HK launches innovation expo amid push for I&T hub

The first-ever InnoEX kicked off Wednesday in Hong Kong which is striving to build itself into an international center for innovation and technology (I&T).

The expo, jointly organized by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), is running in conjunction with the HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair and HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair.

The three tech fairs opened at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center on Wednesday, attracting nearly 3,000 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions and showcasing Hong Kong's role as a global innovation hub and trade exhibition center.

Chinese Vice Minister of Science and Technology Zhang Guangjun said Hong Kong is an important gathering place for global innovation elements and a key hub in the global innovation network.

With its advantage of the motherland's strong backing and world connection, Hong Kong plays an indispensable and important role in the country's innovation infrastructure, Zhang said in a video speech.

The HKSAR government is committed to promoting the development of innovation and technology to give a strong impetus to economic growth and address the concerns of people's livelihood, said Sun Dong, secretary for innovation, technology and industry of the HKSAR government.

Following the easing of the pandemic situation, Hong Kong has established closer trade ties with the mainland, with delegations from 10 provinces, municipalities and cities participating in the event.