Hong Kong Belt and Road Summit Secures $3.1 Billion in Deals, Strengthening Global Trade Ties

The 11th Belt and Road Summit, held in Hong Kong from September 9 to 10, concluded with more than 60 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and bilateral co-operation agreements valued at over US$3.1 billion. The event attracted over 6,200 political and business elites from more than 70 countries and regions, underscoring Hong Kong's pivotal role in advancing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government since 2016, the summit remains the premier platform for business and investment under the BRI. This year's theme, “Advancing High-quality Development · Embarking on a New Journey,” facilitated discussions on trade, legal services, green technology, logistics, artificial intelligence, and new quality productive forces.

HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee emphasized Hong Kong's unique position: “Hong Kong, as a place where East meets West, is where capital, talent, businesses and opportunities converge. In addition to strengthening our relations with traditional partners, Hong Kong continues to expand our network of friends along the Belt and Road.” Lee has led high-level business delegations to 13 Belt and Road countries, securing over 250 agreements, which highlights the city's focus on opening new markets and forming new partnerships.

The summit introduced three new special chapters—GoGlobal, Central Asia, and Middle East—to explore emerging opportunities. The GoGlobal Chapter provided a one-stop platform for Chinese Mainland enterprises seeking overseas expansion, while the Central Asia and Middle East chapters invited local officials to share investment prospects. These additions reflect the evolving needs of businesses amid global economic shifts.

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau noted the strategic importance of going global: “In light of the shifting geopolitics, rising trade protectionism and the reshaping of global supply chains, businesses going global is no longer simply an option; it is an increasingly important strategy for Chinese Mainland enterprises to diversify risks, strengthen resilience and pursue new growth opportunities.”

A freshly integrated University Zone highlighted Hong Kong universities' R&D strengths and technology commercialisation capabilities across the Belt and Road region, reinforcing Hong Kong's status as an international education hub. The debut Dialogue for Future session promoted think-tank exchanges on Asia-Pacific co-operation in a changing global landscape.

The Project Investment Session, Belt and Road Deal-Making, and Exhibition Zones showcased over 300 investment projects and arranged more than 800 one-on-one meetings, connecting enterprises with potential partners. These efforts are crucial for fostering tangible business outcomes and deepening regional co-operation.

For more information about Hong Kong's role in the Belt and Road Initiative, visit Brand Hong Kong. The summit's success signals Hong Kong's resilience and its capacity to drive mutually beneficial development, even as global trade dynamics shift. By facilitating billions in deals and fostering new partnerships, the event reinforces Hong Kong's position as a super connector and super value-adder, essential for navigating an increasingly complex international landscape.