John Lee Leads Hong Kong Delegation to Strengthen Economic Ties with Kazakhstan

2026-06-01 20:57 Last Updated At：22:23

CE leads delegation to begin visit programme to Kazakhstan

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, led a business delegation comprising representatives from Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises to commence its visit programme to Kazakhstan today (June 1). He met with leaders and government officials of Kazakhstan and visited key institutions to learn about the latest developments in the country's economy, as well as its innovation and technology (I&T) and financial sectors.

Click to Gallery

CE leads delegation to begin visit programme to Kazakhstan (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE leads delegation to begin visit programme to Kazakhstan Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE leads delegation to begin visit programme to Kazakhstan (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE leads delegation to begin visit programme to Kazakhstan Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE leads delegation to begin visit programme to Kazakhstan (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

More Images

CE leads delegation to begin visit programme to Kazakhstan (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE leads delegation to begin visit programme to Kazakhstan Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE leads delegation to begin visit programme to Kazakhstan (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE leads delegation to begin visit programme to Kazakhstan Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE leads delegation to begin visit programme to Kazakhstan (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

In the morning, Mr Lee met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan, Mr Serik Zhumangarin, to exchange views on deepening economic co-operation between the two places. Mr Lee said that Kazakhstan has been actively promoting reforms on various fronts to bring about rapid economic growth. As one of the world's three major financial centres, and the world's largest cross-boundary wealth management centre and offshore Renminbi (RMB) business hub, Hong Kong can provide diversified and flexible support including capital and asset allocation for Kazakhstan's economic reforms and infrastructure development. He cited as examples last year's dual listing of a Kazakhstani company in Hong Kong and Astana, and the first issuance of RMB "dim sum" bonds in Hong Kong by the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, as landmark achievements in financial co-operation between the two places. He welcomed Kazakhstan's government and its enterprises to continue making use of Hong Kong's financial hub advantages by listing, issuing bonds and conducting project financing to connect with global investors and raise international funds for, and add value to, local development projects.

At noon, Mr Lee met with the President of Kazakhstan, Mr Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and attended a luncheon hosted by the President, to exchange views on deepening bilateral relations. Mr Lee said that President Xi Jinping first proposed the joint building of the Silk Road Economic Belt in Kazakhstan in 2013. As the place where the Belt and Road Initiative was first proposed, Kazakhstan is also Hong Kong's largest trading partner in Central Asia, with close economic and trade ties, and broad prospects for co-operation. He noted that Kazakhstan is committed to driving economic diversification and, like Hong Kong, it is an important economic powerhouse for regional development and a gateway for trade. As one of the world's most competitive economies, Hong Kong enjoys the advantage of being connected with both the Chinese Mainland and international markets, which aligns closely with the needs of Kazakhstan's industrial transformation. Mr Lee noted that this visit is the first overseas trip led by him since the establishment of the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global, and it is also the largest in scale, with over 70 enterprise and professional representatives from Hong Kong and the Mainland. He said that he looks forward to reaching multiple co-operation agreements during this visit to deepen collaboration in such areas as trade and investment promotion, financial services, I&T, and culture and tourism, as well as further exploring emerging markets and strengthening bilateral economic ties.

Mr Lee said that Hong Kong enjoys the unique advantages of having the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under the "one country, two systems" principle, and serves as a functional platform for the Belt and Road Initiative. He said that Hong Kong will continue to play its roles as a "super connector" and a "super value-adder", as it further deepens international exchanges and co-operation, and accelerates the development of new growth areas for the economy. He said that he looks forward to strengthening two-way co-operation between the two places, encouraging enterprises in Kazakhstan to make use of Hong Kong's professional services and business advantages to explore the markets of the Chinese Mainland and Asia, while enabling Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises to go global, as they seize the development opportunities arising from Kazakhstan's economic reforms and set up business operations in Central Asia. He noted that with joint efforts, these enterprises could inject new impetus into the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative.

In the afternoon, Mr Lee visited the Astana Hub, a local technology and innovation park, to learn about the latest developments of Kazakhstan in the field of AI. He met with Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan, Mr Zhaslan Madiyev. Mr Lee remarked that this year is the "Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence" of Kazakhstan, and that the Astana Hub, as a major international innovation cluster in Central Eurasia, brings together a large number of start-ups. Mr Lee also introduced Hong Kong's developments in I&T, noting that Hong Kong is actively advancing AI development and driving digital transformation to empower industrial upgrading and transformation. Hong Kong ranks fourth globally in digital competitiveness, and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster ranks first globally. Hong Kong is committed to becoming an international I&T centre, with the Northern Metropolis being developed at full speed. Covering such projects as the Hong Kong Park in the Loop, the San Tin Technopole, and the Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster, the Northern Metropolis will further promote the full integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation, and foster new quality productive forces. He expressed confidence that the Astana Hub and Hong Kong will strengthen connectivity in research collaboration and other areas, and welcomed Kazakhstan's technology and innovation enterprises to set up operations in Hong Kong, leveraging Hong Kong's vibrant innovation ecosystem and robust research and development capabilities to venture into international markets and jointly seize the immense opportunities in technological development.

Mr Lee then visited the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) to learn about Kazakhstan's experience in promoting the development of the non-bank financial sector, and meet with the Governor of the AIFC, Mr Renat Bekturov. The AIFC is a national-level financial special zone established by Kazakhstan in 2018. It ranks first in Eastern Europe and Central Asia as a financial centre and has attracted over 5 500 enterprises to register. Hong Kong, meanwhile, ranks third globally and first in Asia in the Global Financial Centres Index. The two financial centres, both operating under the common law system, share the same direction and can strengthen co-operation in such areas as capital markets connectivity, asset management, green and sustainable finance, and financial technology, creating synergy in the joint promotion of regional economic development.

In the evening, Mr Lee attended a dinner hosted by the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Mr Olzhas Bektenov.

Mr Lee will continue to lead the delegation during its visit to Kazakhstan tomorrow (June 2).

FEHD Reports Rising Aedes albopictus Indexes in May, Urges Public to Strengthen Mosquito Control Measures

FEHD releases sixth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (June 1) released the sixth batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in May, covering 19 survey areas, as follows:

District

Survey Area

May 2026

First PhaseGravidtrap Index

First PhaseDensity Index

Central and Western

Central and Admiralty

13.2%

1.4

Southern

Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay

13.3%

1.5

Kowloon City

Kai Tak

14.9%

1.1

Wong Tai Sin

Diamond Hill and Tsz Wan Shan

18.3%

1.0

Sha Tin

Sha Tin East

20.3%

1.2

Kwai Tsing

Kwai Chung East

9.5%

2.0

Kwai Chung West

17.8%

1.0

Lai King

27.8%

1.5

Tsing Yi North

33.3%

1.3

Tsuen Wan

Tsuen Wan West

37.7%

1.2

Tuen Mun

Tuen Mun West

18.8%

1.3

District

Survey Area

May 2026

Area Gravidtrap Index

Area Density Index

Central and Western

Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun

20.5%

1.9

Kowloon City

Hung Hom and To Kwa Wan

17.2%

1.7

Kwun Tong

Kowloon Bay

28.9%

1.8

Wong Tai Sin

Ngau Chi Wan and San Po Kong

14.7%

1.9

Sai Kung

Sai Kung Town

22.1%

1.4

Tai Po

Tai Po East

10.2%

1.1

Tuen Mun

So Kwun Wat

20.5%

1.3

Yuen Long

Hung Shui Kiu and Ping Shan

14.3%

1.3

With reference to the data from the past few years, the gravidtrap indexes start to rise from April or May every year. The indexes are higher from April to June. The actual timing and extent of the rise are affected by factors like weather conditions and rainfall. As compared with last year, the temperature began to climb earlierthis year and the rainfall in April and May increased substantially, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding. As a result, the rise in gravidtrap indexes occurred earlier this year. Depending on factors like rainfall, the indexes may rise further but the overall trend of gravidtrap indexes this year is similar to those of previous years.

For survey areas which recorded indexes exceeding 10 per cent, in accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the chikungunya fever (CF) situation (i.e. strengthening mosquito control work in areas with a gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, instead of 20 per cent or above under the original mechanism), the FEHD is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestations and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures. The FEHD has initiated four prosecutions against the relevant construction site contractor, estate management companies and a property management company following the discovery of mosquito breeding at a construction site, two public housing estates and a private housing estate in Central and Western District, Kwun Tong District, Sai Kung District and Tsuen Wan District. Moreover, following the discovery of stagnant water or stagnant water containers in six parks, four construction sites, 15 public housing estates, eight private housing estates and four private premises in Central and Western District, Kowloon City District, Kwun Tong District, Wong Tai Sin District, Sai Kung District, Sha Tin District, Tai Po District, Kwai Tsing District, Tsuen Wan District and Yuen Long District, the FEHD has issued 37 statutory notices to the responsible persons-in-charge, requiring the clearance of such items within a specified timeframe. The FEHD, the relevant departments and stakeholders are following up on the mosquito control work, and will also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and work together in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures. In addition, the FEHD will strengthen the monitoring of the gravidtrap index in the areas to review the effectiveness of the mosquito control work.

Public participation is crucial to the effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:

tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside the premises;

remove all unnecessary water collections and eliminate the sources;

check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water;

change water in flower vases and scrub their inner surfaces thoroughly, and remove water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week;

properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water;

properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as disposable meal boxes and empty cans; and

scrub drains and surface sewers with alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of CF transmission.

Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department's webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#).