11th Belt and Road Summit Concludes with Record Participation and New Global Expansion Chapters

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 focused on business globalisation, new market opportunities, and cross-regional cooperation, reinforcing Hong Kong's unique role as a super connector and super value-adder.

A major highlight was the introduction of the GoGlobal Chapter, designed to support Chinese Mainland enterprises expanding overseas. The Chapter included thematic sessions, the GoGlobal Connect Zone, roundtable discussions, and a business study mission, providing a one-stop platform for matchmaking. During the Summit, Shaanxi TIRAIN Science & Technology Co., Ltd. signed an MoU with Deloitte Advisory (Hong Kong) Limited to collaborate on going global. Chen Li, President of Shaanxi TIRAIN, noted that the partnership would leverage Deloitte's global tax, legal, and labour expertise to ensure compliance and enhance competitiveness.

The Summit also deepened ties with Central Asia and the Middle East through dedicated chapters and zones. Building on Chief Executive John Lee's visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in June, the Central Asia Chapter brought together officials and investors to explore projects such as Kazakhstan's Alatau City and Data Center Valley. Bakhtiyar Mukhametkaliyev, Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan, highlighted his country's aerospace foundation and plans for satellite systems and digital platforms. Meanwhile, the Middle East Chapter and multiple sessions helped enterprises grasp opportunities in the region. The Business Plenary, themed "Unlocking New Market Opportunities along and beyond the Belt and Road," featured speakers from Qatar, Oman, South Africa, and Nigeria who discussed the potential of emerging markets.

In addition, the Signature Projects Session featured Enver Iskurt, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of Türkiye, who introduced the Ankara-Istanbul super speed railway project and invited Hong Kong investors and engineering firms to participate. The Summit also facilitated project matchmaking through the Project Investment Session, Belt and Road Deal-Making, and Exhibition Zones, which included new zones like the University Zone, GreenTech Zone, and GoGlobal Connect Zone. Among the MoUs was one involving Jabal Asset Management LLC of Oman, whose Managing Director, Issa Al Battashi, emphasised the importance of connecting capital and forming partnerships.

Furthermore, the ASEAN Market Day attracted 340 SMEs, offering consultation sessions with HKTDC's ASEAN offices and consulates. The HKTDC plans to launch more thematic promotion activities, including GoGBA Development Day, African Market Day, and Middle East Market Day, to help Hong Kong enterprises, particularly SMEs, seize global opportunities. Although the Summit has ended, follow-up activities continue, such as the Belt and Road Deal-Making extended online to 14-15 September and the Belt and Road Global Forum Annual Roundtable 2026. These initiatives underscore the Summit's lasting impact in fostering international cooperation and driving business growth.