Hong Kong economic outreach to Malaysia and Central Asia

Hong Kong is actively expanding its economic outreach to Southeast Asia and Central Asia, positioning itself as a ‘super-connector’ for global value chains.

Initial efforts focused on exploring trade possibilities in Malaysia and Central Asia. This included leveraging Xinjiang’s railway hubs as a logistical bridge to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to facilitate freight routes between China and Europe. While officials have explored these markets, observers noted potential sanctions-related risks regarding human rights in the Xinjiang region.

Economic ties with Malaysia have since deepened through the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). During the ‘Think Business, Think Hong Kong’ symposium in Kuala Lumpur, approximately 1,600 business and government leaders gathered to facilitate Malaysian access to capital and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The event facilitated over 300 business-matching meetings and saw the signing of ten MoUs to enhance professional services and networking.

Cooperation has expanded into the media sector, with Hong Kong outlets such as The Standard and TVB International signing MoUs with Malaysian entities like Astro and TM to collaborate on content exchange, digital advertising, and intellectual property. On the financial front, a simplified dual initial public offering (IPO) listing framework between Malaysia and Hong Kong is expected to be implemented in September 2026.

Technological collaboration is also increasing. The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) recently led a delegation of 11 companies to Kuala Lumpur to showcase advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, and green technology. This initiative seeks to align with Malaysia’s digital transformation and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, following a trend where over 100 companies from the HKSTP ecosystem expanded into the region in 2025.