South China Morning Post Hosts Landmark “China Conference: Central Asia 2026” in Astana

The inaugural conference marks a historic milestone as the first major Hong Kong local media outlet to host a flagship summit in Kazakhstan, following Chief Executive John Lee’s visit to the region in June.

Hong Kong’s premier English-language news organisation, convenes leading policymakers, business leaders, investors, and innovators at the Hilton Astana for its landmark China Conference: Central Asia 2026. The theme focuses on “Capital, Resources and the Digital Silk Road.” The conference, co-hosted by the South China Morning Post and the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), marks the very first time a Hong Kong media organisation has brought an event of this scale directly to Central Asia.

This milestone event builds upon the strong momentum established following Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee’s official visit to the region in June, highlighting the rapidly deepening economic, technological, and capital links between Greater China and Central Asia.

Connecting Eurasia’s Capital and Innovation

With trade between China and the five Central Asian states having surpassed US$100 billion, Central Asia has firmly established itself as a vibrant economic hub. China Conference: Central Asia 2026 serves as a premier platform to examine key cross-border dynamics, including:

• Capital Pathways & Dual Listings: Exploring the newly established Hong Kong–Astana capital bridge, following the milestone dual listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) and Astana International Exchange (AIX).
• Intelligent Mining & Energy Transition: Examining how modern technology, AI, and green investments are upgrading the region’s critical minerals and energy sectors.
• The Digital Silk Road: Addressing digital infrastructure, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and financial technology across the China-Central Asia corridor.
• Healthcare & Talent Development: Fostering cross-border biotech partnerships and nurturing a highly skilled workforce for Eurasia’s digital future.

The conference featured a keynote address delivered via video by the Hon CY Leung, GBM, GBS, JP, KCM,Vice-Chairman of the CPPCC and Former Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, he announced a Seminar on Global Medical Frontiers will be hosted in Kazahkstan next month, “I am pleased to share that the GX Foundation, a Belt and Road INGO of which I am the founding chairman, will co-host with the Ministry of Healthcare of Kazakhstan and the Nazarbayev University a Seminar on Global Medical Frontiers, covering Clinical Technology, Health System Management and Traditional Medicine, Vector-borne Diseases, Habitat and Disaster, Medical Education and Humanitarian Talent. The seminar will be held in the Nazarbayev University on 5 October.” Mr Leung also highlighted the importance of Central Asia: “Central Asia is a key BRI region and Kazakhstan a key BRI country. I thank the South China Morning Post for bringing the China Conference to Astana, which I am sure will identify opportunities for broader economic and other collaborations between China and Central Asian Countries, particularly through Hong Kong – the super-connector.”

Highlighting Hong Kong’s strategic role in connecting regional economies, Hon John KC Lee, GBM, SBS, PDSM, PMSM, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, underscored the city’s unique position in driving international partnership: “Under the unique ‘one country, two systems’ principle, Hong Kong is the only world city that enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage… our business-friendly environment, simple and low tax regime, as well as wealth of multicultural talent and professional services help international companies, including those from Central Asia, tap into the vast Chinese Mainland market.” Lee added, “As we look ahead, the promise of Central Asia as a global growth engine is not to be missed. Hong Kong stands ready as your trusted partner, connecting markets, financing sustainable growth and driving seamless cross-boundary trade. Together, let us build new bridges of opportunities that deliver long-term prosperity for Eurasia and beyond.”

Cheng Kefan, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Kazakhstan; highlighted the expanding economic and diplomatic ties across the region, noting: “Central Asia is at the heart of the Eurasian continent… For China, Central Asia is a region of hope. China respects the sovereignty and independence of the Central Asian countries, and this serves as the most reliable guarantee for our international cooperation.” Mr Cheng added, “Hong Kong, acting as a super-connector with strong value-added economic potential, has a great opportunity to give new impetus to economic development. I would also like to note the impact of the visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. That visit, in particular, will further strengthen our mutual ties and bring Central Asia to a qualitatively new level on the international stage. I would like to say that all those present here today are prominent representatives of different sectors of the economy. Relations between China and Central Asia would be impossible without your personal contribution and engagement. I hope that we will use this conference as a new platform to expand our cooperation.”

            Speaking on the expansion of bilateral financial ties, Renat Bekturov, Governor of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), noted: “China is one of Kazakhstan’s key strategic partners, and we see significant potential to deepen our financial and investment ties. Our focus is on turning this strong relationship into greater two-way capital flows, closer connections between our markets, and tangible investment opportunities. The China Conference: Central Asia provides an important platform for bringing together decision-makers, investors and market leaders to advance practical cooperation. Through the AIFC and Astana International Exchange, we seek to connect Chinese capital and expertise with investment opportunities in Kazakhstan and across Central Asia, while opening new pathways for Kazakhstani businesses to access Chinese markets”.

Addressing the conference, Tammy Tam, Publisher of the South China Morning Post, detailed Hong Kong’s role in the region:“Hong Kong finds Central Asia, and Kazakhstan in particular, to be an extraordinarily promising market. As an irreplaceable super-connector bridging global business directly with Mainland China, we are uniquely positioned to connect Central Asia’s rising dynamic with global capital and influence.” Tam highlighted, “Today, we bring that connectivity to life right here in this room. We are joined by delegates, industry leaders, and representatives from over 100 companies spanning Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, provinces across Mainland China, and our partners from across ASEAN—alongside guests who have travelled from all around the globe.”

Outlining SCMP’s commitment to driving regional development, Tammy added, “At SCMP, we take immense pride in our role as a trusted, authoritative voice. We bring our vision directly to Astana to convene leaders across sectors, foster high-level cross-border dialogue, and unlock transformative growth across macroeconomics, financial markets, and regional infrastructure.”

Reference:      

The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is an independent jurisdiction where investors and business meet emerging opportunities of Kazakhstan and Central Asia in a transparent and sustainable environment backed by the principles of English Common Law. www.aifc.kz       

AIFC Press Office 

Ainur Issabayeva, press secretary 

E-mail: [email protected] 

For press enquiries or more information, please email: [email protected]

About South China Morning Post South China Morning Post

The SCMP is the premier English-language news platform rooted in Hong Kong, reaching a global audience with authoritative and comprehensive insights about Greater China, including Hong Kong’s development. With more than 122 years of publishing excellence, SCMP has been providing insights into key news topics in Asia and global dynamics impacting this region through the lens and perspectives of Asia, while hosting high-calibre events and conferences engaging key decision-makers, top government officials, business leaders and experts. Read more with SCMP: www.scmp.com