Hong Kong, Uzbekistan move towards easing travel visa

The SAR government and Uzbekistan have agreed to begin detailed discussions on further relaxing travel arrangements, allowing travellers from both sides to stay visa-free for up to 30 days. Chief Executive John Lee who is leading a business delegation visiting Central Asia held a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Uzbekistan on Wednesday. Lee said on his social media page that they exchanged views on formalising the intent to advance the arrangement. Currently, HKSAR passport holders may visit Uzbekistan visa-free for 10 days, while Uzbek passport holders require a visa to enter Hong Kong. "The two governments will promptly advance the specific implementation measures to bring the arrangement into effect as soon as possible," Lee said. "I believe the implementation of visa-free arrangement will enhance exchanges between the two places, stimulate tourism, study and commercial cooperation and development, lay a solid foundation for long-term economic and trade relations for both sides, and assist Hong Kong in expanding into emerging markets in Central Asia," he added. Edited by Nazvi Careem