Mr. John Lee Visited the Chinese New Year Fair at Kwun Tong Recreation Ground on February 16th

On February 16th, the Chinese New Year's Eve, the Chief Executive, Mr. John Lee, visited the Chinese New Year Fair at Kwun Tong Recreation Ground at around 3 p.m., accompanied by Miss Alice Mak, the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, and Mr. Tse Chin Wan, the Secretary for Environment and Ecology. They chatted with citizens and learning about the stalls' business.

Mr. John Lee visited the Chinese New Year Fair in Kwun Tong. Photo by Bastille Post

Mr. John Lee visited the Chinese New Year Fair in Kwun Tong. Photo by Bastille Post

Mr. John Lee visited the Chinese New Year Fair in Kwun Tong. Photo by Bastille Post

Mr. John Lee said that the Chinese New Year Fair was bustling with people, and the atmosphere was lively, reminding him of his warm memories of visiting flower markets with his family during childhood. Since the Chinese New Year's Eve is a reunion date for Chinese people, he hoped that everyone would have a warm and enjoyable reunion dinner with family members in the evening and joyfully welcome the new year. He also wished that citizens would achieve success and lead the way in the Year of the Horse.

Photo by Bastille Post

Photo by Bastille Post

Photo by Bastille Post

At the entrance of the New Year Fair, many citizens greeted and waved to Mr. John Lee, shouting "Happy New Year" along the way. Mr. John Lee responded by wishing citizens "good health" and "all your wishes come true." At the first fair stall he passed, Mr. John Lee purchased some pussy willow at HKD $120. The stall owner, Ms. Yeung, said she recommended the pussy willow to Mr. John Lee since it symbolizes "abundant wealth" and "good fortune." She also praised the Chief Executive for his friendliness, noting that he arrived with a broad smile.

Photo by Bastille Post

Mr. John Lee said he specifically bought three genres of flowers at the fair: First, pussy willow, currently budding and poised to bloom in spring, symbolizing vitality; Second, solanum mammosum, signifying joy and peace; Third, orchids, known as the "noble flower". He mentioned that there are 14 Chinese New Year Fairs across Hong Kong this year, each with its own unique characteristics, featuring stalls selling dried goods, fresh products, food, etc., making him expect the fairs to become increasingly crowded as the night went on.

Pussy willow, Photo by Bastille Post

Solanum mammosum, Photo by Bastille Post

Orchid, Photo by Bastille Post

While visiting the fair, Mr. John Lee also chatted with several citizens, asking children about their New Year's wishes. Besides offering New Year's blessings, he expressed his belief that Hong Kong's economy will continue to improve steadily in the coming year, urging citizens to work together to build a better life. He also took photos with secondary school students on the site, urging them to participate more in community work and be filial to their parents. Stating that young people are the hope of the future, Mr. John Lee wished the students academic success and good health.

Mr. John Lee (middle), Miss Alice Mak (left) and Mr. Tse Chin Wan (right), Photo by Bastille Post

Mr. John Lee, Photo by Bastille Post

Some elderly citizens asked to take photos with Mr. John Lee, which he readily agreed to, with Miss Alice Mak taking the pictures for them. Some children even shouted "Happy New Year, Mr. John Lee!" three times, creating a lively atmosphere.

Mr. Tse Chin Wan, Photo by Bastille Post

Furthermore, Mr. Tse Chin Wan stated that the Chinese New Year Fairs will be open all night on the Chinese New Year's Eve, welcoming citizens to come and enjoy themselves after the reunion dinner. He pointed out that this year's fair has featured multiple characteristic photo spots, resulting in overall visitor flow better than last year, with total sales increasing by 30%. Besides, Mr. Tse also wished citizens a prosperous Year of the Horse.

Chief Executive John Lee will lead a trade mission to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in June, courting openings beyond traditional markets, while Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Chairman Frederick Ma is optimistic the visit will deliver.

Global connection: The HKTDC currently has offices in 51 locations across multiple countries, maintaining close ties with the political and business sectors in these areas to identify business opportunities for Mainland and Hong Kong enterprises. Image source: www.news.gov.hk

Kazakhstan stands as Central Asia’s most developed economy and regional powerhouse, boasting an impressive gross domestic product that soared past US$300 billion in 2025.

Leading the region in both economic output and purchasing power, Kazakhstan serves as a vital business and logistics hub bridging China and Europe.

In this diverse nation, Kazakh and Russian are the predominant languages, while Islam and Christianity represent the major religions.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan claims the title of the region’s most populous country, strategically positioned at the heart of Central Asia and sharing borders with all its neighbouring nations.

With a storied past as a crucial segment of the ancient Silk Road trade routes, Uzbekistan has cultivated an environment ideal for stable economic growth, consistently achieving over 5% growth each year.

Hong Kong taps Central Asia growth. Image source: www.news.gov.hk

The growth trajectory positions Uzbekistan as a prime entry point for businesses eager to tap into the expansive Central Asian market.

A delegation led by Chief Executive John Lee will visit both countries in June.

Booming economy

HKTDC Chairman Frederick Ma said the trip will be highly beneficial, with a broad cross‑sector delegation expected to drive deals.

Kazakhstan is Hong Kong’s largest trading partner and a key export market in Central Asia. Hong Kong’s investment there is substantial; as of January 2026, Hong Kong ranked fourth among Asian net investors. Financial links are deepening, with the first dual listing last year spanning Hong Kong and Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan is also rolling out large-scale data centre projects, aiming to be the region’s leading digital hub. Mr Ma and his colleagues expect Mainland technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI) firms to see strong outbound opportunities via Hong Kong into this emerging market.

HKTDC Director of Research Bruce Pang explained Hong Kong can provide financial and professional services. As companies build AI platforms and lean on data centres, he noted, fundraising and financing become pivotal - and that is where Hong Kong can step in with solutions.

Hong Kong taps Central Asia growth. Image source: www.news.gov.hk

Embracing transformation

In Uzbekistan, a nation with a population exceeding 38 million, abundant resources such as gold and cotton bolster its growth prospects. The country has made significant strides in enhancing its investment climate, gradually liberalising its foreign exchange market.

Moreover, Uzbekistan has streamlined customs and trade procedures, embraced digital transformation, and improved its legal and institutional frameworks. The HKTDC identifies substantial potential in Uzbekistan's infrastructure and logistics sectors, alongside opportunities for trade co-operation.

“Hong Kong firms can seize a first‑mover advantage by setting up or partnering with factories in Uzbekistan to develop products on the ground. Tashkent’s push to build a ‘Made in Uzbekistan’ brand can give Hong Kong companies a springboard into Central Asia and ultimately, European markets,” HKTDC Principal Economist Alice Tsang said.

Beneficial trip: Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Chairman Frederick Ma says the Chief Executive’s delegation can boost financial co-operation between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan, while Hong Kong and Mainland companies can go global together to explore this emerging market. Image source: www.news.gov.hk

With the Mainland as Uzbekistan’s largest trading partner, accounting for over 20% of its total foreign trade turnover, and Kazakhstan as the Mainland’s economic anchor in Central Asia, closing 2025 with bilateral trade volume of US$48.8 billion, accounting for 46% of the Mainland’s trade turnover with the region, the HKTDC noted Central Asia’s appeal to Mainland capital is rising, signalling stronger demand for Hong Kong’s financial and professional services, from cross‑border financing and wealth management to legal and compliance, positioning the city as a key intermediary.