Hong Kong's Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and the Central Bank of Uzbekistan have signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a framework to explore closer cooperation in gold and precious metals markets. The initiative is intended to combine Hong Kong’s financial platform and precious metals infrastructure with Uzbekistan’s position as a major gold producer and reserve holder. Cooperation will cover the exchange of market and infrastructure expertise, the services of the gold central clearing and settlement system operated by Hong Kong Precious Metals Central Clearing Company Limited, and the conditions for the Central Bank of Uzbekistan’s potential participation in precious metals operations in Hong Kong through that company. The two authorities will hold a bilateral meeting on Sept. 10 to discuss the framework in greater detail.