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 cooperation agreements, alongside new projects and deals valued at over US$3.1 billion. The event drew over 6,200 political and business elites from more than 70 countries and regions, underscoring Hong Kong's enduring appeal as a premier platform for Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation.
Hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government since 2016, the summit remains a cornerstone of Hong Kong's participation in the BRI. This year's theme, "Advancing High-quality Development · Embarking on a New Journey," facilitated discussions on trade, legal services, green technology, logistics, artificial intelligence, and new quality productive forces. The focus on emerging markets in ASEAN, Central Asia, and the Middle East reflects a strategic pivot toward diversifying partnerships and tapping into new growth corridors.
HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee emphasized Hong Kong's unique position: "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." Under his leadership, high-level business delegations have visited 13 Belt and Road countries, yielding over 250 agreements that bolster policy coordination, trade, investment, and connectivity.
The summit introduced three new special chapters—GoGlobal, Central Asia, and Middle East—to provide targeted platforms for Chinese Mainland enterprises seeking overseas expansion and to showcase investment opportunities in these regions. According to Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, "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."
A freshly integrated University Zone highlighted Hong Kong universities' R&D strengths and technology commercialization capabilities, reinforcing the city's status as an international education hub. The debut Dialogue for Future session fostered think-tank exchanges on Asia-Pacific cooperation, while the Project Investment Session, Belt and Road Deal-Making, and Exhibition Zones showcased over 300 investment projects and arranged more than 800 one-on-one meetings.
The summit's outcomes signal Hong Kong's resilience amid global economic uncertainties. By facilitating billions in deals and fostering cross-border collaboration, Hong Kong reinforces its role as a "super connector" and "super value-adder." For businesses, the event offers tangible opportunities to enter new markets, mitigate risks, and leverage Hong Kong's professional services. For the region, it strengthens economic ties and supports sustainable development. As geopolitical tensions and trade protectionism rise, such platforms are vital for maintaining open dialogue and driving mutually beneficial growth. For more information on Hong Kong's initiatives, visit Brand Hong Kong.
