Hong Kong Hosts 10th Belt and Road Summit, Spotlighting Trade and Investment Connectivity
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The 10th Belt and Road (B&R) Summit opened in Hong Kong on September 10, drawing over 6,000 participants, including senior officials and business leaders from more than 90 economies. Co-hosted by the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the forum has become one of Asia's most influential platforms for cross-border cooperation.
Hong Kong as “Super Connector”
Chief Executive John Lee highlighted Hong Kong's decade-long role as a bridge between China and global markets, citing over 45,000 participants and 2,800 projects promoted since the Summit'
s inception. The city's advantages—free trade policies, common law, world-class infrastructure, and the “one country, two systems” framework—remain core to its competitiveness.
Expanding Trade Networks
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Hong Kong has signed free trade agreements with 21 economies and investment protection agreements with 33, with negotiations with Qatar close to completion. Lawmakers also emphasised accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which would reduce trade costs and enhance access to the Mainland market for regional partners.
Practical Outcomes
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This year's forum saw the signing of nine memoranda of understanding and the launch of five exhibition zones, including a first-ever ASEAN Pavilion. Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Yan Dong pledged to expand Mainland market access for Hong Kong in sectors such as finance, telecommunications, and construction, while supporting Hong Kong’s early entry into RCEP.
Opportunities for Global Investors
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For multinationals, Hong Kong offers a platform to diversify supply chains and enter Mainland markets under the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA). Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol stressed that Hong Kong's financial and professional services are “indispensable” to ensuring B&R project success in Southeast Asia.
A Decade of Partnerships
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Marking its 10th anniversary, the Summit underscores Hong Kong's role as both China's gateway and a partner for international investors navigating Asia's growth markets. With expanding agreements, stronger regional connectivity, and deepening professional services, the city continues to position itself as a hub where global capital meets Asian opportunity.
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