WORLD · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
ASEAN Endorses Hong Kong’s Inclusion in RCEP at Belt & Road Summit
WHY IT MATTERS
ASEAN’s backing gives Hong Kong a clearer path to RCEP membership, strengthening its role as a regional trade hub and opening new investment channels for Central Asian economies.
What happened
At the 11th Belt & Road Summit held at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, ASEAN Secretary‑General Kao Kim Hourn confirmed the bloc’s support for Hong Kong’s accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). He highlighted the city’s role as a gateway to Mainland China and its importance for ASEAN trade, tourism and investment.
Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence & Digital Development Bakhtiyar Mukhametkaliyev added that Hong Kong’s robust financial infrastructure and deep market experience could help companies structure deals in the city before expanding into Kazakhstan, where local government offers land‑acquisition assistance and a special tax regime.
The endorsement signals a clearer path for Hong Kong to join RCEP and positions the city as a key partner for Central Asian markets.
PRIMARY SOURCES
ASEAN backs HK joining RCEP
Hong Kong Government Information Services Department · Hong Kong Government website terms; original facts with link and attribution