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 more than 60 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). The Summit's focus on business globalisation, new market opportunities, and cross-regional cooperation underscores Hong Kong's pivotal role as a super connector and super value-adder, deepening economic and trade ties with emerging markets such as ASEAN, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
A key highlight was the introduction of the GoGlobal Chapter, designed to support Chinese Mainland enterprises expanding overseas. This initiative provided a one-stop platform for exchange and matchmaking, featuring thematic sessions, the GoGlobal Connect Zone, roundtable discussions, and a business study mission. During the Summit, Shaanxi TIRAIN Science & Technology Co., Ltd. and Deloitte Advisory (Hong Kong) Limited signed an MoU to collaborate on global expansion. Chen Li, President of Shaanxi TIRAIN, noted, "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 collaboration exemplifies how Hong Kong's professional services can help mainland enterprises ensure compliance and enhance competitiveness internationally.
Building on Chief Executive John Lee's visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in June, the Summit introduced a dedicated Central Asia Chapter and Zone. Government officials, business leaders, and investors from Central Asia exchanged views on development opportunities, with projects like Kazakhstan's Alatau City and Data Center Valley attracting significant interest. Bakhtiyar Mukhametkaliyev, Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan, highlighted the country's aerospace foundation and its potential for collaboration. The Middle East Chapter and Zone further strengthened ties with 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 invited representatives from Brazil, Egypt, Morocco, Oman, and South Africa to discuss key industries.
The Summit also facilitated project matchmaking and industrial cooperation, with over 300 investment projects valued at more than US$5.4 billion and over 800 one-on-one meetings. Among the MoUs was one involving Jabal Asset Management LLC of Oman. Issa Al Battashi, Managing Director and Executive Board Member, 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 for University, GreenTech, and GoGlobal Connect, showcasing research, innovative technologies, and green solutions.
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 to align with overseas expansion needs. The HKTDC plans to launch more 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 extending online from 14-15 September and the Belt and Road Global Forum Annual Roundtable 2026 bringing together representatives to discuss market trends and deepen regional cooperation.
