This month marks the opening of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, with the HKSAR government rapidly advancing various initiatives. Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Sun Dong, stated that the HK Park will focus on research and development, while the San Tin Technopole will prioritize mid-to-downstream industrial development. The bureau is also engaging with several enterprises to establish a national manufacturing base within the park.
The HK Science and Technology Parks Corporation manages innovation parks, including Yuen Long, Tai Po, and Tseung Kwan O, attracting technology firms to set up production lines. According to recent data, manufacturing and new industries have grown over 7% annually, contributing HK$82.2 billion to local GDP in 2024.
Around 1,400 personnel occupy three buildings, with expectations for significant growth next year. Notably, Hithium Energy Storage has leased space for R&D, and a surgical robotics company is producing "Made in HK" products and expanding internationally.
New cross-boundary bridge expected to open next year, facilitating travel
Regarding the "four flows"—the cross-boundary movement of personnel, logistics, data, and capital in the Shenzhen-HK Innovation and Technology Park—Secretary Sun Dong stated that the HKSAR government is closely coordinating with Guangdong Province and Shenzhen. Significant progress has been made in the first three areas, with detailed implementation plans being developed. For instance, to facilitate the circulation of biological samples, a "whitelist" mechanism will establish a green channel for their movement, starting with small-scale trials and ensuring compliance with national security laws. Implementation is expected to start next year, and the bureau aims to expand this initiative based on trial outcomes.
Sun also mentioned that the West Bridge is under construction and will enhance cross-boundary personnel flow by facilitating travel between HK and Shenzhen campuses. He expressed hopes that with national support, mainland enterprises would gain more flexibility in investing, setting up factories, and recruiting in HK, fostering capital flow and driving innovation.
On land supply, Sun indicated that 27 proposals have been received for 10 plots in the next phase of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, showing strong interest from developers and firms. The remaining 22 plots will be released gradually next year. Sun believes that as the park begins operations, investment enthusiasm will increase.
He emphasized the government's commitment to synchronizing the development of both the Shenzhen-HK Innovation and Technology Park and San Tin Technopole, adhering to the principle of "an active government + an efficient market" to attract more investment to both parks.
Seizing opportunities for technology-driven economic transformation: Timing is right
Legislative Council member Wong Kam-fai, in an interview with Wen Wei Po, emphasized that microelectronics and biomedicine, the key focus areas of the Yuen Long Innovation Park, are vital for Hong Kong's innovation and technology sector. The proposal to establish a national manufacturing base there leverages the recent momentum from the launch of the HK-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park and the planning outline for the San Tin Technology City, seizing a prime opportunity to turn technology into economic growth. Wong noted that discussions between the Innovation and Technology Bureau and leading enterprises are well underway, with concrete results anticipated once implementation begins.
He emphasized that industrializing scientific research results requires not only core technologies but also small- to medium-scale production to validate product feasibility and market reception. This calls for coordinated support in areas such as talent, funding, regulatory frameworks, and international connections. Wong argued that companies establishing national manufacturing bases in HK recognize the city's "soft power" and its potential as an excellent pilot base for manufacturing. This initiative will help bridge the gap between research and product development, enhancing economic and cultural synergy between the two regions and reinforcing Hong Kong's integration into the national development landscape. He believes this initiative deserves full support from all sectors.
(Source: Wen Wei Po | English Editor: Vesper, Liu Yu)
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