Hong Kong universities are increasingly driven by global rankings, a trend amplified by government slogans. This focus shapes institutional policies and research, potentially overshadowing other meaningful activities and creating political pressure on university leaders.
Hong Kong and Fujian have signed six agreements to enhance collaboration in finance, trade, tourism, and education. The pacts aim to finalize 28 projects across 11 sectors, encouraging Fujian businesses to list on Hong Kong's stock exchange.
Despite recent China-US summits, great-power rivalry persists, fragmenting global flows. China's 15th five-year plan emphasizes high-quality development, tech self-reliance, and domestic consumption. Hong Kong, under "one country, two systems," can leverage its position as a "superconnector" and global hub for finance, tech, and culture.
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, plans to expand a proposed university town near the mainland border to over 1,000 hectares, integrating education with industry and innovation. Beijing's endorsement highlights its role in economic and tech development.
Xia Baolong, Beijing's point man on Hong Kong affairs, began a two-day visit inspecting housing and technology projects. He visited a public housing site using modular construction, highlighting Greater Bay Area manufacturing capabilities to address Hong Kong's housing shortage.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee deflected questions about extending his five-year term, emphasizing continuity in governance and expressing optimism about the city's economic future. He highlighted policy achievements during his tenure, including stock market trading during typhoons and variable tolling.
Hong Kong's HK$20,000 newborn baby bonus, launched in 2023, is set to expire in October. The government will consult the public on whether to continue the incentive, which has benefited over 65,000 babies and cost HK$1.3 billion.
The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) and Hong Kong's bourse are exploring dual-listing opportunities with Kazakh mining firms. AIFC Governor Renat Bekturov stated that agreements signed during John Lee's visit are a key step for cooperation, aiming to boost investment and market access.
Hong Kong official John Lee emphasized the Northern Metropolis project's importance in attracting talent, crucial for industrial upgrades and competing globally. Early success stories, like the Hetao cooperation zone, are needed to draw investors.
Hong Kong's leader expressed optimism about the economy's strong rebound, highlighting the city's first five-year plan to ensure policy continuity and align resources with national and global developments. He noted challenges but pointed to a positive economic outlook and government growth forecasts.
Hong Kong's leader stated the city is committed to expanding into new markets and strengthening ties with existing partners, emphasizing its stability and security as an open economy facing geopolitical challenges.
Hong Kong's business community signed six MOUs with Kazakhstan to support the development of Alatau City, a new hi-tech and economic hub. Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee positioned the city as a gateway for global capital and mainland Chinese market access to the project.
Hong Kong leader invites Uzbek PM to speak at Belt and Road Summit, offers platform for Uzbek enterprises to expand
Hong Kong has signed 96 agreements valued at US$1.65 billion with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan during a visit by city leader John Lee Ka-chiu. The agreements cover government-level cooperation in trade and education, as well as business partnerships. Lee hailed the visit as successful, paving the way for closer ties and new direct flight routes.
A direct flight between Hong Kong and Tashkent, Uzbekistan, is expected to launch this year, strengthening ties between Central Asia and the city. This follows Cathay Pacific's planned service to Almaty, Kazakhstan, next year.
Hong Kong and Uzbekistan are in talks to establish a reciprocal visa-free travel agreement, potentially allowing visitors from both sides to stay for up to 30 days. Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee met with Uzbekistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov to witness the confirmation of the deal.
Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee led a delegation to Kazakhstan, witnessing partnership agreements between Hong Kong universities and Nazarbayev University. The move aims to deepen academic collaboration and strengthen ties, building on the Belt and Road Initiative.
Hong Kong will relaunch direct flights with Almaty, Kazakhstan in Q1 next year. Chief Executive John Lee also announced deliberations for a double taxation agreement to boost business ties with Central Asia.
Hong Kong leader John Lee met with Kazakh President Tokayev and Deputy PM Zhumangarin to boost economic ties. Lee encouraged Kazakh businesses to leverage Hong Kong's financial hub status for access to mainland China and Asian markets.
Hong Kong medical tech firm Koln 3D to expand research in Central Asia, potentially setting up a factory
Hong Kong's leader John Lee has video-called the city's first astronaut, Lai Ka-ying, ahead of the Shenzhou-23 space flight, calling her participation a reflection of national trust and support for Hong Kong. Lai, a police superintendent with a doctorate in computer science, expressed confidence in completing her mission after rigorous training.
Hong Kong researcher Lai Ka-ying will join China's Shenzhou-23 space flight to the Tiangong space station. Chief Executive John Lee praised her participation as a testament to Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent.
Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee stated ride-hailing licenses will be determined by local conditions and passenger experience. A mechanism will monitor market operations and quotas, balancing public travel needs with the city's unique transport landscape.
Hong Kong's economy and trade with the US will benefit from the stability and certainty brought by the Xi-Trump summit, according to Chief Executive John Lee. He stated that market certainty reduces external turbulence's impact on the city.
