HK eyes Central Asia opportunities as Uzbekistan pushes reform
發佈日期: 2026-02-16 20:04
TVB News
Hong Kong has been active in exploring business opportunities in Central Asia, particularly Uzbekistan, which has seen accelerated economic reforms in recent years.
The Uzbek business community says Hong Kong companies have an edge in green tech that could help them tap the Central Asian market.
Uzbekistan has long served as a strategic hub linking East and West -- from the ancient Silk Road to today's Belt and Road Initiative, having wooed Chinese entrepreneurs seeking new opportunities.
Nie Haiqiang, chairman of an Uzbekistan engineering and trade group, began tapping the market nearly a decade ago, and has taken part in constructing several high-rise buildings in the capital, Tashkent.
He believes the emerging market holds strong potential because of its stable political environment and a large market which boasts a population of nearly 38 million -- the largest in Central Asia, with around one million new births annually.
Since President Shavkat Mirziyoyev took office in 2016, Uzbekistan has actively pursued reforms, including lifting foreign exchange controls, devaluing its currency to boost exports, and establishing free economic zones to attract foreign investment.
Representatives of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Uzbekistan add that Hong Kong firms have strengths in smart and green building technologies, as Tashkent struggles with pollution and seeks innovative, environmentally friendly construction materials.
Uzbekistan is rich in mineral resources but faces high transport costs because of it is a double landlocked country without direct sea access making exports more challenging -- which, the chamber says, is one of the key pain points that need to be addressed to further boost the local economy.
