Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs Maxime Prévot (Les Engagés) has called for a revival of dialogue and deeper cooperation between the Kingdom of Belgium and the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong during a meeting with Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee.
The meeting, held on Monday as part of Prévot’s economic and political mission to Hong Kong and the People’s Republic of China, marked a significant step in re-engaging with the region after years of strained relations.
A new chapter in Belgium-Hong Kong relations
Relations between Hong Kong and the West have been under strain since 2019–2020, following reforms to the electoral system and the introduction of the National Security Law, which many viewed as a significant encroachment on Hong Kong’s autonomy.
The ‘One Country, Two Systems‘ principle, intended to grant Hong Kong a high degree of political autonomy until 2047, has also been weakened, with increasing assimilation into China.
The European Union, while not imposing sanctions like the United States, has largely sidelined relations with Hong Kong since 2020.
Prévot, however, believes it is time to “write a new chapter” with Hong Kong, a sentiment he says is gaining traction within the EU. He emphasised that dialogue is essential for defending European interests and exerting influence on the local situation.
During his meeting with Lee, Prévot described the discussions as “very open and honest,” addressing even controversial topics such as freedoms and human rights. He noted that the relationship between Belgium and Hong Kong is mature enough to allow for disagreement while still reinforcing mutual interests.
Economic and strategic opportunities
Prévot highlighted Hong Kong’s role as “the main gateway” to the Chinese market, echoing recent calls from Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever (N-VA) for a collective EU strategy to better defend European interests in the face of an unbalanced trade relationship with China. This issue will be further discussed during Prévot’s five-day visit to China, which begins on Sunday.
The foreign minister also toured the Northern Metropolis infrastructure project, a 30,000-hectare development between Hong Kong and Shenzhen designed to house 2.5 million people. Prévot described the project as “extremely impressive,” noting its annual investment of 13 billion euros through public-private partnerships. The project’s connection of Shenzhen – China’s “technological heart” – with a new city of millions underscores the need for Europe to develop a relevant strategy towards China, he said.
Strengthening bilateral ties
John Lee welcomed Prévot and his delegation, emphasising Belgium’s status as one of Hong Kong’s major trading partners within the EU. He noted that 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Consulate General of Belgium in Hong Kong, reflecting the long history of exchanges and cooperation between the two regions. Lee expressed confidence that both sides would further strengthen collaboration in economic and trade investment, innovation and technology, and people-to-people exchanges.
Lee also reaffirmed Hong Kong’s commitment to free trade and multilateralism, positioning the region as a crucial bridge between China and the world. He highlighted initiatives such as the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global and the Economic and Trade Express service platform, which aim to assist enterprises in expanding globally and attracting international capital.
Lee encouraged Belgian companies to leverage Hong Kong’s professional services, market-oriented business environment, and low tax regime to access both the mainland Chinese and broader Asian markets.
Innovation and technology cooperation
Lee described the Northern Metropolis as a new engine for Hong Kong’s future economic development, supported by China’s 15th Five-Year Plan. The region is accelerating the development of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, which aims to integrate technological and industrial innovation.
Lee invited Belgian innovation and technology enterprises to establish a presence in the Northern Metropolis and the Hetao Hong Kong Park, bringing frontier technologies, talent, and industrial chains to Hong Kong’s vibrant research and development ecosystem.
Prévot’s visit to Hong Kong and China signals a renewed Belgian and European interest in engaging with the region, balancing economic opportunities with a commitment to addressing sensitive issues through open dialogue.
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