10th meeting of Joint Task Force on the Development of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park in the Loop held (with photos)
7.9.2023

The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, and Vice Mayor of Shenzhen Municipal People's Government Mr Wang Shourui co-chaired the 10th meeting of the Joint Task Force on the Development of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park in the Loop in Hong Kong today (September 7). Professor Sun said at the meeting that the Central Government had earlier announced the Development Plan for Shenzhen Park of Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone (Development Plan for Shenzhen Park). The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (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 Shenzhen-Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Co-operation Zone (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 Development Plan for Shenzhen Park, which includes 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 said, "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, capital and information, enabling the Co-operation Zone to serve as the bridgehead for intensive innovation and technology (I&T) 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 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (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 I&T development of the GBA, thereby building the zone into a world-class innovation platform." Both sides received a briefing on the progress of I&T co-operation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, and construction of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park (HSITP) from the HSITP Limited, the progress of the supporting infrastructure in the Loop from the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD), as well as the latest developments of the Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Zone from the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government. In addition, both sides exchanged views on the future development of the Co-operation Zone, as well as dedicated cross-boundary measures that could be implemented in the Loop (such as enabling the travel of I&T personnel between the two places). Other officials of the Hong Kong side attending the meeting today included the Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Mr Eddie Mak, the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong, and representatives from the Development Bureau; the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau; the Education Bureau; the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau; the Innovation and Technology Commission and the CEDD. Officials of Shenzhen Municipality included representatives of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office; the Development and Reform Commission; the Science, Technology and Innovation Commission; the Justice Bureau; the Planning and Natural Resources Bureau; Industry and Information Technology Bureau; the Office of Port of Entry and Exit; and the People's Government of Futian District, as well as the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone Development Ltd.