ASTANA – Trade between China and the five Central Asian states has surpassed $100 billion, highlighting the region’s growing economic importance, as the South China Morning Post (SCMP) convened policymakers, business leaders, investors and innovators in Astana on Sept. 7 for its China Conference: Central Asia 2026.
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Co-hosted by SCMP and the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), the conference focused on capital, resources and the digital Silk Road and examined deepening economic, technological and capital links between Greater China and Central Asia.
The event marked the first time a Hong Kong media organization has brought an event of this scale to Central Asia, following Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee’s official visit to the region in June.
Connecting capital and innovation
The conference explored capital pathways and dual listings, intelligent mining and energy transition, the digital Silk Road, and healthcare and talent development. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee highlighted the city’s role as a bridge between China and global markets.
“Hong Kong stands ready as your trusted partner, connecting markets, financing sustainable growth and driving seamless cross-boundary trade,” he said.
Former Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung described Central Asia as a “key BRI [Belt and Road Initiative] region” and Kazakhstan as a “key BRI country,” saying the conference could identify opportunities for broader economic cooperation through Hong Kong, “the super-connector.”
Strengthening financial ties
AIFC Governor Renat Bekturov said China is one of Kazakhstan’s key strategic partners and stressed the potential for greater two-way capital flows and closer market connections.
“Our focus is on turning this strong relationship into greater two-way capital flows, closer connections between our markets, and tangible investment opportunities,” he said.
SCMP Publisher Tammy Tam said Hong Kong is “uniquely positioned to connect Central Asia’s rising dynamic with global capital and influence.”
She noted that the conference brought together delegates, industry leaders and representatives from more than 100 companies spanning Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, mainland China and ASEAN.
Healthcare cooperation
CY Leung also announced that the GX Foundation, together with Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Healthcare and Nazarbayev University, will co-host a seminar on Global Medical Frontiers at Nazarbayev University on Oct. 5.
The seminar will cover clinical technology, health system management and traditional medicine, vector-borne diseases, habitat and disaster response, medical education and humanitarian talent.
