HONG KONG - The Uzbekistan Investment, Trade and Tourism Forum took place here on Tuesday, highlighting the numerous opportunities in the central Asia nation and its close economic relationship with the special administrative region.
Farhod Arziev, ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the People's Republic of China, emphasized the longstanding friendship between Uzbekistan and China, which dates back over 2,000 years to the days of the Silk Road.
This year, the two countries upgraded their relationship to an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era. Against this backdrop, the development and cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Hong Kong SAR also hold significant potential, according to the ambassador.
The SAR is a rapidly growing city that has achieved noteworthy financial success, Arziev said, adding that Uzbekistan's stable social environment, advantageous location, and abundant natural resources can offer a promising platform for Hong Kong investors.
Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki said Uzbekistan plays an important role in fostering economic development and connectivity between Asia and Europe in the Belt and Road Initiative.
Uzbekistan was the HKSAR's largest trading partner in central Asia in 2022, accounting for some 67 percent of the SAR’s total trade with the region, Chan added.
He emphasized that Hong Kong will also continue to serve as the prime gateway between Chinese mainland and the rest of the world.
Chan also encouraged enterprises from central Asia to make good use of Hong Kong's world-class financing and professional services.
Niyazmuradov Ikhtiyor, counselor for economics and trade of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the People's Republic of China, provided a comprehensive overview of Uzbekistan's investment environment, policy preferences, and potential projects.
He highlighted Uzbekistan's commitment to promoting economic reforms and implementing more opening-up policies to create additional investment and cooperation opportunities for international investors.
Long Yuxiang, executive chairman of the China International Cultural Communication Center, was named honorary ambassador of investment, tourism and culture of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the People's Republic of China by Arziev on behalf of the Uzbek government.
It was also announced during the forum that the Uzbekistan Economic, Trade, Investment and Cultural Center in Hong Kong would be opened on April 10, with Henry M H Chan, general manager of the Harvest Epoch Strategic (International) Investment Ltd, appointed as its director-general.
He said the establishment of the new center marks a significant milestone and the SAR will continue to play a crucial and influential role in facilitating cooperation between China and Uzbekistan.
The center aims to facilitate investment-related activities between Uzbekistan and the HKSAR and provide enhanced services for investors from the international financial hub.
