SITI continues visit to Beijing (with photos)

     The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, continued his visit in Beijing today (August 23).

     Professor Sun visited the National Development and Reform Commission to call on the Secretary General, Mr Wu Hao. Apart from giving an update on Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government's efforts in promoting innovation and technology (I&T) and new industrialisation, Professor Sun also introduced the latest work on the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone (Hong Kong Park) at the meeting. He noted that the HKSAR Government has preliminarily completed the drafting of overarching document on the development of the Hong Kong Park, including the development directions, positioning, hardware and software support, with the target to promulgate it within this year. Both sides also discussed the key content of the overarching document.

     Professor Sun then called on Executive Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Zhou Ji, and reported to him on the discussion at meetings with various ministries during this visit to Beijing, as well as work progress of promoting I&T and developing new industries by the HKSAR Government. Professor Sun also introduced the latest development of the Hong Kong Park. Both sides exchanged views on issues of giving full play to the Hong Kong's strengths, expediting the development into an international I&T centre and serving the country's needs in reform and opening up.

     Professor Sun also attended the HICOOL 2024 Global Entrepreneur Summit Opening Ceremony and Global Entrepreneurship Competition Awards Ceremony today and took part in the Summit dinner. With the theme of "New Quality Productive Forces Driving Collaborative Innovation", the Summit is an integrated international talent event featuring competitions on domestic and overseas entrepreneurship with participation of high-tech enterprises and entrepreneurs. During the Summit, Professor Sun engaged in exchanges with leaders of the Beijing Municipality, and a group of local leading figures in the industry, entrepreneurs and investors. Professor Sun also toured the Summit pavilion and visited a booth set up by Cyberport which showcased cutting-edge technology from five artificial intelligence and robotics technology enterprises under the digital technology flagship. During the tour, he briefed the Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, Mr Yin Li, and the Mayor of Beijing, Mr Yin Yong, on the development of I&T ecosystem in Hong Kong and building up of high quality talent base.

     The Commissioner for Industry (Innovation and Technology), Dr Ge Ming, also joined part of the visit.

     Professor Sun will return to Hong Kong tomorrow (August 24).