Hong Kong Strengthens Ties with Kazakhstan at Dubai ETO Dinner in Astana

2026-09-16 01:40 Last Updated At：03:51

Dubai ETO hosts dinner in Kazakhstan to deepen hub-to-hub co-operation between Hong Kong and Central Asia

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai (Dubai ETO) hosted a dinner in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, on September 6 (Astana time), to strengthen ties between Hong Kong and the Central Asian region and to further deepen hub-to-hub co-operation between the two places.

Click to Gallery

Source: AI-found images

Dubai ETO hosts dinner in Kazakhstan to deepen hub-to-hub co-operation between Hong Kong and Central Asia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Source: AI-found images

More Images

Source: AI-found images

Dubai ETO hosts dinner in Kazakhstan to deepen hub-to-hub co-operation between Hong Kong and Central Asia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Source: AI-found images

The dinner brought together over a hundred guests, including local leaders from the political, business, innovation and technology, and academic sectors, as well as executives and representatives from various related sectors, institutions, and enterprises in Hong Kong, providing a platform for exchanges, broader connections and exploration of more co-operation opportunities between the two places. Prominent guests attending the dinner included Governor of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), Mr Renat Bekturov; President of Nazarbayev University, Professor Waqar Ahmad; Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the technology and innovation park – Astana Hub, Mr Magzhan Madiyev, and Minister-Counsellor of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr Su Yu.

In his opening remarks, the Director-General of Dubai ETO, Mr Simon Chan said that the Chief Executive led a delegation to visit Central Asia in June this year, advancing the hub-to-hub co-operation model, which has established a solid foundation for co-operation and opened up broader space for collaboration between the two places. As a "super connector" and "super value-adder" linking the Chinese Mainland with the rest of the world, Hong Kong is the best platform for Central Asian enterprises to enter the Chinese Mainland and expand their businesses across Asia.

"Kazakhstan is pressing ahead at full speed with its digital transformation and infrastructure development, which dovetails deeply with Hong Kong's unique strengths in finance, investment, innovation and technology, infrastructure, and professional services. As important hubs in their respective regions, the two places can generate synergy through co-operation, achieving a true hub-to-hub partnership – connecting Central Asia with the Chinese Mainland, Asia, and global markets," said Mr Chan.

A representative from Invest Hong Kong also introduced to local guests at the dinner Hong Kong's various business advantages as an international financial centre, its vibrant business environment, and the investment opportunities in Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Mr Chan later attended China Conference: Central Asia 2026 and the ninth Astana Finance Days, exchanging views with executives and professionals from the finance, investment, technology, and other sectors in Central Asia and around the world. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, delivered a video speech at the annual conference, and Dubai ETO was also a supporting partner of the conference.

During their stay in Astana, Dubai ETO officers held bilateral meetings with multiple government authorities and key institutions of Kazakhstan to strengthen Hong Kong's economic and trade ties with the country. Mr Chan met with Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Astana Hub, Mr Magzhan Madiyev, to explore co-operation opportunities in the digital economy and innovation ecosystem. Astana Hub is the largest international technology park in Central Asia and has signed memoranda of understanding with several major innovation and technology parks in Hong Kong. He also visited AIFC, where he exchanged views with Chief of Staff, Ms Dinara Zhakupova, on strengthening financial connectivity and co-operation between the two places.

In addition, Mr Chan paid courtesy calls on the economic and foreign trade departments of the Kazakh government, including Director of the Department of International Economic Co-operation of the Ministry of National Economy, Mr Yerzhan Nessibkulov and Deputy General Director of the QazTrade Center for Trade Policy Development, Dr Ainur Amirbekova, to discuss expanding economic and trade co-operation. Apart from official institutions, Mr Chan also met with Chief Financial Officer of the Air Astana Group, Mr Gonçalo Pires, to jointly explore the possibilities of co-operation between the two places.

Dubai ETO officers also visited Nazarbayev University which jointly offers the Bachelor of Business Administration (Eurasian Business Management) programme with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). The first cohort of students commenced their studies at Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Business in late August this year. They will study at the university for the first two years before transferring to HKUST to complete the programme. Mr Chan met and exchanged views with the Vice Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr Tom Vinaimont, and the new students enrolled in the programme, learning about their studies and daily life in Kazakhstan and briefing them on the latest developments in Hong Kong. He wished them success in their studies in both places and expressed hope that they would make contributions to exchanges between Hong Kong and Central Asia in the future.

Financial Secretary Celebrates Cathay Pacific's 80th Anniversary and Future Opportunities for Hong Kong

Speech by FS at Cathay 80 Years Together Dinner

Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at Cathay 80 Years Together Dinner this evening (September 15):

Guy (Chair of Cathay Group, Mr Guy Bradley), Deputy Director Zhang Yong (Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Deputy Commissioner Li Yongsheng (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Ronald (Chief Executive Officer of Cathay Group, Mr Ronald Lam), Consuls-General, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening.

It is a great pleasure to celebrate Cathay Pacific's 80th anniversary with you. Tonight, we celebrate not only an airline, but a journey that belongs, in a very special way, to Hong Kong.

From Betsy, your pioneering DC-3, to today's global network, Cathay has grown together with Hong Kong. Even your name speaks of ambition: "Pacific" expressed the dream of crossing that vast ocean, long before the airline could do so. That spirit - starting modestly, thinking boldly and looking outwards - is unmistakably Hong Kong.

For generations, Cathay has been part of life's most meaningful journeys: the first trip abroad, departure for university, a business venture and a long-awaited reunion. And for returning travellers, that familiar welcome on board brings a comforting feeling: home is already a little closer.

Of course, your journey had difficult chapters. During the pandemic, the Government's support reflected our determination to safeguard Hong Kong's status as an international aviation hub and our confidence in Cathay's role within it. That was an investment in our shared future. And it was your people - their professionalism, perseverance and dedication - who helped turn confidence into recovery.

Your work matters far beyond air connections. For Hong Kong, every new route is another opening for trade, investment and opportunity. This is our "super connector" role in practice: bringing businesses to markets, and people to one another.

Looking ahead, the National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing our status as an international aviation hub. We are determined to translate that support into greater capacity, wider reach and lasting economic benefits.

Our Three-Runway System and newly opened Terminal 2 facilities provide more room for growth. The Airport Authority's expanded Airport City development, SKYTOPIA, will further strengthen our airport's appeal - as both a gateway and a destination.

With these developments, the Government is pursuing new air services agreements and expanded traffic rights, particularly with partners in the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa and South America. These efforts will give airlines more opportunities to expand their networks through Hong Kong and strengthen our Belt and Road connections.

Cathay's plan to launch direct flights to Almaty, Kazakhstan, in January 2027 is a welcome example. It will open a new gateway to Central Asia, creating opportunities for business, tourism, cultural exchanges and deeper friendship between our communities.

As the Government opens the way for wider air links, I encourage Cathay to seize these opportunities and add new destinations to your network.

In an uncertain world, we must pursue these opportunities with prudence as well as confidence. The case for bringing people together and opening up new markets is stronger, not weaker.

Cathay's commitment of around HK$150 billion to aircraft, cabins, lounges and digital innovation is a vote of confidence in Hong Kong's future. I look forward to seeing that investment deliver better journeys for passengers, rewarding careers for local talent, and fresh possibilities for our city.

As Hong Kong's home carrier, you are an ambassador for the city. For many visitors, their first impression of Hong Kong begins with your welcome, before they ever see our skyline. Safety without compromise, service with care and respect, onboard dining experience worthy of Hong Kong's reputation, and professionalism in every detail: these are the qualities that earn trust and make Hong Kong proud.

And, ladies and gentlemen, I am sure passengers would be delighted to see one more thing: your excellent service accompanied by equally attractive fares. Guy and Ronald, I shall leave that in your capable hands.

Happy 80th anniversary, Cathay Pacific. May you continue to bring the world closer to Hong Kong, and Hong Kong closer to the world - and wherever you fly, carry the warmth, ambition and spirit of this city with you. Thank you very much.

Hong Kong Strengthens Ties with Kazakhstan at Dubai ETO Dinner in Astana

HK