Uzbekistan and Hong Kong discussed expanding investment cooperation and strengthening ties in the financial and legal sectors during a meeting between officials from the two sides. Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade Ilzat Kasimov held talks with a Hong Kong delegation led by Paul Lam, Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
The discussions covered prospects for increasing investment cooperation between Uzbekistan and Hong Kong, as well as opportunities to develop bilateral engagement in the financial and legal sectors. Particular attention was given to the development of the Tashkent International Financial Centre and the potential use of Hong Kong’s experience in building international financial infrastructure.
The sides also discussed opportunities to attract financial, investment and legal companies from Hong Kong to participate in the development of the financial centre. Hong Kong’s expertise is being considered as part of efforts to develop the institutional and legal framework of the Tashkent International Financial Centre and expand its links with international financial markets. Another area of discussion was the preparation of a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between the two sides.
The agenda also covered several other proposed agreements related to investment and financial cooperation. The agreements are expected to establish additional guarantees for investors and provide a framework for expanding mutual investment and business activity.
Earlier Daryo reported that Hong Kong’s business mission to Central Asia resulted in 96 agreements worth about $1.65bn across Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, covering trade, finance, technology, aviation and investment.
The agreements included 15 government-level deals, 66 signed by delegation members and 15 concluded by other organizations. During Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s visit to Uzbekistan, the sides also discussed a reciprocal 30-day visa-free regime, expanded air links and cooperation in fintech, AI, logistics and green finance.
