Hong Kong and Uzbekistan have begun talks on a reciprocal agreement that would allow visitors from both sides visa-free access for up to 30 days.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu arrived in Tashkent from Kazakhstan on Wednesday evening and met Uzbekistan’s Foreign Affairs Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, with the two witnessing officials from both sides confirm the establishment of the deal.
“Following the exchange of notes, the governments of both places will immediately advance the discussions of the detailed arrangements to strive for early implementation,” a statement from the Hong Kong administration read.
The proposed arrangement would extend the visa-free stay for Hong Kong passport holders visiting Uzbekistan from the current 10 days to 30 days.
In return, holders of ordinary Uzbek passports would no longer be required to apply for a visa to visit Hong Kong and would be granted visa-free access for up to 30 days.
A government spokesman said the move would help promote economic, trade and tourism development between Hong Kong and Central Asia.
Earlier this week, Lee, who is leading a 70-strong delegation on a five-day visit to Central Asia, said Hong Kong would relaunch direct flights to Almaty, Kazakhstan, in the first quarter of next year.
