Hong Kong’s logistics sector has deepened its industry connections and partnerships in Kazakhstan – Hong Kong’s second-largest trading and export partner in Central Asia – following a successful trade visit organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).
Located in the heart of Eurasia, Kazakhstan serves as a transcontinental gateway between China and Europe. The country is an economic powerhouse in Central Asia, fuelled by abundant oil reserves, while its status as a commercial and logistics hub has fostered a strong business partnership with Hong Kong.
The mission aimed to help Hong Kong companies gain market insights and identify business opportunities in Kazakhstan and Central Asia through market briefings, company visits and networking events.
The delegation visited Kazakhstan’s two biggest cities, Almaty and Astana, which are central to the development of the country’s high-value services. In 2023, the two cities contributed ~47% to national service output and 26% of GDP.
During the mission, the Hong Kong Association of Freight Forwarding & Logistics Ltd (HAFFA) signed MoUs to strengthen ties with the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan and with Kazlogistics, the Union of Transport and Logistics Organizations and Associations.
The scope of these agreements includes sharing best practices in freight and logistics, increasing trade and investment and working together on services and infrastructure projects, among other areas.
The mission also discussed bilateral cooperation in transport and logistics with Marat Karabayev, Minister of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and with representatives from the QazTrade Center for Trade Policy Development.
Delegates also met with Abdurakhim Kayumov, Consul General of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and Ravshan Arabshoh Bobokhonzoda, Consul General of the Republic of Tajikistan, to discuss trade development and business opportunities in Central Asia.
The mission visited influential local associations in Kazakhstan as well as key industry players, paving the way for mutual growth for Hong Kong and Kazakh companies.
The delegation, which included eight logistics and supply chain companies from Hong Kong, was led by Legislative Council member Frankie Yick, who is Chairman of HKTDC’s Logistics Services Advisory Committee, and by Stephen Liang, HKTDC’s Assistant Executive Director.
Speaking at a business luncheon in Almaty, Mr Yick highlighted the close bonds between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan, as well as Kazakhstan's strategic role in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
"Hong Kong, acting as a superconnector, can facilitate trade and investment between Kazakhstan, Mainland China and other global markets,” he said.
“By working together, Hong Kong and Kazakhstan can maximise synergies and capture evolving business opportunities along the Belt and Road countries.”
Central Asia, with its historical ties to the ancient Silk Road, has been pivotal since China’s President Xi Jinping announced the BRI in Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital city, in 2013.
The next edition of the Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC) will take place in Hong Kong on 18-19 November, bringing together logistics, maritime, air freight and supply chain management service providers and shippers to discuss industry developments and opportunities.
This conference, co-organised by the Hong Kong SAR Government and HKTDC, will explore a range of topics, including supply chain diversification, sustainability and green energy, innovation and technology, and more.
