2017-10-09

CE: Innovation, technology my priority

Zhou Mo

CE: Innovation, technology my priority

HONG KONG – Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said on Monday innovation and technology will be her administration’s “priority area” as the sector will drive Hong Kong’s economic growth and improve the public's well-being.

Speaking at the China Daily Asia Leadership Roundtable luncheon, she highlighted the importance of collaborating with other cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in the development of an international innovation and technology center.

“I’m convinced that innovation and technology will help power Hong Kong’s future economy, improve people’s livelihood and create quality jobs for young people, as well as opportunities for young entrepreneurs,” Lam said.

“It will, therefore, be a priority area for my government.”


Hong Kong has a lot of potential to contribute to that goal with strong research and development capabilities, a highly valued and well-protected intellectual property rights system and a vibrant entrepreneurial environment, she told the luncheon held in conjunction with the roundtable forum themed “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area from the Belt and Road Perspective: Opportunities and Challenges”.

Currently, Hong Kong hosts some 2,000 innovation and technology startups and about 50 incubators, representing a 24-precent growth over the same period last year.

“Hong Kong can contribute to the development, as our international networks can connect the bay area with international markets. And we are well versed in global technology trends and technical standards, thanks to a base of highly skilled workers supported by well-respected tertiary institutions,” said Lam.

“At the same time, Hong Kong is set to benefit from the collaboration with other cities in the bay area as it would provide our businesses with better access to the manufacturing hub of the Pearl River Delta and ample opportunities in the huge mainland and Belt and Road markets.”

Lam revealed that Hong Kong’s opportunities under the Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative will “feature quite prominently” in her maiden Policy Address to be delivered on Wednesday.

Pointing out that development of the innovation and technology hub in the Greater Bay Area would contribute to the Belt and Road Initiative, she said interactions of the two national grand plans will create a synergy effect, bringing greater benefits to Hong Kong.

The chief executive also congratulated China Daily Hong Kong Edition on its 20th anniversary.

Zhou Shuchun, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily Group, said the newspaper’s Hong Kong edition, founded shortly after the city returned to the motherland, was tasked with upholding the values of the “one country, two systems” principle, outlining its scope and clarifying the nuances according to the Basic Law of the special administrative region for its Anglophone readers.’’’

“‘One country, two systems’ gives expression to the vision of peace and harmony in Chinese culture. It embodies a very important tenet, namely, seeking broad common ground while setting aside major differences,” Zhou said, citing President Xi Jinping’s remarks during his inspection trip to Hong Kong in July.

“I am happy to note that the Hong Kong Edition of China Daily, through its reports and opinion pieces, has been promoting a similar value system, founded on the principles of harmony and greater common good.”

Zhou Li, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily Hong Kong, said: “Our big ambition from the beginning was to establish China Daily Hong Kong as a solid part of the community – a dedicated, contributing player.”

“We are proud of the achievements of ‘one country, two systems’, and of the active role we have played in fostering the spirit of cooperation.”

sally@chinadailyhk.com

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