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). The Summit's focus on business globalisation, new market opportunities, and cross-regional cooperation highlighted Hong Kong's critical 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. The Chapter featured thematic sessions, the GoGlobal Connect Zone, roundtable discussions, and a business study mission, providing a one-stop platform for matchmaking and exchange. The breakout session "Chinese Mainland Enterprises Going Global: Driving Mutual Growth Across Belt and Road Economies" included welcome remarks by Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau and practical insights from mainland and Hong Kong professional services firms. The GoGlobal Connect Zone attracted numerous enterprises seeking Hong Kong partners, leading to a MoU between Shaanxi TIRAIN Science & Technology Co., Ltd. and Deloitte Advisory (Hong Kong) Limited. Chen Li, President of Shaanxi TIRAIN, noted that the partnership combines their technological strengths with Deloitte's global expertise to ensure compliance and enhance competitiveness.
The Summit also deepened ties with Central Asia and the Middle East. Building on Chief Executive John Lee's visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in June, the new Central Asia Chapter and Central Asia Zone brought together officials and investors to discuss opportunities, including Kazakhstan's Alatau City and Data Center Valley. Bakhtiyar Mukhametkaliyev, Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan, highlighted the country's aerospace foundation and plans for satellite systems and digital platforms. The Middle East Chapter and Zone, along with thematic sessions, helped enterprises grasp investment opportunities in the region. The Business Plenary, themed "Unlocking New Market Opportunities along and beyond the Belt and Road," focused on the Middle East and African markets, with speakers from Qatar, Oman, South Africa, and Nigeria sharing insights. The Project Investment Session on the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America featured representatives from Brazil, Egypt, Morocco, Oman, and South Africa.
In the Signature Projects Session, Enver Iskurt, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of Turkiye, introduced the Ankara-Istanbul super speed railway project, inviting Hong Kong investors and engineering firms to participate. The Summit facilitated project matchmaking through the Project Investment Session, Belt and Road Deal-Making, and Exhibition Zones, which featured over 120 exhibitors across new zones like the University Zone, GreenTech Zone, and GoGlobal Connect Zone. Among the MoUs was one involving Jabal Asset Management LLC of Oman; Issa Al Battashi, Managing Director, emphasized the Summit's role in connecting capital and institutions.
Additionally, ASEAN Market Day attracted 340 SMEs, offering consultation sessions with HKTDC's ASEAN offices and consulates. The HKTDC plans further thematic promotion activities, including GoGBA Development Day, African Market Day, and Middle East Market Day, to help Hong Kong enterprises seize global opportunities. Although the Summit concluded, follow-up activities continue, such as the online Belt and Road Deal-Making on 14-15 September and the Belt and Road Global Forum Annual Roundtable 2026 today. For more information, visit the HKTDC Media Room or the HKTDC website.
