The Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) plans to bring a major exhibition of artifacts from the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan to Hong Kong by the end of 2028.

This was disclosed by HKPM Museum Director Louis Ng during a press briefing in Uzbek capital Tashkent on Thursday.

HKPM and the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan have signed an agreement to pursue long-term cooperation covering research, education, talent development and training. The agreement is one of the 96 deals reached during a Central Asia visit by delegates from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Chinese mainland, led by HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu.

“This is our first collaboration with a museum in Central Asia. The other side has expressed strong interest in Hong Kong’s culture. We have invited them to come to Hong Kong early next year to exchange and share experiences,” Ng said.

On Uzbekistan’s historical significance, Ng said that the country played a pivotal role as a hub along the ancient Silk Road.

“Uzbekistan played a very important role as a hub in Central Asian history. We hope to bring the history of the region – and the history of the Silk Road – to Hong Kong as soon as possible,” he said.

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Ng added that the two sides have agreed on a tentative schedule, with the artifacts expected to arrive in Hong Kong by the end of 2028.

The collaboration forms part of a broader effort to strengthen cultural ties between Hong Kong and Central Asian countries. Lee’s visit also included the signing of agreements covering trade, finance, aviation, the digital economy, green initiatives, culture and education.