The Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Alfred Sit, today (October 28) met with representatives of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association to exchange views and gauge their opinions on the innovation and technology (I&T) initiatives outlined in "The Chief Executive's 2021 Policy Address".
The meetings with chambers of commerce were originally planned for October 13 but were rescheduled to today due to a typhoon. Since the delivery of the Policy Address this year, the Innovation and Technology Bureau has held more than 10 briefing sessions to engage the research sector, major chambers of commerce and the start-up community on the new developments and opportunities under the new blueprint of I&T and to solicit their support.
Mr Sit said China has become an important growth engine of the global economy and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is the best platform for Hong Kong to integrate into the overall development of the country. The Policy Address proposes to develop the Northern Metropolis with a focus on I&T, to build the San Tin Technopole, and to set up the InnoLife Healthtech Hub in the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park in the Lok Ma Chau Loop. Hong Kong should seize the development opportunities as provided under the National 14th Five-Year Plan and the GBA to create synergy under the concept of "Twin Cities, Three Circles" and bring Hong Kong's unique strengths into full play to better integrate into the overall national development and build a Silicon Valley of Hong Kong.
"Following the delivery of the Policy Address, I met with various organisations on I&T initiatives. I am deeply encouraged by the support and recognition received from our stakeholders during the engagement sessions. They have reaffirmed that we are going in the right direction. We are determined to propel Hong Kong's future with I&T and industry supported by I&T. We will unswervingly drive I&T at full steam through developing infrastructure, supporting research and development, pooling talent, nurturing start-ups and promoting re-industrialisation. This brings massive support to I&T development, injects impetus into Hong Kong's diversified economy, creates more room for our young people and better equips Hong Kong for development into an international I&T hub," Mr Sit added.
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