Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) is pleased to announce today (Tuesday) it has signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Astana International Exchange (AIX), the international stock exchange operating within the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) in Kazakhstan, and with the AIFC Authority, the body responsible for the strategic development of the AIFC, to strengthen collaboration and enhance capital markets connectivity between Hong Kong and Central Asia.
Under the MOU with the AIFC Authority, HKEX will pursue co-operation in climate transition, decarbonisation efforts and green finance, including the development, financing and implementation of sustainable aviation projects, as well as collaboration in commodities markets, including trading and ecosystem development, and financing of early-stage mining projects.
In a separate MOU with AIX, the two exchanges will co-operate on broadening cross-border listing opportunities and growing dual listings in equities, including primary and secondary listings, as well as cross-border listings of debt securities on their respective exchanges. The two exchanges will also establish regular communication channels to deepen their understanding of market developments and to evaluate further business opportunities.
HKEX Chief Executive Officer, Bonnie Y Chan, said: "We are delighted to be entering into these agreements with AIX and the AIFC Authority, deepening our ties with one of the most dynamic financial centres in Central Asia, and as we build our connectivity with more Belt and Road markets. As Central Asia’s importance in global commodities and sustainable development continues to grow, these MOUs will help unlock new opportunities for global issuers and investors alike. By working closely with AIX to explore cross-border listings and with the AIFC Authority to collaborate in green finance and commodities, we are extending HKEX's role as a connector of markets and supporting the two-way flow of capital between Hong Kong and Central Asia."
AIFC Authority Chairman of the Management Board, Bakhtiyar Tleubekov, said: “The signing of this MOU with HKEX marks an important step toward strengthening connectivity between the financial and sustainability ecosystems of Central Asia and Asia-Pacific. Through this partnership, we aim to advance regional cooperation in carbon markets, green finance, sustainable aviation, and innovative risk management solutions. By combining expertise and promoting cross-regional standards, knowledge exchange, and investment opportunities, we are laying the groundwork for a more integrated and resilient sustainable finance ecosystem that supports long-term economic growth across our regions.”
AIX Chief Executive Officer, Assel Mukazhanova, said: “The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding marks an important milestone in strengthening cooperation between Astana International Exchange and Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited. We see significant potential in closer collaboration between our markets, particularly in facilitating cross-border capital flows, enhancing connectivity between Central Asia and Asia’s leading financial centres, and creating new opportunities for issuers and investors alike. As AIX continues to develop as a regional capital markets platform, partnership with HKEX represents an important step towards deeper international integration and the exchange of expertise, innovation and best market practices. We are confident that this cooperation will contribute to further strengthening economic and investment ties between our regions.”
The AIFC, established in 2018, is Kazakhstan's international financial hub and a gateway for capital flows across Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Eurasian Economic Union. AIX operates within the AIFC's regulatory framework and has attracted growing international participation, with international shareholders that include stock exchanges and investment banks.
HKEX will continue to work closely with exchanges and partners across the region to strengthen connectivity, broaden international access to its products and to the Chinese Mainland market, and support the long-term development of global capital markets.
HKEX signed MOUs with AIFC and AIX in Astana, Kazakhstan.
