The 11th Belt and Road Summit, held in Hong Kong on September 9–10, concluded with over 6,200 political and business elites from more than 70 countries and regions participating, according to the event organizer. The summit, hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government since 2016, serves as a premier platform for business and investment under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
During the two-day event, more than 60 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and bilateral co-operation agreements were signed. The total value of these agreements, together with new projects and deals finalized before and during the summit, exceeded US$3.1 billion. This substantial figure underscores the summit's effectiveness in facilitating tangible business outcomes and strengthening economic ties across BRI markets.
HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee emphasized Hong Kong's unique position, stating, "Hong Kong, as a place where East meets West, is where capital, talent, businesses and opportunities converge." He noted that the city continues to expand its network along the Belt and Road while strengthening traditional partnerships. Under the theme "Advancing High-quality Development · Embarking on a New Journey," discussions covered trade, legal services, green technology, logistics, artificial intelligence, and new quality productive forces.
The summit introduced three new special chapters: GoGlobal, Central Asia, and Middle East. The GoGlobal Chapter provided a one-stop platform for Chinese Mainland enterprises seeking overseas markets, while the Central Asia and Middle East chapters highlighted investment opportunities in those regions. Mr. Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, remarked, "In light of the shifting geopolitics, rising trade protectionism and the reshaping of global supply chains, businesses going global is no longer simply an option; it is an increasingly important strategy for Chinese Mainland enterprises to diversify risks, strengthen resilience and pursue new growth opportunities."
A freshly integrated University Zone showcased Hong Kong universities' R&D strengths and technology commercialization capabilities, reinforcing the city's status as an international education hub. The debut Dialogue for Future session promoted think-tank exchanges on Asia-Pacific co-operation. The Project Investment Session, Belt and Road Deal-Making, and Exhibition Zones featured over 300 investment projects and arranged more than 800 one-on-one meetings, connecting enterprises with potential partners.
Mr. Lee has led high-level business delegations to 13 Belt and Road countries, resulting in over 250 MoUs and agreements covering policy coordination, trade, investment, and connectivity. This demonstrates Hong Kong's proactive approach to opening new markets and forming partnerships. For more information about Hong Kong's role in the Belt and Road Initiative, visit Brand Hong Kong.
The summit's success highlights Hong Kong's critical role as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" in the BRI, facilitating international cooperation and driving economic growth amid global uncertainties. With its strategic location and robust legal and financial systems, Hong Kong remains a vital gateway for businesses looking to capitalize on Belt and Road opportunities.
