Cover Nicholas Ho at the 10th annual Belt and Road summit (Photo: courtesy of Belt and Road)
Nicholas Ho at the 10th annual Belt and Road summit (Photo: courtesy of Belt and Road)
1 / 1
The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre was the epicentre of international diplomacy this September, as the 10th Belt and Road Summit celebrated a milestone decade
On September 10 and 11, more than 6,000 participants from more than 100 delegations converged at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to chart the future of global connectivity and economic collaboration.
The HKSAR’s Chief Executive John Lee's opening address encapsulated the summit's transformative legacy: over the past decade, 45,000 participants from 120 countries have engaged with more than 2,800 projects, establishing Hong Kong as the definitive nexus of east-west commerce. This year’s theme, Collaborate for Change – Shape a Shared Future, proved prophetic as the summit brought in a record-breaking 50 government and enterprise memorandums of understanding.
The summit introduced its Belt and Road project sessions alongside comprehensive investment dialogues spanning energy, natural resources and urban development. Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis—occupying one-third of the territory’s geographical area—featured prominently as an emerging innovation and technology hub, showcasing the city's evolution from traditional trade gateway to cutting-edge economic catalyst.
Read more: Wang Ning: Who is China’s youngest billionaire behind the multi-billion-dollar Labubu empire?
John Lee (Photo: courtesy of Belt and Road)
1 / 11
Financial secretary Paul Chan’s keynote luncheon address highlighted Hong Kong's ambitious trajectory toward becoming a global centre for green technology and finance. His vision encompasses innovative financial instruments, including catastrophe bonds and infrastructure debt securitisation, positioning Hong Kong at the forefront of sustainable development financing for emerging economies.
Nicholas Ho, commissioner for Belt and Road at the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, played an instrumental role in orchestrating the summit's strategic outcomes. His leadership was particularly evident in facilitating the nine memoranda of understanding between the Hong Kong government and international counterparts.
Hong Kong's merchandise trade with Belt and Road countries has flourished, with the territory leveraging its "dual superpower" status as both "super connector" and "super value-adder." The summit’s message was clear: Hong Kong has transcended its traditional role as Asia's financial hub to become an indispensable force of global economic integration.
NOW READ:
Tatler Ball Asia 2025: what to expect when a Mountain Queen meets the Ice Man
US Open 2025 courtside style: celebrity looks that captured New York’s energy
Credits
Photography: Courtesy of Belt and Road
As Content Director at Tatler Hong Kong, Tara shapes the brand's editorial vision across social, digital and print, and reports on Asia's most influential figures — from CEOs and leaders across business, style and the arts. In her dual role as Head of VIP, she also drives the planning and execution of Tatler's flagship IPs, curating star-studded events and building the relationships and communities that define the brand. Born and raised in the Middle East, she honed her craft in Dubai, crafting communication strategies for luxury brands across the Gulf. Follow her on Instagram @tarasobti.
