뉴스 | 🇭🇰 홍콩 | "JOHN"

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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문화/연예

HK, Uzbek museums plan co-curated exhibitions in 2028

Hong Kong Palace Museum and the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan have begun discussions on co-curating exhibitions in late 2028, with plans to bring each other's collections to Hong Kong and Tashkent, according to Hong Kong Palace Museum director Louis Ng. Speaking during Chief Executive John Lee’s visit to Central Asia, Ng said the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday, covering cooperation in research, exhibitions, education and talent training. Ng added that preliminary talks on the exhibition exchange have already taken place. “We will bring collections from the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan to Hong Kong,” he said. “On the other hand, we will bring our collections from the Hong Kong Palace Museum – including our ancient gold artefacts and textiles – to exhibit here in Uzbekistan.” He said the timeline is still subject to further negotiations between the two museum teams and depends on their respective schedules, as well as any other exhibition commitments for the Uzbek artefacts. Ng described Uzbekistan as an ancient civilisation and a “cultural hub” along the historic Silk Road and said the collaboration aims to bring Central Asian history to Hong Kong audiences. “We hope to take this opportunity to present the history of Central Asia, the history of Uzbekistan and the history of the Silk Road through an exhibition in Hong Kong,” he said. He also emphasised that the initiative supports both the Belt and Road Initiative and Hong Kong’s development into a centre for Chinese and international cultural and artistic exchanges. He said this marks the first time a Hong Kong museum has cooperated with a Central Asian counterpart. “Central Asian museums don’t know much about Hong Kong’s museums either,” Ng said, adding that he has invited Uzbek museum directors to visit Hong Kong in the coming year to share experiences and expertise. “Together, we can advance the development of our respective cultural and museum sectors more prosperously,” Ng said. Edited by Thomas McAlinden

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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기타

'Incentives needed to boost tourism to Central Asia'

Direct flights and longer visa-free access for travellers will help unleash the potential of tourism across Central Asia, industry representatives said as Chief Executive John Lee concludes his visit to the landlocked region on Friday. SAR passport holders can travel to both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan visa-free, but the length of stay per visit is "borderline", according to Sunny Yip, director of Hong Kong travel agency Goldjoy Travel. Currently, Hong Kong permanent residents can stay in Kazakhstan up to 14 days each time, and 10 days in Uzbekistan. "These countries have a great deal of historical sites. From one site to another takes half a day or more by road," Yip said in an interview with RTHK. "If the countries could consider having 30 days visa-free, which is quite common for Hong Kong travellers to other countries, it would be very advantageous." But he said the real game-changer would be the introduction of direct flights. Hong Kong has never had direct air services to Uzbekistan, while Air Astana, Kazakhstan's flag carrier, used to operate flights between the SAR and Almaty before Covid. Lee on Tuesday announced that a Hong Kong carrier will start operating services to Almaty from the first quarter of 2027, with more details to follow. Sardor Nuritdinov, general director of Marco Polo Central Asia Travel in Uzbekistan, explained the importance of direct flights. "Most number of people travelling to Uzbekistan [from Hong Kong], they are 65-plus-year-old elderly people. For them, the biggest issue for them is the flight time and extra hassle in getting to the destination," he said. "If there is a direct flight ... it will at least increase the number of travellers to Uzbekistan in the first year already at least 10 times than what is right now." Yip said Hong Kong businesses can also actively participate in the development of tourism-related industries in Central Asia. "I would expect our chief executive to encourage more Hong Kong investment into hotel sectors," he said. "The airports are relatively basic. Development will be important to increase capacity." Nuritdinov agreed, noting that while Tashkent has no shortage of five-star hotels, cities like Samarkand and Bukhara lack premium accommodation. "Travellers from Hong Kong, they prefer more comfort compared to what can be offered in Uzbekistan at the moment in terms of accommodation," he said. With China emerging as a major market, Nuritdinov said Putonghua-speaking local guides remain scarce. "The local universities are also starting to think we need to add Chinese language as a course to the classes in the university," he said. "But I think it's a long way ahead. I'm thinking like five, 10 years ahead." Despite these challenges, both Nuritdinov and Yip see enormous potential in the region's tourism industry. Instability in the Middle East, they say, could also drive tourists to Central Asia. Nuritdinov recommended immersive experiences beyond historical sites, be it cooking Kazakhstan's national dish plov with a local family, silk embroidery workshops or dance lessons. Edited by Raymond Yeung

South China Morning Post

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정치

Trump foe John Bolton to plead guilty in classified information case

Former Trump administration national security adviser John Bolton has agreed to plead guilty to a single count of retaining classified information under a deal with the US Justice Department that could allow him to avoid prison time, a person familiar with the matter said on Thursday. The deal would resolve a criminal case filed in October that charged Bolton with 18 counts of either retaining or disseminating classified information, including diary-like notes from his time in government that...

South China Morning Post

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기타

Hong Kong signs 96 agreements with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan worth US$1.65 billion

Hong Kong has signed 96 agreements with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan worth US$1.65 billion during city leader John Lee Ka-chiu’s visit to Central Asia, which he hailed as a “successful” mission setting the stage for closer government and business ties with the region. Lee on Thursday also said Hong Kong had initiated an agreement with Uzbekistan that paved the way for airlines on both sides to launch a new direct route, days after the city’s flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways announced it would...

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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기타

CE hails Central Asia trip a major success

Chief Executive John Lee on Thursday declared his trip to Central Asia a major success, revealing that a total of 96 memoranda of understanding and partnership agreements worth an estimated US$1.65 billion have been made. Summing up the tour from the Uzbek capital of Tashkent, Lee said 15 pacts were signed directly on a government-to-government level with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, covering business, education and development projects. Lee also announced that Uzbekistan has agreed to establish a consulate-general in Hong Kong. He added that details for a relaxed travel arrangement – where Hong Kong and Uzbekistan could each allow the other's passport holders to enter visa-free for up to 30 days – will be announced soon. “Both governments are working very hard to implement this visa-free 30-day arrangement. We have overcome the most difficult part, that is both sides work on the details and yesterday we exchanged the notes verbally on this matter,” he said. “With the enthusiastic attitude of both governments, I think we can see very early implementation of the arrangement. I will push my colleagues to work harder, and I received the same assurance by my counterparts in the government of Uzbekistan.” The Chief Executive said that the SAR and Uzbekistan governments also signed an aviation agreement, adding that some SAR airlines are already planning to launch direct flights to Uzbekistan. He noted that the two sides have also initiated talks to establish an avoidance of double taxation agreement to lower fiscal barriers for cross-border businesses. When asked about plans for the next trip, Lee said officials will summarise the experience from the current visit and assess locations that would bring long-term benefits to the SAR's economic and trade development. For his part, Frederick Ma, chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), noted that many small doors of business opportunity have opened up in the past few days. One example, he said, was that at least one state-owned Kazakh enterprise has explicitly expressed interest in pursuing a public listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Since arriving in the Uzbek capital on Wednesday, Lee has met with several senior Uzbek officials, including President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov. The Chief Executive will attend a business dinner hosted by the SAR government and HKTDC on Thursday night to promote the SAR’s business opportunities to local commercial representatives. On Friday, Lee and his delegation will visit IT Park Uzbekistan – the country's primary technology and innovation hub – before setting off on his return journey to Hong Kong. Edited by Aaron Tam

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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기타

Uzbeks welcome HK's 30-day visa-free proposal

Uzbeks in the capital of Tashkent voiced enthusiasm about the prospect of closer ties with Hong Kong on Thursday. Earlier, the SAR and Uzbek governments had agreed to begin detailed talks on a 30-day visa-free stay for travellers on both sides. Currently, HKSAR passport holders may visit Uzbekistan visa-free for 10 days, while Uzbek passport holders require a visa to enter Hong Kong. Uzbek citizens told RTHK that the proposed arrangement, revealed by Chief Executive John Lee on Wednesday night during his Central Asia visit, would significantly ease current travel restrictions and that the news could not come soon enough. "It’s a big opportunity for our nation, for our population, for our locals," said Jasur Abdumavlonov, an English teacher in Tashkent. "China is the fastest developing country. It develops very fast." Abdumavlonov, who described himself as eager to learn, said he hopes to visit Hong Kong within the next five years, drawn by curiosity about its food and people. He predicted the visa-free scheme would spark a two-way exchange of traditions and world views. "A lot of people will exchange their traditions, their point of view," he said. "They’re going to learn a lot about Asia, about Central Asia. And our people will learn a lot about Chinese [people]." For younger Uzbeks, Hong Kong’s pop culture has already built a powerful pull. Yasmin Kholmurodova said she has wanted to visit the city for a long time, inspired by its cinema, books and music. "That’s great news. I wish to come to Hong Kong for a very long time," she said. Kholmurodova said that the more visa-free destinations available to Uzbek travellers, the better. She also added that the proposed deal would foster prosperity through greater people-to-people contact. "Let’s be friendly, let’s visit each other’s countries, let’s be more global," she said. "I think it will definitely be more prosperous." Beyond tourism, business ties are already emerging. Khurshid Shomurotov said his brother travelled to Hong Kong just 10 days ago to meet potential partners. He said he now plans to visit Hong Kong himself in the future, adding that business discussions with partners in the city had gone well. The chief executive said the two governments would promptly advance the specific implementation measures to bring the arrangement into effect as soon as possible. Edited by Tony Sabine

South China Morning Post

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기타

Direct flights between Hong Kong and Uzbekistan to launch this year, sources say

A direct flight between Hong Kong and Uzbekistan will be launched this year, the South China Morning Post has learned, in another move to strengthen ties between Central Asia and the city. The new route follows closely on the heels of Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific’s plan to launch a service to Almaty in Kazakhstan in the first quarter of next year, one of the outcomes of Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s official visit to the region. Multiple sources told the SCMP on Thursday that an...

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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기타

All civil servants should get 4.12 percent rise: union

All of Hong Kong's more than 170,000 civil servants should get a pay rise of 4.12 percent this year, a union representative said on Thursday. A survey of private sector salary increases recently pointed to such a rise for senior government workers, with its figure for middle-ranking staff coming in at 2.64 percent and that for more junior employees at 1.17 percent. But Tsoi Koon-lung, president of the Hong Kong Chinese Civil Servants’ Association, said an across the board pay rise would avoid widening the salary gap between different ranks. “We can see that the salary difference between senior and junior staff has already reached more than HK$100,000,” Tsoi told reporters following a meeting with Civil Service Secretary Ingrid Yeung. “Giving everyone the same percentage increase would ensure that the pay gap between senior and junior civil servants would not be significantly impacted.” Tsoi also described the civil service as "outstanding", saying this is demonstrated by government efficiency in the SAR consistently ranking in the top three in the World Competitiveness Yearbook published by the International Institute for Management Development. He said Yeung will pass the association's suggestion to Chief Executive John Lee and the Executive Council. When setting salary levels, the government also considers its fiscal position, the state of the economy, cost-of-living changes, staff pay claims and civil service morale. Last year, the government froze salaries. Edited by Thomas McAlinden

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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기타

Hong Kong, Uzbekistan move towards easing travel visa

The SAR government and Uzbekistan have agreed to begin detailed discussions on further relaxing travel arrangements, allowing travellers from both sides to stay visa-free for up to 30 days. Chief Executive John Lee who is leading a business delegation visiting Central Asia held a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Uzbekistan on Wednesday. Lee said on his social media page that they exchanged views on formalising the intent to advance the arrangement. Currently, HKSAR passport holders may visit Uzbekistan visa-free for 10 days, while Uzbek passport holders require a visa to enter Hong Kong. "The two governments will promptly advance the specific implementation measures to bring the arrangement into effect as soon as possible," Lee said. "I believe the implementation of visa-free arrangement will enhance exchanges between the two places, stimulate tourism, study and commercial cooperation and development, lay a solid foundation for long-term economic and trade relations for both sides, and assist Hong Kong in expanding into emerging markets in Central Asia," he added. Edited by Nazvi Careem

South China Morning Post

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Universities in Hong Kong and Kazakhstan deepen ties during Lee’s visit

Two universities in Hong Kong have signed partnership agreements with a leading varsity in Kazakhstan in a move lauded by the city leader as deepening academic collaboration and strengthening people-to-people ties between the two places. The 70-strong delegation led by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu to explore business opportunities in Central Asia on Wednesday visited Nazarbayev University, where Chinese President Xi Jinping first announced the Belt and Road Initiative more than a decade...

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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IT/기술

'People-to-people exchanges drive HK-Kazakh ties'

People-to-people exchanges are already laying the groundwork for a different kind of Belt and Road collaboration. That's on full display in Astana as Chief Executive John Lee’s delegation wrapped up the Kazakhstan leg of his Central Asian tour with a visit to Nazarbayev University (NU) on Wednesday. Two individuals on the NU campus – a Hong Kong-born engineering professor and a local Kazakh startup founder – believe the story lies not just on a government level, but also in student exchanges, educational technology innovation and a new business corridor between Astana and Hong Kong. For the past eight years, Annie Ng, an associate professor at NU’s School of Engineering and Digital Sciences, is one of the few Hongkongers working in Kazakh academia. Ng said the chief executive’s visit is a long-overdue catalyst. “I think this is a very good start. I believe there will be more MoUs and more collaborations with different university institutes in Hong Kong with NU and Kazakhstan – not just for research, but also other education programmes or short courses,” she said. Ng sees Kazakhstan as a pivotal player under the Belt and Road framework, but notes a gap in Hong Kong’s engagement compared with the mainland. While there has been a growing number of mainland tourists and entrepreneurs in Almaty and Astana, she said Hongkongers remain conspicuously absent and should explore opportunities in Kazakhstan. “Young people will be more interested here and explore something new – not a typical country to visit. Kazakhstan, Central Asia, we are also close to other Central Asian countries,” she said. For Hong Kong businesses, she said, the potential is tangible. “A lot of things are developed in Hong Kong but not here. They can find a lot of room to expand their business.” Nurken Bolatov is chief operational officer of Artisan Education, a startup based on the NU campus that produces engineering kits and a web-platform for learning robotics, programming and STEM. Bolatov’s company has already been accepted into the ideation programme at the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP). “For us, I hope it’s a great opportunity and experience to try our products in another region, with other students, and get some more feedback,” he said. But his ambitions for Hong Kong go beyond market testing. He sees the city as a manufacturing gateway. “There are a lot of manufacturers in Hong Kong and in China, so probably it would be great for us to cooperate with them so we can produce a lot more of our products.” He also hopes to tap into Hong Kong’s talent pool. “As I know, there are a lot of strong universities in China and in Hong Kong. Probably it would be helpful to find some potential team members to get into our project.” His startup is already piloting its products in several countries, including South Korea, Türkiye and the UK. Edited by Edmond Fong

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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정치

Education MoUs boost HK-Kazakhstan ties: CE

Chief Executive John Lee on Wednesday said memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed between education institutions in Hong Kong and Kazakhstan lay the foundation for further cooperation between the two sides in the long run. He witnessed the exchange of MoUs between Nazarbayev University and Education University of Hong Kong as well as the Hong Kong Polytechnic University during a visit to the institution in the Kazakh capital, Astana, on the final day of his trip to the Central Asia country. “These agreements will deepen academic and research collaboration. They will strengthen people-to-people ties between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan,” Lee said in a speech. “This growing network of institutional partnerships is precisely how we build enduring foundations for long-term cooperation and mutual rewards." The CE noted that some 500 students from Kazakhstan are currently studying in universities in Hong Kong, and he invited more people from the country to pursue career opportunities in the SAR. “The Kazakh community in Hong Kong is growing, and I invite you to look to Hong Kong for your future. To students here, we welcome talented youth and entrepreneurs with open arms. The opportunities are wide open too.” Lee also pointed out that Nazarbayev University was where President Xi Jinping first proposed the Belt and Road Initiative back in 2013. "Since its inception, the Belt and Road has developed a comprehensive framework for global partnership. It's anchored in policy coordination, infrastructure connectivity, free and unfettered trade, financial integration, and critically, people-to-people bonds. More than a decade on, the foundations laid here are delivering rewarding results," he said. Professor Waqar Ahmad, president of Nazarbayev University, said his institution, which opened in 2010, has a lot to learn from universities in the SAR. Last year, Nazarbayev University launched a partnership with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to establish a joint Bachelor of Business Administration programme under which students spend two years at each institution. “One of the inspiring examples for us is the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology,” Ahmad said. “35-year-old doesn't behave like a 35-year-old institution, behaves like a fantastic, mature institution which competes with universities which are 200, 300, 400 years old, fantastic in everything that it does, and that's the kind of inspiration that we get excited by. “We are a university which is still in the making. You've got well-established universities with a global reputation. We need to learn from you to get there.” Before the exchange ceremony, Lee and his delegation toured the university and visited its teaching facilities on artificial intelligence, new materials and energy technologies. Lee will head to Uzbekistan on Wednesday afternoon to continue his trip in Central Asia. Edited by Edmond Fong

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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기타

HK can be key renewable energy hub: Kazakh expert

Researchers in Kazakhstan say Hong Kong's sound financial system, infrastructure and regulatory regime make it an ideal partner and fund-raising hub for green energy projects. Chief Executive John Lee will conclude his duty visit to Kazakhstan on Wednesday night, before continuing his Central Asian tour in Uzbekistan. The visit by the SAR delegation comes as Kazakhstan accelerates its decarbonisation drive, having committed to the Paris climate change treaty and a 2060 carbon neutrality target. "Our government is putting more effort on that. We have a lot of projects going on," said Nurxat Nuraje, head of the renewable energy lab at National Laboratory Astana. With petroleum reserves expected to be depleted within 50 years, he said the Kazakh government is "paying more attention to develop new technology like renewable energy technology". Nuraje, who attended the International Hydrogen Development Symposium in Wan Chai last month, believed there is plenty of room for cooperation. "We learned that Hong Kong has become a very important hub for the development of hydrogen and renewable energy," he said. "Hong Kong has a very good transportation system, also a capital investment system." Fellow researcher Yerbolat Magazov went further, suggesting Hong Kong look into developing a trading mechanism for green hydrogen. "The actual role of Hong Kong as a hub would be to make it not as an energy material, but as a valuable asset," he said. "Special frameworks, taxonomy, legislation — so hydrogen can be traded as a stock material." Their laboratory in the Kazakh capital has already demonstrated the potential of clean energy, after building a system last year that converts solar energy into hydrogen. Mainland company Zhejiang H2-Bank Technology was a key partner, supplying critical components such as electrolysers and hydrogen storage systems. But Magazov acknowledged they need to drive down costs before green hydrogen can really take off. It remains three to five times more expensive than "grey" hydrogen, which is derived from fossil fuels. "The biggest problem is bankability," he said. "Lots of people have lots of money, but they need to be sure that in the future, green hydrogen will be profitable. Right now, if you calculate, it's a non-profitable thing." This, according to Magazov, is where the Hong Kong brand comes into play. "If Hong Kong trusts this country, everyone can also trust. That allows future investors to put money and investments into this particular market," he said. With global energy markets remaining volatile, Magazov felt that Central Asia and China should forge closer ties. "It's better to make allies which are close to each other," he said. "China, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries should bring together. In the future, if something happens, we'll be independent of others." Edited by Raymond Yeung

Hong Kong Free Press

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Hong Kong’s John Lee hails stronger ties with Central Asia, inc. direct flights to Kazakhstan and business link-ups

Chief Executive John Lee has announced that Hong Kong’s links to Central Asia will be strengthened with expanded visa-free arrangements and direct flights to Kazakhstan. Lee was speaking to reporters in the Kazakh capital of Astana on Tuesday during an official visit with business leaders. Hong Kong already has visa-free arrangements with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and […]

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

중도

정치

HK, Kazakhstan forge 'hub-to-hub' partnership: CE

Chief Executive John Lee has proposed a strategic “hub-to-hub” cooperation model with Kazakhstan, aiming to link the Central Asian nation’s regional reach with Hong Kong’s access to Asian markets. The proposal came during the second day of Lee’s visit to the country. Meeting with Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Lee highlighted the growing economic weight between the two sides. He noted that Hong Kong was Kazakhstan’s 10th-largest net investor globally and the fourth-biggest in Asia at the start of this year. Lee said Hong Kong enjoys the unique advantages of having strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under the "one country, two systems" principle. He proposed that Kazakhstan serve as Hong Kong’s gateway to the Central Asian market, while Hong Kong would act as Kazakhstan’s springboard into East and Southeast Asia. The visit has already yielded significant commercial and diplomatic momentum, with Lee announcing that Hong Kong and Kazakhstan have agreed to accelerate exploratory discussions on a Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement and an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. During a meeting with Nurlan Zhakupov, CEO of Kazakhstan’s national sovereign wealth fund Samruk-Kazyna, Lee described Hong Kong as a stable and secure investment haven. He noted that the city ranked first globally in funds raised through initial public offerings in the first quarter of this year, positioning it as an ideal listing destination for the fund’s diverse portfolio of assets. He encouraged projects under the fund to list in the city to diversify investment risk. Earlier on Tuesday, the CE visited Baiterek National Investment Holding, a key financial operator of the Kazakh government. He encouraged the company to leverage Hong Kong’s financial system and professional services for cooperation in infrastructure financing, bonds and green finance. Lee extended an invitation for the firm to explore development potential in the Northern Metropolis. He also held talks with Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliyev on deepening bilateral trade, logistics and financial technology cooperation. Lee emphasised Hong Kong’s status as the world’s fifth-largest merchandise trading entity and its commitment to free trade and multilateralism. He suggested that as Kazakhstan works to expand its role as a regional trading hub through digital commerce and market modernisation, the SAR could serve as a critical gateway for Kazakh enterprises looking to enter the mainland and broader Asian markets. The chief executive is scheduled to continue his visit in Kazakhstan on Wednesday before heading to Uzbekistan on the second leg of his tour. Edited by Edmond Fong

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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기타

HKTDC seals three agreements in Kazakhstan

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) on Tuesday signed memorandums of understanding with three organisations in Kazakhstan. The individual agreements were made with Atameken, the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan; Satbayev University, a leading technical university in Almaty; and the Association of Consulting and Trading Companies. Chief Executive John Lee and Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin witnessed the exchange of documents at a luncheon. Zhumangarin said he is confident that the partnership between the two sides will deepen in the future. “Overall, the visit of the esteemed John Lee and the entire delegation is a practical confirmation of mutual trust, business interests and readiness to move towards the implementation of concrete projects,” he said. “I am confident that today's meeting will become an important step towards launching new joint projects, attracting investments and expanding business ties.” Several business entities among the delegation also signed individual memorandums of understanding with their counterparts in Kazakhstan, covering sectors such as finance, asset management, aviation, media, agriculture and new energy. A number of the agreements were signed by state-backed investment bank China International Capital Corporation Limited (CICC) as well as their Kazakh partners, including one with the Sovereign Wealth Fund Samruk-Kazyna. The Hong Kong Airport Authority and Cathay Pacific also secured operational agreements with Almaty International Airport. Cathay announced that it plans to operate three direct flights per week connecting Hong Kong to Almaty, starting in the first quarter of next year. The Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, Federation of Hong Kong Industries and Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce also secured deals. Edited by Thomas McAlinden

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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기타

Direct flights from HK to Kazakhstan set for next year

Chief Executive John Lee on Tuesday said the city’s push to deepen connectivity with Central Asia is already bearing fruit, as he announced progress on direct flights to Kazakhstan alongside moves to make visa arrangements more convenient for travellers. Speaking to reporters in Astana during his first official visit to Central Asia, Lee said a Hong Kong-based airline will begin direct flights to Kazakhstan's biggest city Almaty in the first quarter of next year, significantly cutting travel time between the two places. He added that the new route will also provide access to other Central Asian, Eastern European and Caucasus regional destinations. In a statement, the SAR's flagship carrier Cathay Pacific announced plans to launch direct flights to Almaty in the first quarter of 2027. "The airline plans to operate three flights per week using an Airbus A330-300 widebody aircraft, which will be the only direct service linking Hong Kong and Kazakhstan," the airline said. Alongside the aviation breakthrough, Lee confirmed that the SAR is working to substantially extend visa-free access for Hongkongers in Central Asia. The SAR already has visa-free arrangements with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, allowing stays of between 10 and 30 days. But Lee said his target is to extend the visa-free period to 30 days for all three nations. "We and the Kazakh government both agree that this is definitely one of our goals. We have already exchanged some further information with the two governments, and everyone is working hard to work toward this target," he said. "We hope that by this year, we can reach the best arrangement." He added that Uzbekistan has also signalled its agreement to the proposal following communications before the delegation's departure, Lee added. Once agreements with these countries are finalised, the SAR government will seek to facilitate easier entry for the remaining two Central Asian countries. On Wednesday, Lee is scheduled to visit Astana's Nazarbayev University, where President Xi Jinping first proposed the concept of the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013. The chief executive said Hong Kong and Kazakhstan can enhance collaboration on education. "The Education University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, they will be developing a working relationship with the Nazarbayev University, to further expand the collaboration between the higher education institutions of the two places," he said. Lee will conclude his stay in Kazakhstan on Wednesday before travelling to Uzbekistan, describing the Astana leg alone as a significant breakthrough – with 43 memoranda of understanding in areas such as economic and trade cooperation, investment, and green finance expected to be signed in the country. Edited by Thomas McAlinden

South China Morning Post

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Hong Kong to relaunch direct flights to Kazakhstan’s Almaty in first quarter of 2027

Hong Kong will relaunch direct flights with Almaty in Kazakhstan in the first quarter of next year, the city’s leader has announced in a breakthrough which businesses have said will be essential for easing travel and strengthening ties with Central Asia. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, who is leading a high-powered delegation to the region, also said on Tuesday that the city would start deliberations with Kazakhstani authorities to reach a Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement...

South China Morning Post

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기타

Make use of Hong Kong’s advantages, John Lee urges Kazakhstan leaders, companies

Hong Kong leader John Lee Ka-chiu has held talks with Kazakhstan’s president at the start of a visit to Central Asia, highlighting the city’s role as a “superconnector” bridging businesses with global markets, as his delegation sealed a wide range of partnership deals with the nation. Lee began his five-day trip on Monday by discussing ways to deepen economic cooperation and strengthen bilateral ties with Kazakhstan, meeting President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as well as Serik Zhumangarin, the...

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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정치

MOUs signed during Lee's visit to Kazakhstan

Chief Executive John Lee on Monday witnessed the signing of a number of memoranda of understanding on his first full day of visit to Kazakhstan. The MOUs were signed during Lee's tour of the Astana Hub – Kazakhstan’s premier technology and innovation park – and the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). These included an agreement between Hong Kong’s Belt and Road Office and Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development; separate deals between the Astana Hub and Cyberport, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park; as well as an agreement between InvestHK and the AIFC. The chief executive met with Deputy Kazakh Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev at the Astana Hub. Noting that 2026 has been designated Kazakhstan’s “Year of Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence,” Lee described the Astana Hub as a regional innovation cluster and invited Kazakh tech firms to consider setting up operations in Hong Kong. He outlined Hong Kong’s own I&T ambitions, pointing to global digital competitiveness rankings and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster. The CE highlighted infrastructure projects in the Northern Metropolis that aim to deepen industry-research integration. Lee also visited the AIFC where he met with its governor, Renat Bekturov. The day was packed with other high-level meetings and site visits as Hong Kong pushes to deepen economic, financial and innovation ties with Central Asia. Lee met with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who reiterated Kazakhstan's role as a gateway on the Belt and Road and stressed Hong Kong’s ability to connect the mainland with global markets. Noting that Kazakhstan is Hong Kong’s largest trading partner in Central Asia, the chief executive emphasised mutual opportunities stemming from the country’s push to diversify its economy. Lee also held talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin, where the two sides exchanged views on deepening economic cooperation. Joining the chief executive's delegation is a Henan firm that specialises in mining development and trading of mineral products and is among the mainland enterprises seeking closer ties with Kazakhstan. Speaking at an exchange session, Henan Yudi Technology Group chairman and party committee secretary Yu Jiyun said his company has taken part in geological exploration projects in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and it wants to further boost cooperation with Kazakhstan because it doesn't have mining rights there. "Kazakhstan has rich mineral resources and offers vast development opportunities. Also, Kazakhstan is closely connected with China’s Xinjiang. Cooperation between the two sides offers natural geographical advantages." Edited by Edmond Fong

뉴스

타임라인 키워드

HK, Uzbek museums plan co-curated exhibitions in 2028

'Incentives needed to boost tourism to Central Asia'

Trump foe John Bolton to plead guilty in classified information case

Hong Kong signs 96 agreements with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan worth US$1.65 billion

CE hails Central Asia trip a major success

Uzbeks welcome HK's 30-day visa-free proposal

Direct flights between Hong Kong and Uzbekistan to launch this year, sources say

All civil servants should get 4.12 percent rise: union

Hong Kong, Uzbekistan move towards easing travel visa

Universities in Hong Kong and Kazakhstan deepen ties during Lee’s visit

'People-to-people exchanges drive HK-Kazakh ties'

Education MoUs boost HK-Kazakhstan ties: CE

HK can be key renewable energy hub: Kazakh expert

Hong Kong’s John Lee hails stronger ties with Central Asia, inc. direct flights to Kazakhstan and business link-ups

HK, Kazakhstan forge 'hub-to-hub' partnership: CE

HKTDC seals three agreements in Kazakhstan

Direct flights from HK to Kazakhstan set for next year

Hong Kong to relaunch direct flights to Kazakhstan’s Almaty in first quarter of 2027

Make use of Hong Kong’s advantages, John Lee urges Kazakhstan leaders, companies

MOUs signed during Lee's visit to Kazakhstan