S for IT briefs I&T sector on Hong Kong’s opportunities under National 14th Five-Year Plan (with photo)

     The Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Alfred Sit, today (March 24) held two virtual seminars to brief the innovation and technology (I&T) sector on the opportunities brought about by the 14th Five-Year Plan. During the seminars, Mr Sit shared the Government's efforts in promoting I&T and the latest developments of co-operation with the Mainland, and exchanged views on issues of mutual concern with the participants. It is hoped that Hong Kong can be developed into an international I&T hub and integrated into national development with collaboration from various sides. The Permanent Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Ms Annie Choi, also joined the seminars.
 
     The 14th Five-Year Plan indicates clear support for Hong Kong's development into an international I&T hub as well as taking forward the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). For the first time, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Loop is included as a major platform of co-operation in the GBA. All these fully demonstrate the Central Government's unwavering support for Hong Kong's I&T development. Hong Kong will make good use of the unique advantages under "one country, two systems" and its solid science and technology foundation to seize opportunities brought about by the development of the GBA, to integrate into national development, to participate in the "domestic and international dual circulation" and continue to leverage its strengths to serve the country's needs. The Innovation and Technology Bureau will work at full steam to take forward relevant work, including the joint development of the Shenzhen/Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Co-operation Zone, which comprises the Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Zone and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park by governments of the two cities, with a view to establishing "one zone, two parks" at "one river, two banks" under the auspices of "one country, two systems"; the development of the flagship I&T project, InnoHK research clusters, to further consolidate Hong Kong's position as a global research collaboration hub; and to facilitate the cross-boundary exchange of innovative elements.
 
     Mr Sit believed that I&T development can help diversify and give new impetus to Hong Kong's economy. A stable environment is needed for I&T development in Hong Kong. The passage of the Decision on improving the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region by the National People's Congress (NPC) ensures the continuous development and restores the constitutional order in Hong Kong. He encouraged participants to speak up for the NPC's decision and is glad to see that many people and organisations in the sector support improving the electoral system, the implementation of "patriots administering Hong Kong" and ensuring the steadfast and successful implementation of "one country, two systems".
 
     Hong Kong academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, universities, research and development centres, related I&T organisations and trade associations were invited to the virtual seminars. Some 50 organisations/academicians have joined the seminars today.