Two universities in Hong Kong have signed partnership agreements with a leading varsity in Kazakhstan, with the city leader saying the moves will help deepen academic collaboration and strengthen social bonds.
The Education University of Hong Kong and Polytechnic University signed separate memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Nazarbayev University on Wednesday to boost cross-border research and student exchanges.
The signings were witnessed by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, who is leading a 70-strong delegation to explore business opportunities in Central Asia.
On Wednesday, the delegation visited Nazarbayev University, where Chinese President Xi Jinping first announced the Belt and Road Initiative more than a decade ago.
During a state visit to Kazakhstan in 2013, Xi proposed building an “economic belt” along the ancient Silk Road, a concept that later evolved into the belt and road plan, Beijing’s high-profile transcontinental infrastructure and investment strategy.
Lee said the initiative had since reshaped global cooperation in terms of policy coordination, infrastructure connectivity, free trade and financial integration.
