As the ancient Silk Road camel bells fade away, the new era of interconnectivity is ushering in a brand new resonance. Recently, a dialogue spanning mountains and seas has taken place between Hong Kong and the hinterland of Central Asia. Representatives of both sides have in-depth discussions around core areas such as transportation infrastructure and aviation connectivity, and continue to write a new chapter of win-win cooperation along the Belt and Road with practical cooperation.

Both parties meet to discuss cooperation

Hong Kong banks are interested in participating in the construction of the Tashkent Samarkand toll road. On August 28, 2026, the head of the department, Ilhom Mahkamov, met with He Liji, director of the the Belt and Road Initiative Office of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The two sides conducted in-depth exchanges on the cooperation between Uzbekistan and China in transportation, freight and infrastructure projects.

During the talks, both sides reviewed the progress of various cooperation agreements after Uzbekistan Prime Minister Abdulla Alipov led a delegation to visit Hong Kong in May 2026, and discussed matters related to expanding the dimensions of bilateral cooperation.

Key focus of infrastructure financing confirmed

One of the core topics of this meeting is the funding provided by Hong Kong banks to support the construction of the Tashkent Samarkand toll road project. He Liki introduced the cooperation plan of Hong Kong and clearly listed the infrastructure project as a key promotion item. In addition, the attendees also held consultations on the signing of aviation communication agreements and the opening of direct flights between Uzbekistan and Hong Kong. After the meeting, both sides agreed to continue deepening cooperation and conducting in-depth research and docking on high-quality potential projects.

Continuous landing of air visas

In May 2026, Uzbekistan and Hong Kong's aviation management departments signed a temporary cooperation agreement, authorizing designated airlines to carry out passenger and cargo charter flights. At the same time, Uzbekistan submitted a draft agreement on air transportation cooperation, and both sides reached a consensus to complete the preliminary signing of the agreement by the end of June 2026. Keywords: the Belt and Road news, transportation, infrastructure

After a month, official representatives from Uzbekistan and Hong Kong reached a verbal consensus to advance visa cooperation. After the new regulations are implemented, Uzbekistan citizens can stay in Hong Kong visa free for up to 30 days, and Hong Kong SAR passport holders will also have their stay in Uzbekistan extended accordingly.Editor/Gong Ziwei