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CE Leads Hong Kong Delegation to Yield Fruitful Results in Strengthening Ties between Hong Kong and Central Asia

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CE Leads Hong Kong Delegation to Yield Fruitful Results in Strengthening Ties between Hong Kong and Central Asia

2026-06-05 20:30 Last Updated At:06-07 15:02

CE: Central Asia visit yields fruitful results and opens up new opportunities for co-operation between Hong Kong and Central Asia

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, led a business delegation comprising representatives from Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises to continue its visit programme to Uzbekistan today (June 5). He met with local officials and business leaders, and visited innovation and technology (I&T) and cultural institutions to learn about the latest developments in areas such as the digital economy and cultural preservation.

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The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Photo shows Mr Lee (first row, tenth right), the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (first row, ninth right) and other participants. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Photo shows Mr Lee (first row, tenth right), the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (first row, ninth right) and other participants. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (third left), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (third left), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (third left), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (third left), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (left), today (June 5) attends a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (left), today (June 5) attends a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (left), today (June 5) attends a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where he met again with the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (left), today (June 5) attends a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where he met again with the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (sixth left), today (June 5) attends a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where he met again with the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (eighth right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (sixth left), today (June 5) attends a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where he met again with the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (eighth right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (second right), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (second right), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (front row, centre), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (front row, centre), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Photo shows Mr Lee signing a commemorative album. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Photo shows Mr Lee signing a commemorative album. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (right), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (right), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (second right), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (second right), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (front row, first left), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (front row, first left), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (front row, first left), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (front row, first left), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (second left), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (second left), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, attended a luncheon hosted by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr Yu Jun, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, today (June 5). Photo shows Mr Lee (left) meeting with Mr Yu (right) before the luncheon. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, attended a luncheon hosted by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr Yu Jun, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, today (June 5). Photo shows Mr Lee (left) meeting with Mr Yu (right) before the luncheon. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (first row, centre); the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (first row, fifth left); the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan (first row, fourth left); the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui (first row, fourth right); the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau (first row, third left); the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip (first row, third right); the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong (second row, fifth left); the Commissioner for Belt and Road, Mr Nicholas Ho (second row, fourth left); the Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Ms Alpha Lau (second row, fifth right); and the Director of Information Services, Mr John Tse (second row, fourth right) and the delegation at the IT Park. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (first row, centre); the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (first row, fifth left); the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan (first row, fourth left); the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui (first row, fourth right); the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau (first row, third left); the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip (first row, third right); the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong (second row, fifth left); the Commissioner for Belt and Road, Mr Nicholas Ho (second row, fourth left); the Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Ms Alpha Lau (second row, fifth right); and the Director of Information Services, Mr John Tse (second row, fourth right) and the delegation at the IT Park. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (third left) meeting with the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (third right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (third left) meeting with the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (third right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) meeting with the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (third left). Looking on is the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan (first left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) meeting with the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (third left). Looking on is the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan (first left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (centre) meeting with the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (right). Looking on is the the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan (left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (centre) meeting with the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (right). Looking on is the the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan (left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) meeting with the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (second right). Looking on is the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan (first left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) meeting with the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (second right). Looking on is the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan (first left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) touring a showroom. Looking on is the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (third left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) touring a showroom. Looking on is the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (third left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (first right) touring a showroom. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (first right) touring a showroom. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (third right) touring a showroom. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (third right) touring a showroom. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (left) meeting with the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (left) meeting with the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

In the morning, Mr Lee visited IT Park Uzbekistan, an innovation technology park in Uzbekistan, and met with the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov, to exchange views on strengthening co-operation between the two places in I&T and the digital economy. Uzbekistan has been actively promoting digital transformation through its "Digital Uzbekistan 2030" Strategy. IT Park Uzbekistan has now become a leading I&T hub in Central Asia, bringing together over 1 000 I&T enterprises and start-up teams covering areas such as software development, AI and digital trade. During the meeting, Mr Lee witnessed the exchange of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or the confirmation of intention to co-operate between IT Park Uzbekistan and Hong Kong Cyberport, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, and Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park to promote closer co-operation between the two places on various fronts, including start-up incubation, talent exchanges and joint research and development (R&D).

Mr Lee said that Hong Kong ranks fourth globally in digital competitiveness, and is home to five universities among the world's top 100 with world-class R&D capabilities. Hong Kong is pressing ahead with the development of the Northern Metropolis and its associated projects, including the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone and the Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster, for developing into an international I&T centre. He expressed confidence that Hong Kong will become a strategic gateway for Uzbek enterprises seeking to tap into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and international markets, while Hong Kong enterprises can also leverage Uzbekistan's vast talent pool and industrial strengths. He said he believes the MOUs will help establish closer and longer-term partnership between the two places in areas such as the digital economy and I&T development.

At noon, Mr Lee attended a luncheon hosted by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr Yu Jun. He thanked the Embassy for its continued support to the work of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and for making meticulous arrangements for the visit.

In the afternoon, Mr Lee visited the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. The Center is the largest cultural, scientific and educational complex in Uzbekistan, showcasing the country's profound historical and cultural heritage. Mr Lee said that Hong Kong is actively developing into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, with world-class museums, rich and diverse arts and cultural activities, and a vibrant network for people-to-people exchanges. He expressed hope that Hong Kong and Uzbekistan will further strengthen co-operation in arts and culture, people-to-people exchanges and museum collaboration, and deepen friendship between the two places.

Mr Lee then attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan, where he met again with the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov. Mr Lee said at the event that Uzbekistan has actively promoted economic reforms and continuously improved its business environment in recent years, demonstrating enormous development potential. He said that Hong Kong, as an international financial centre, is equipped with a sound and well-regulated rule of law environment, a robust and transparent regulatory regime, and a highly open and internationalised business environment. Hong Kong can provide professional support for Uzbekistan's economic development needs and serves as an ideal platform to assist Uzbek enterprises in expanding their business. He said he looked forward to strengthening co-operation between the two places and laying a solid foundation in areas including capital markets connectivity, infrastructure financing and green finance, with complementary advantages and mutual benefit.

Mr Lee will later attend a dinner hosted by Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov. Mr Lee thanked the Government of Uzbekistan for making thoughtful arrangements for the visit and expressed confidence that the two places will open up a new chapter of mutual benefits and win-win co-operation.

Concluding the visit, Mr Lee said that the Central Asia visit has yielded fruitful results. During the delegation's visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, achievements have been secured in eight areas:

(1) establishing high-level contacts and ties between the HKSAR Government and the Governments of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and reaching consensus on co-operation in multiple areas;

(2) the HKSAR Government and the two governments signed a total of 15 MOUs and agreements covering areas such as commerce, education and development projects. Beyond the government level, a total of 81 MOUs and agreements were concluded, covering such areas as trade and economic co-operation, investment, finance, technology and aviation. A total of 96 co-operation agreements and MOUs were reached during the visit, involving specific amounts exceeding US$1.65 billion in total;

(3) the governments agreed to commence bilateral discussions on agreements in various areas, including discussions with the Governments of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on comprehensive avoidance of double taxation agreements, negotiations on a bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement, and co-operation with the Government of Uzbekistan on customs clearance facilitation;

(4) deepening project matching and research collaboration between Hong Kong and Central Asian region in areas including finance, I&T, and aviation;

(5) demonstrating Hong Kong's effective role as a platform for going global and achieving substantial results, with Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises joining forces in tapping new markets and bringing synergistic advantages into full play;

(6) facilitating more convenient people-to-people exchanges by promoting direct flights, aviation and transport co-operation, and extensions to the mutual visa-free period;

(7) promoting exchanges in education, talent and culture to further deepen people-to-people bonds; and

(8) advancing a hub-to-hub co-operation model to open up broader room for co-operation between Hong Kong and the Central Asian region.

Mr Lee and the delegation will depart from Uzbekistan tonight and return to Hong Kong tomorrow afternoon (June 6).

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Photo shows Mr Lee (first row, tenth right), the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (first row, ninth right) and other participants. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Photo shows Mr Lee (first row, tenth right), the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (first row, ninth right) and other participants. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (third left), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (third left), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (third left), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (third left), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (left), today (June 5) attends a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (left), today (June 5) attends a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (left), today (June 5) attends a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where he met again with the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (left), today (June 5) attends a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where he met again with the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (sixth left), today (June 5) attends a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where he met again with the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (eighth right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (sixth left), today (June 5) attends a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where he met again with the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (eighth right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (second right), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (second right), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (front row, centre), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (front row, centre), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Photo shows Mr Lee signing a commemorative album. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Photo shows Mr Lee signing a commemorative album. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (right), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (right), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (second right), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (second right), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (front row, first left), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (front row, first left), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (front row, first left), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (front row, first left), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (second left), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (second left), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, attended a luncheon hosted by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr Yu Jun, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, today (June 5). Photo shows Mr Lee (left) meeting with Mr Yu (right) before the luncheon. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, attended a luncheon hosted by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr Yu Jun, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, today (June 5). Photo shows Mr Lee (left) meeting with Mr Yu (right) before the luncheon. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (first row, centre); the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (first row, fifth left); the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan (first row, fourth left); the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui (first row, fourth right); the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau (first row, third left); the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip (first row, third right); the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong (second row, fifth left); the Commissioner for Belt and Road, Mr Nicholas Ho (second row, fourth left); the Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Ms Alpha Lau (second row, fifth right); and the Director of Information Services, Mr John Tse (second row, fourth right) and the delegation at the IT Park. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (first row, centre); the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (first row, fifth left); the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan (first row, fourth left); the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui (first row, fourth right); the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau (first row, third left); the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip (first row, third right); the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong (second row, fifth left); the Commissioner for Belt and Road, Mr Nicholas Ho (second row, fourth left); the Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Ms Alpha Lau (second row, fifth right); and the Director of Information Services, Mr John Tse (second row, fourth right) and the delegation at the IT Park. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (third left) meeting with the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (third right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (third left) meeting with the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (third right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) meeting with the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (third left). Looking on is the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan (first left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) meeting with the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (third left). Looking on is the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan (first left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (centre) meeting with the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (right). Looking on is the the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan (left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (centre) meeting with the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (right). Looking on is the the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan (left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) meeting with the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (second right). Looking on is the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan (first left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) meeting with the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (second right). Looking on is the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan (first left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) touring a showroom. Looking on is the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (third left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) touring a showroom. Looking on is the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (third left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (first right) touring a showroom. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (first right) touring a showroom. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (third right) touring a showroom. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (third right) touring a showroom. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (left) meeting with the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (left) meeting with the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DH convenes 14th Meeting of International Advisory Board on Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards

The Department of Health (DH) today (July 14) convened the 14th Meeting of the International Advisory Board (IAB) on Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards (HKCMMS) to review the reference standards for 16 types of Chinese Materia Medica (CMM) commonly used in Hong Kong, and to discuss the future development of the HKCMMS. Over 60 experts from the Chinese Mainland, overseas and Hong Kong attended the meeting.

Since 2002, the DH has been implementing the HKCMMS project in phases to develop standards for commonly used CMM in Hong Kong to ensure their safety and quality.

In his opening remarks, the Director of Health and the Chairperson of the IAB, Dr Ronald Lam, said, "One of the key initiatives of the Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute (GCMTI) under the DH is the implementation of the HKCMMS. With the publication of the Volume 12 of the HKCMMS, standards for 357 types of CMM have been established so far. They have become widely recognised international reference standards for Chinese medicine testing and certification, thereby promoting the high-quality scientific development of Chinese medicine. In addition, the work of GCMTI is closely aligned with national priorities. The National 15th Five-Year Plan made it clear that we need to 'advance the inheritance and innovation of Chinese medicine' and 'promote the integration of Chinese and Western medicine'. It also calls for us to 'strengthen the conservation and utilisation of Chinese medicine resources', 'improve the quality of Chinese medicine, and build up and strengthen the Chinese medicine industry'. These are exactly the goals that the HKCMMS Project is helping to achieve - by setting rigorous quality standards for CMM and conducting applied research and development on testing methods that underpin the entire industry, establishing the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as a bridgehead for the global expansion of Chinese Medicine."

Dr Lam emphasised that the success of the HKCMMS project depends on the active collaboration of stakeholders across different sectors. He expressed his sincere appreciation to the four research partners attending the meeting, commending their dedicated contributions to advancing the project's research efforts. They were the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the China Medical University. He also thanked the Government Laboratory for conducting inter-laboratory verification studies. Dr Lam emphasised that these collaborations are crucial for establishing a rigorous and solid scientific foundation for the HKCMMS and gaining international credibility. The DH is also deeply grateful to the National Medical Products Administration, the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission for their continuous valuable advice and support in developing the HKCMMS. To align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan to advance the inheritance, innovation and high-quality development of Chinese medicine, expand and promote Chinese medicine culture, the DH will continue to steadfastly promote the development of Chinese medicine and better integrate into and serve the overall national development.

The two-day meeting brought together experts from the Chinese Mainland, Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Japan, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as representatives from research institutions, the DH and the Government Laboratory of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The 16 types of CMM commonly used in Hong Kong that were discussed at the meeting included Bambusae Caulis in Taenias, Pyrolae Herba, Natrii Sulfas, Dichroae Radix, Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma, Cynanchi Atrati Radix et Rhizoma, Jasmini Flos, Tinosporae Caulis, Inulae Flos, Haematitum, Lasiosphaera seu Calvatia, Vespae Nidus, Dioscoreae Rhizoma, Aconiti Kusnezoffii Folium, Meliae Cortex and Tripterygii Wilfordii Radix.

Previous editions of the HKCMMS can be accessed at the website of the Chinese Medicine Regulatory Office of the DH.

DH convenes 14th Meeting of International Advisory Board on Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DH convenes 14th Meeting of International Advisory Board on Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DH convenes 14th Meeting of International Advisory Board on Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DH convenes 14th Meeting of International Advisory Board on Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DH convenes 14th Meeting of International Advisory Board on Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DH convenes 14th Meeting of International Advisory Board on Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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