TOPIC

/ location

Kazakhstan

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Kazakhstan. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Astana

Head of State

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev

Head of Government

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov

Chief Executive John Lee (pointing) tours Nazarbayev University in Astana, Kazakhstan. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong economy

96 deals signed, flights planned: what’s next for Hong Kong and Central Asia?

Observers say real challenge lies ahead as government and business stakeholders follow up to realise gains.

13 minutes ago

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong ideal platform for Uzbek firms to spread wings globally, John Lee says

5 Jun 2026 - 10:59PM

China-Russia relations

Chinese military team inspects Russia bases as Putin hails ‘natural allies’

5 Jun 2026 - 6:59PMvideocam

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong signs 96 agreements with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan worth US$1.65 billion

City leader John Lee hails Central Asia visit as setting stage for closer government and business ties with region.

4 Jun 2026 - 11:21PM

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee speaks to the media in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Thursday. Photo: Jeffie Lam

Hong Kong economy

Direct Hong Kong-Almaty flights ‘will save travellers 10 hours, draw tourists’

Lawmakers say new route set to be launched next year will strengthen business ties and bring tourists to Hong Kong shores, with visa-free access under discussion.

4 Jun 2026 - 7:14PM

Hong Kong economy

Direct flights between Hong Kong and Uzbekistan to launch this year, sources say

Direct flights between Hong Kong and Tashkent to start as talks begin on reciprocal 30-day visa-free stay agreement to boost trade, tourism and regional ties.

4 Jun 2026 - 7:38PM

Hong Kong economy

Editorial | Kazakhstan partnerships redefine Hong Kong’s strategic role in Central Asia

Chief Executive John Lee’s trip has delivered concrete results that will enhance business and economic ties and boost tourism.

4 Jun 2026 - 7:15AM

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee (left) meets Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (second right), in Astana, Kazakhstan, on June 1, to exchange views on deepening bilateral relations. Photo: Handout

Education in Hong Kong

Universities in Hong Kong and Kazakhstan deepen ties during Lee’s visit

Education University of Hong Kong and Polytechnic University sign agreements with Nazarbayev University on research and other areas.

4 Jun 2026 - 11:46AM

Hong Kong economy

‘At least 1 firm under Kazakh wealth fund will list in Hong Kong this year’

Trade Development Council chairman Frederick Ma points to Kazakhstan’s huge potential as it seeks to privatise state-owned companies.

3 Jun 2026 - 7:30AM

China food security

Opinion | How Asian food security is shifting away from the West

The platform offers a future where Asian nations are less dependent on maritime chokepoints and Western-aligned supply chains.

3 Jun 2026 - 7:08AM

Kazakh Agriculture Vice-Minister Yermek Kenzhekhanuly (left) and Liu Huanxin, head of China’s National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration, pose at the signing for the creation of a grain-trading platform, in Astana, Kazakhstan, on May 21. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong media groups sign Kazakhstan deals to deepen journalism, business ties

SCMP’s pact with Kazakhstan’s financial hub will foster investment, innovation and cross-border partnerships, publisher Tammy Tam says.

3 Jun 2026 - 4:00PM

The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) in Kazakhstan. Photo: AIFC

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong to relaunch direct flights to Kazakhstan in first quarter of 2027

City leader John Lee vows to push for 30-day visa-free access to Central Asian country, while Cathay says it will offer three flights per week.

2 Jun 2026 - 11:14PM

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong leader’s visit set to unlock Kazakh flights, with incentives eyed

Hong Kong-based airline exploring launching such flights up to three times a week but details are being ironed out.

2 Jun 2026 - 9:45AM

Hong Kong economy

Make use of Hong Kong’s advantages, John Lee urges Kazakhstan leaders, companies

Lee meets President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as delegation seals wide range of partnership deals on first day of Central Asia trip.

2 Jun 2026 - 9:13AM

John Lee (left) meets the president of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, on the first day of his trip. Photo: ISD

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong’s John Lee on Central Asia mission to explore new markets, expand ties

Dozens of agreements are expected to be signed during delegation’s five-day trip to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

1 Jun 2026 - 9:00AM

The delegation’s first stop on the five-day trip to Central Asia is Astana. Photo: Reuters

Hong Kong economy

More Hong Kong tourists drawn to ‘mysterious’ Central Asia, travel agencies say

Tour operators are linking up with mainland Chinese who have settled in region, giving city residents new ways to explore unconventional destinations.

31 May 2026 - 9:00AM

Banking & finance

Editorial | HKEX helping Hong Kong be a superconnector

As it marks 40 years as a unified exchange, the bourse’s next venture is branching out to partner with exchanges in the Gulf and Central Asia.

31 May 2026 - 7:15AM

US, Israel war on Iran

Why the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation isn’t Nato for Iran

Central Asian members in particular see bloc’s main value as preserving their sovereignty rather than enabling collective military action.

30 May 2026 - 8:08AMvideocam

China trade

China-led SCO bloc looks to fast-track plan for new bank, rival Western lenders

Member states seek more financial autonomy and localised credit by advancing an effort to fund regional growth using their national currencies, not the US dollar.

29 May 2026 - 9:00PMvideocam

Central Asia

China’s expanding footprint in Central Asia

From addressing critical water security fears to driving a regional green tech revolution, Beijing is cementing its role as an indispensable partner to Central Asia. This three-part series investigates China’s expanding influence in the region amid global geopolitical uncertainty, exploring how new investments and diplomatic ties are reshaping the Central Asian landscape.

30 May 2026 - 8:07AM

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong well placed to help Central Asia grow yuan trade, leading banker says

Stephen Chan says city is natural choice for Central Asian countries looking to expand renminbi usage in trade and investment.

29 May 2026 - 8:57AM

A view of Kazakhstan's capital Astana. The state-owned Development Bank of Kazakhstan last year listed its first-ever yuan bond on Hong Kong's bourse. Photo: Reuters

Science

How Chinese green tech and investment are reshaping the Central Asian landscape

As the belt and road pivots towards clean energy, Kazakhstan and its neighbours are emerging as top partners for Beijing-backed projects.

29 May 2026 - 1:55PMvideocam

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong eyes Central Asian listings as HKEX CEO pitches city’s deep liquidity

Bonnie Chan says city seeks closer collaboration with region ahead of city leader’s high-level trip to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in early June.

28 May 2026 - 8:30AM

US, Israel war on Iran

As Iran war stokes water security fears, Central Asia could turn to China

Nations facing chronic water shortages might look to Chinese investment to upgrade their creaking Soviet-era infrastructure, observers say.

29 May 2026 - 1:54PMvideocam

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong firm that makes medical implants to expand into Central Asia

Koln 3D CEO Edmond Yau says company will expand research in Kazakhstan, explore Uzbekistan and consider setting up factory in the region.

27 May 2026 - 7:30AM

(From left) HKU professor of dentistry Richard Su, associate professor of orthopaedics Christian Fang, Koln 3D CEO Edmond Yau and consultant Yip Pui-pui, showing some of the medical technology firm’s products. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Hong Kong economy

China Mobile plans fresh Central Asia link to Hong Kong submarine cable network

Telecoms giant’s announcement comes ahead of Hong Kong leader John Lee’s first official visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in early June.

26 May 2026 - 10:00AM

Telecoms giant China Mobile International is planning another route to connect terrestrial cables in Central Asia with Hong Kong’s submarine network. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong economy

Private equity firm Templewater primed as Hong Kong deepens Central Asia ties

Chairman Cliff Zhang says company positioning itself as ‘superconnector’ to channel Middle East funds into emerging market amid volatility elsewhere.

26 May 2026 - 7:00AM

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump now ties Iran deal to major expansion of Abraham Accords

US president suggests Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and other regional powers normalise ties with Israel to secure peace.

26 May 2026 - 8:42AM

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Kazakhstan

96 deals signed, flights planned: what’s next for Hong Kong and Central Asia?

Observers say real challenge lies ahead as government and business stakeholders follow up to realise gains.

Hong Kong ideal platform for Uzbek firms to spread wings globally, John Lee says

Chinese military team inspects Russia bases as Putin hails ‘natural allies’

Hong Kong signs 96 agreements with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan worth US$1.65 billion

City leader John Lee hails Central Asia visit as setting stage for closer government and business ties with region.

Direct Hong Kong-Almaty flights ‘will save travellers 10 hours, draw tourists’

Lawmakers say new route set to be launched next year will strengthen business ties and bring tourists to Hong Kong shores, with visa-free access under discussion.

Direct flights between Hong Kong and Uzbekistan to launch this year, sources say

Direct flights between Hong Kong and Tashkent to start as talks begin on reciprocal 30-day visa-free stay agreement to boost trade, tourism and regional ties.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Editorial | Kazakhstan partnerships redefine Hong Kong’s strategic role in Central Asia

Chief Executive John Lee’s trip has delivered concrete results that will enhance business and economic ties and boost tourism.

Universities in Hong Kong and Kazakhstan deepen ties during Lee’s visit

Education University of Hong Kong and Polytechnic University sign agreements with Nazarbayev University on research and other areas.

‘At least 1 firm under Kazakh wealth fund will list in Hong Kong this year’

Trade Development Council chairman Frederick Ma points to Kazakhstan’s huge potential as it seeks to privatise state-owned companies.

Opinion | How Asian food security is shifting away from the West

The platform offers a future where Asian nations are less dependent on maritime chokepoints and Western-aligned supply chains.

Hong Kong media groups sign Kazakhstan deals to deepen journalism, business ties

SCMP’s pact with Kazakhstan’s financial hub will foster investment, innovation and cross-border partnerships, publisher Tammy Tam says.

Hong Kong to relaunch direct flights to Kazakhstan in first quarter of 2027

City leader John Lee vows to push for 30-day visa-free access to Central Asian country, while Cathay says it will offer three flights per week.

Hong Kong leader’s visit set to unlock Kazakh flights, with incentives eyed

Hong Kong-based airline exploring launching such flights up to three times a week but details are being ironed out.

Make use of Hong Kong’s advantages, John Lee urges Kazakhstan leaders, companies

Lee meets President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as delegation seals wide range of partnership deals on first day of Central Asia trip.

Hong Kong’s John Lee on Central Asia mission to explore new markets, expand ties

Dozens of agreements are expected to be signed during delegation’s five-day trip to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

More Hong Kong tourists drawn to ‘mysterious’ Central Asia, travel agencies say

Tour operators are linking up with mainland Chinese who have settled in region, giving city residents new ways to explore unconventional destinations.

Editorial | HKEX helping Hong Kong be a superconnector

As it marks 40 years as a unified exchange, the bourse’s next venture is branching out to partner with exchanges in the Gulf and Central Asia.

Why the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation isn’t Nato for Iran

Central Asian members in particular see bloc’s main value as preserving their sovereignty rather than enabling collective military action.

China-led SCO bloc looks to fast-track plan for new bank, rival Western lenders

Member states seek more financial autonomy and localised credit by advancing an effort to fund regional growth using their national currencies, not the US dollar.

China’s expanding footprint in Central Asia

Hong Kong well placed to help Central Asia grow yuan trade, leading banker says

Stephen Chan says city is natural choice for Central Asian countries looking to expand renminbi usage in trade and investment.

How Chinese green tech and investment are reshaping the Central Asian landscape

As the belt and road pivots towards clean energy, Kazakhstan and its neighbours are emerging as top partners for Beijing-backed projects.

Hong Kong eyes Central Asian listings as HKEX CEO pitches city’s deep liquidity

Bonnie Chan says city seeks closer collaboration with region ahead of city leader’s high-level trip to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in early June.

As Iran war stokes water security fears, Central Asia could turn to China

Nations facing chronic water shortages might look to Chinese investment to upgrade their creaking Soviet-era infrastructure, observers say.

Hong Kong firm that makes medical implants to expand into Central Asia

Koln 3D CEO Edmond Yau says company will expand research in Kazakhstan, explore Uzbekistan and consider setting up factory in the region.

China Mobile plans fresh Central Asia link to Hong Kong submarine cable network

Telecoms giant’s announcement comes ahead of Hong Kong leader John Lee’s first official visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in early June.

Private equity firm Templewater primed as Hong Kong deepens Central Asia ties

Chairman Cliff Zhang says company positioning itself as ‘superconnector’ to channel Middle East funds into emerging market amid volatility elsewhere.

Trump now ties Iran deal to major expansion of Abraham Accords

US president suggests Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and other regional powers normalise ties with Israel to secure peace.

Editorial | Kazakhstan partnerships redefine Hong Kong’s strategic role in Central Asia