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, drawing over 6,200 political and business leaders from more than 70 countries and regions. The two-day event showcased over 300 investment projects, arranged more than 800 one-on-one deal-making meetings, and facilitated over 60 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). This year's Summit focused on business globalisation, new market opportunities, and cross-regional cooperation, deepening Hong Kong's economic and trade ties with emerging markets such as ASEAN, Central Asia, and the Middle East. The strong interest from these regions underscores Hong Kong's unique role as a super connector and super value-adder, providing a vital platform for enterprises to expand internationally.
A key highlight was the introduction of the GoGlobal Chapter, designed to support Chinese Mainland enterprises accelerating their overseas expansion. The Chapter included thematic sessions, the GoGlobal Connect Zone, roundtable discussions, and the GoGlobal Business Study Mission, offering a one-stop exchange and matchmaking platform. The thematic breakout session "Chinese Mainland Enterprises Going Global: Driving Mutual Growth Across Belt and Road Economies" featured welcome remarks by Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau and practical experience from Mainland and Hong Kong professional services firms. During the Summit, Shaanxi TIRAIN Science & Technology Co., Ltd. and Deloitte Advisory (Hong Kong) Limited signed a MoU to collaborate on going global. Chen Li, President of Shaanxi TIRAIN, stated, "Given the current global economic climate, going global is a natural choice for us. We have entered into an agreement with Deloitte precisely because we value their expertise in global tax, legal and labour consultancy." This initiative demonstrates Hong Kong's advantage as the preferred platform for Mainland enterprises seeking international markets.
The Summit also deepened ties with Central Asia and the Middle East through dedicated Chapters and Zones. Building on Chief Executive John Lee's visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in June, the Central Asia Chapter brought together government officials, business leaders, and investors to explore opportunities like Kazakhstan's Alatau City and Data Center Valley. Bakhtiyar Mukhametkaliyev, Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan, noted, "Kazakhstan has a strong aerospace foundation. We are developing a satellite system and digital platform for agriculture, land use, emergency response, and resource management." Meanwhile, the Middle East Chapter and multiple thematic sessions helped enterprises grasp developments in the Middle East and Africa. The Business Plenary, themed "Unlocking New Market Opportunities along and beyond the Belt and Road," featured speakers from Qatar, Oman, South Africa, and Nigeria. Additionally, the Project Investment Session on the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America invited representatives from Brazil, Egypt, Morocco, Oman, and South Africa. Enver Iskurt, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of Turkiye, presented the Ankara-Istanbul super speed railway project, saying, "Hong Kong-based investors, financial institutions, and engineering firms can play an active role at every stage of our projects." These engagements highlight the Summit's role in fostering cross-regional cooperation and unlocking new business potential.
The Summit facilitated project matchmaking and industrial cooperation through Project Investment Sessions, Belt and Road Deal-Making, and Exhibition Zones, showcasing over 300 investment projects valued at more than US$5.4 billion. Among the MoUs was one involving Jabal Asset Management LLC of Oman. Issa Al Battashi, Managing Director, remarked, "We feel that the Summit as a whole is an opportunity to connect capital, institutions and retail investors across these markets." The Exhibition Zones featured over 120 exhibitors, including new zones like the University Zone, GreenTech Zone, and GoGlobal Connect Zone. As a new highlight of Belt and Road Week, the ASEAN Market Day attracted 340 SMEs, offering consultation sessions with HKTDC's ASEAN offices and Consulates General. The HKTDC will launch further thematic activities, including GoGBA Development Day, African Market Day, and Middle East Market Day, to help Hong Kong enterprises, particularly SMEs, seize global opportunities. Although the Summit concluded, follow-up activities continue, with the Belt and Road Deal-Making extended online to 14-15 September and the Belt and Road Global Forum Annual Roundtable 2026 held today. For more information, visit www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
