The Chief Secretary for Administration of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Chan Kwok-ki, together with the relevant officials from the Central Authorities and Guangdong and Shenzhen governments, attended the press conference held by the State Council Information Office in Beijing this afternoon (September 5). They introduced issues on the plan for the Shenzhen park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone (Shenzhen park), with a view to seizing the vast development opportunities brought about by the Co-operation Zone and promoting the high-quality innovation and technology development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
In response to media questions, Mr Chan said, “The National 14th Five-Year Plan establishes the goal of developing our country into an innovative nation with strong science and technology, and developing the GBA into an international technology and innovation centre. The 14th Five-Year Plan not only clearly supports Hong Kong’s development into an international innovation and technology centre, but also includes the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Loop as one of the four major co-operation platforms in the GBA.
“The HKSAR Government is grateful for the staunch support of the Central People’s Government and the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government regarding the development of the Co-operation Zone. Located on both sides of the Shenzhen River, the Co-operation Zone is built with the concept of ‘one river, two banks’ and ‘one district, two parks’. The series of measures outlined in the plan for the Shenzhen park, including how to synergise with Hong Kong in promoting international technology and innovation, injects new impetus into the collaboration between Hong Kong and Shenzhen and propels it to new heights.”
He remarked, “On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland last year, President Xi Jinping visited Hong Kong. President Xi reaffirmed the Central Authorities’ firm support for Hong Kong’s development into an international innovation and technology centre, and expressed his eager expectation for Hong Kong’s contribution to the country’s technological development. This fully reflects the country’s emphasis on, and recognition of, Hong Kong’s innovation and technology development and gives Hong Kong the strongest confidence for such development. We are deeply encouraged.
“After assuming office last year, the Chief Executive immediately proposed to study expediting the development of the Hong Kong park, namely the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, of the Co-operation Zone and optimising its functions. The HKSAR Government announced the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint last year to set out a clear development path and a systematic strategic plan for Hong Kong’s innovation and technology development in the next five to 10 years, leading the city at full steam towards the vision of becoming an international innovation and technology centre. We propose, inter alia, enhancing the innovation and technology ecosystem and proactively integrating into the overall development of the country to consolidate Hong Kong’s role as a bridge connecting the Mainland and the world. Taking into account Hong Kong’s strategic advantages, the Blueprint also recommends focusing on the development of such industries as life and health technology, artificial intelligence and data science, advanced manufacturing and new energy technology.”
He pointed out, “On the synergy between the innovation and technology parks of the two places, close communication at government level will continue through the Joint Task Force on the Development of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park in the Loop; and the board of directors of the Hong Kong Park Company, which is the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited, includes representatives nominated by Shenzhen. Also, the Hong Kong Park Company has been in close contact with its Shenzhen counterpart on the development of the park and the arrangement of the industry chain. These tasks will continue in the future.
“The HKSAR will continue its active collaboration with Shenzhen and proactive integration into the overall development of the country, promoting the advantages of the Co-operation Zone under the ‘one zone, two parks’ principle underpinned by the ‘one country, two systems’ principle. Such efforts include striving for the implementation of dedicated cross-boundary measures to promote the smooth flow of talent, materials and data, enabling the Co-operation Zone to serve as the bridgehead for intensive innovation and technology co-operation between the two places, and allowing Hong Kong to fully leverage its unique advantage of enjoying the motherland’s strong support and being connected to the world. This, in turn, can support the development of the GBA international technology and innovation centre. Hong Kong and Shenzhen will jointly promote the development of the Co-operation Zone and drive the high-quality innovation and technology development of the GBA, thereby building the zone into a world-class innovation platform.”
The Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone covers about 300 hectares in the Shenzhen park and 87 hectares in the Hong Kong park. As regards the Hong Kong park, the preliminary planning for the first phase has been completed. With a total floor area of up to 10 million square feet, the Hong Kong park will contain various clusters with different industry themes, including life and health technology, research, academic and industry, artificial intelligence and data science, and new technology advanced manufacturing, as well as a talent accommodation area and commercial and ancillary facilities. This will not only establish a diverse innovation and technology ecosystem, but also create a vibrant and sustainable new community. The first three buildings of the first phase will be completed gradually from the end of 2024 as planned. At the same time, the HKSAR Government will expedite and enhance the construction of high-quality research and industrial facilities through investment promotion and market forces.
The plan for the Shenzhen park announced earlier by the Central Authorities comprises a total of 30 measures, covering such areas as the development positioning, objectives, overall layout and infrastructure layout of the Shenzhen park, as well as the collaboration with Hong Kong to promote international innovation and technology development. It aims to promote the high-quality innovation and technology development of the GBA, and enable the Co-operation Zone to become a world-class innovation platform and an engine to drive innovation and technology development in the neighbouring cities.
Officials attending the press conference today comprised member of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Leadership Group of the National Development and Reform Commission Mr Guo Lanfeng, Vice Minister of the General Administration of Customs of China Mr Sun Yuning, Vice Governor of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province Mr Sun Zhiyang, Mr Chan, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee and Mayor of the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government Mr Qin Weizhong, and member of the CPC Leading Group and Secretary General of the Ministry of Science and Technology Ms Lin Xin.
