Uzbek firms urged to use HK as springboard to mainland

Chief Executive John Lee appealed to Uzbek businesses on Wednesday to use Hong Kong as a springboard to expand their operations into the mainland. He made the remarks at a business forum attended by Uzbekistan Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, who is leading a delegation of senior officials and business leaders here for an official visit. “For Uzbek enterprises here with us, if you are looking to tap into the vast Chinese market, Hong Kong is your ideal partner,” Lee said. “Hong Kong speaks the language of international business. Our financial experts can help you raise capital. Our lawyers, accountants and arbitration specialists can guide you and your business every step of the way.” Lee also said Hong Kong and Uzbekistan are building stronger government and business ties for good reasons. He stressed that the high-level visit “speaks volumes about the strength of the relations between Uzbekistan and China.” Lee said he is confident that Hong Kong and Uzbekistan would build on their existing cooperation and explore more “mutually rewarding partnership” opportunities. The CE and Aripov also witnessed the exchange of bilateral agreements that had been signed by representatives from China and Uzbekistan on enhancing cooperation between the two countries. The bilateral agreements cover several strategic sectors, such as energy, agriculture, and air cargo. Earlier in the day, Lee and senior officials met Aripov at Government House to exchange views on further strengthening cooperation between the two places. Lee also welcomed more young people from Uzbekistan to pursue further studies and develop their careers in Hong Kong, aiming to enhance people-to-people and cultural ties between the two places. Edited by Tony Sabine