, and we're happy to share them with Uzbekistan - with you. 

     Set up your regional offices here. List on our stock exchange. Use our world-class professional services, and reach every market, every corner, of China and the world.

     You're welcome to come for our world-class education, too. Hong Kong is the only city in the world that counts five universities among the world's top 100. And we welcome Uzbek students to study here. 

     The HKSAR Government offers scholarships specifically for students from Belt and Road countries, including Uzbekistan, to study at our post-secondary institutions.

     Ladies and gentlemen, the friendship between China, our country, and Uzbekistan runs deep. Hong Kong is proud to be a part of that friendship. And we look forward to seeing it grow and flourish. 

     Ladies and gentlemen, the Hong Kong officials and business leaders here for today's forum are eager to chat with you about opportunities in various sectors, industries and areas. 

     I know you will enjoy today's Forum, and I hope to see you back soon in Hong Kong, Asia's world city. Thank you.

Ends/Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Issued at HKT 16:25

NNNN