Unlocking New Growth Engines for Hong Kong: InvestHK’s Role in the Belt and Road Initiative
Loretta Lee emphasizes that InvestHK is strategically working to cultivate new growth avenues for Hong Kong while supporting the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The recent Belt and Road Summit highlighted Hong Kong’s vital role in national development, serving as a platform for investment promotion and global partnerships.
Key Initiatives and Networking
A significant feature of this year’s summit was the launch of the “GoGlobal” chapter, spearheaded by Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Algernon Yau. This initiative provides comprehensive support for Chinese enterprises eager to expand internationally. In the first half of 2026, InvestHK aided 413 businesses, showcasing a nearly 10% growth in companies from BRI partner economies.
Strategic Footholds: “Points”
InvestHK is establishing “points”—strategic footholds around the globe to foster partnerships. For instance, recent trips to key mainland cities and participation in investment sessions in Xiamen are examples of how these points facilitate mutual trust and collaboration.
In June, a delegation visited Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, leading to significant agreements valued at over $1.65 billion, illustrating the effectiveness of InvestHK’s strategic endeavors.
Two-Way Corridors: “Lines”
Once these points are established, InvestHK aims to create “lines” that represent robust trade and investment connections. Notably, the partnership with Kazakhstan Railways, which has chosen to list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, exemplifies a burgeoning two-way relationship between Hong Kong and Central Asia.
This approach is being replicated in the Middle East, with banks establishing presences in Hong Kong to leverage its financial infrastructure for regional investment flows.
Investment Ecosystems: “Planes”
As these lines converge, they form “planes”—integrated industrial ecosystems. The emphasis on building a gold trading hub and expanding opportunities in the Northern Metropolis illustrates Hong Kong’s commitment to developing these ecosystems. Moreover, advancements in financial technology are accelerating digital transformation amid the BRI economies.
Sustaining Interconnectedness
Lee advocates for maintaining the vitality of these networks through persistent outreach and curiosity about local developments in BRI markets. Open dialogue and collaboration are essential as geopolitical conditions evolve.
Advancing these initiatives, InvestHK will continue to explore avenues for high-quality development within the Belt and Road framework, unlocking substantial growth potential for Hong Kong.
