HK and Central Asian countries sign over 90 pacts worth US$ 1.65 bil

Chief Executive John Lee's trip to the Central Asian republics of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan resulted in a total of 96 memoranda of understanding and partnership agreements being made, with an estimated worth of 1.65 billion US dollars.

Having earlier arrived in the Uzbek capital of Tashkent, the CE said the two parties have already reached several agreements including the mutual extension of visa-free visits for tourists to 30 days.

The Uzbek government has also agreed to setting up a consulate in the city.

Lee stressed his visit in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan consists of three aims -- to expand Hong Kong's influence in regional markets, strengthen relations between the two governments as well as establish partnership models between the two hubs.