Central Asia is fast becoming Hong Kong’s next frontier for growth as the city makes a major strategic pivot towards the region. This welcome new direction is about to be further embraced, after the announcement that Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu will lead his administration’s biggest business delegation to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan next month.

More than 30 Hong Kong business leaders from sectors ranging from logistics to innovation and technology as well as about 30 entrepreneurs from mainland China will join the chief executive on the trip to the nations’ respective capitals, Astana and Tashkent, in early June.

It is sensible and timely for the city to deepen ties with the region. While announcing his plans, Lee noted Central Asia’s economic diversification and strong growth in finance, trade, infrastructure, tourism and green development – sectors where Hong Kong excels.

Kazakhstan is Central Asia’s largest economy and a key partner in Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative. The emerging financial hub’s gross domestic product approached US$303 billion last year.

Uzbekistan boasts the largest population among the five Central Asian countries. Earlier this month, it signed 15 bilateral agreements with China covering areas such as infrastructure, healthcare and metal production.

The authorities have spent several years promoting the city in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Their success with promotional pushes in those areas is a testament to Hong Kong’s proactive approach to navigating global geopolitical uncertainties.