Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu will make his first visit to Central Asia early next month. Zhang Kun, Chairman and CEO of the private equity investment company "Shanshui Capital" who will accompany the delegation, stated that Middle Eastern investors are eyeing the huge market potential in Central Asia, and Hong Kong companies can play the role of a "connector" to bring Middle Eastern funds into Central Asia, while also driving high-quality companies from the mainland and Hong Kong to participate in projects. The delegation will visit Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in succession. Zhang Kun stated that this visit will involve cooperation with Middle Eastern sovereign funds to invest in Central Asia, with further details expected to be announced later. He pointed out that this cooperation highlights Hong Kong's unique role. Zhang Kun emphasized the strategic importance of Central Asia's geographical location, as it is a key gateway for land transportation between Asia (especially China) and the Middle East and Europe. He believes that there will be plenty of cooperation opportunities in infrastructure, real estate, and hotel development in the region. Zhang Kun has accompanied government delegations from the Special Administrative Region on visits to the Middle East and Southeast Asia multiple times. He believes that having the Chief Executive lead the delegation and engage in high-level government dialogues is like opening an important gateway for economic and trade exchanges. He also successfully identified business opportunities during his last trip to the Middle East, assisting the Oman Investment Authority in managing a national-level energy transformation fund worth billions, showcasing Hong Kong's advantage as a "super connector."