CE John Lee and business delegation set off to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

Chief Executive John Lee begins his seven-day visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Leading a business delegation, Lee says he hopes to bring good news back to Hong Kong and facilitate more collaboration between the city and the two Central Asian countries.

Setting off this morning, this delegation is the largest in size in the current administration.

Accompanying officials include Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau and Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui.

The group also includes more than 40 local business and professional representatives and about 30 representatives from mainland enterprises, covering fields such as finance, law and technology.

Belt and Road Commissioner Nicholas Ho says the trip aims to explore new markets and to establish various mechanisms between their governments.

He adds Hong Kong can also assist Central Asia's natural resources and mineral companies in listing, financing and bond issuance, as well as invest in the region's tourism industry.