Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu will launch the largest-ever overseas visit by his administration in June, leading a 60-strong delegation to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to cement official and economic cooperation.

The trip, unveiled by Lee at a press conference on Tuesday, will be Lee’s first official visit to the two countries. Both are key trading partners for the city in the Central Asia.

The delegation will comprise senior HKSAR government officials and over 30 business representatives, as well as more than 30 entrepreneurs from over 10 regions of the Chinese mainland.

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Speaking before the weekly Executive Council meeting, Lee said that during the visit he will meet local senior government officials to establish high level intergovernmental ties and jointly advance cooperation and exchanges.

The delegation will also connect with local businesses, tour enterprises, and facilities, aiming to promote Hong Kong's advantages while also exploring new business networks and building a foundation for long term exchanges, the chief executive said.

The Hong Kong business leaders travelling with the delegation will come from sectors such as commerce, finance, legal services, logistics, and innovation and technology. Representatives from the mainland enterprises will hail from industries including energy, mining, pharmaceuticals, high‑end manufacturing, automobiles, Lee said.

Lee praised the two countries for their vast markets, abundant natural resources, strong economic growth and huge potential.

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Kazakhstan, Hong Kong's top Central Asian trading partner, has close ties and notable Hong Kong investment. As a key logistics hub handling cargos between China and Europe, Kazakhstan is Central Asia's economic powerhouse, accounting for around 60 percent of Central Asia’s GDP.

Uzbekistan lies in Central Asia’s heart. With 38 million residents, it is the most populous country in the region and borders all other regional states. As one of the fastest‑growing economies in the region, its GDP has risen five percent annually in recent years.

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have also proactively engaged in the Belt and Road Initiative, an international economic and infrastructure cooperation framework launched by China in 2013.

Contact the writer at amberwu@chinadailyhk.com