Hong Kong and Uzbekistan to Discuss Visa-Free Travel Arrangement

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government and Uzbekistan have agreed to initiate detailed discussions on relaxing travel arrangements, allowing travelers from both regions to stay visa-free for up to 30 days. Chief Executive John Lee, who is leading a business delegation in Central Asia, held a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Uzbekistan on Wednesday. According to RTHK, Lee mentioned on his social media page that they exchanged views on formalizing the intent to advance this arrangement. Currently, HKSAR passport holders can visit Uzbekistan visa-free for 10 days, while Uzbek passport holders need a visa to enter Hong Kong. Lee stated that the two governments will promptly work on specific implementation measures to bring the arrangement into effect as soon as possible. He believes that the visa-free arrangement will enhance exchanges between the two regions, stimulate tourism, study, and commercial cooperation, and lay a solid foundation for long-term economic and trade relations, assisting Hong Kong in expanding into emerging markets in Central Asia.