Chief Executive John Lee today attended the opening ceremony, via video conferencing, of the Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch, witnessing another important milestone in innovation and technology (I&T) co-operation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

The ceremony, held in Shenzhen, was attended by Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong and Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong.

The Hong Kong Science & Technology Park Corporation and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone signed a framework agreement in September 2021 with a view to developing the Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch to allow institutes and enterprises to establish a presence in the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

The Shenzhen Branch comprises two buildings with a total gross floor area of about 31,000 sq m, providing offices, laboratories and co-working spaces, as well as conference and event facilities.

In a pre-recorded speech, Mr Lee said the Hong Kong Science Park is the city’s flagship I&T platform.

He noted that the completion of the Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch is a result of win-win co-operation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. He added that it demonstrates the progress of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in promoting I&T developments and marks a new beginning for I&T co-operation between the two cities.

The Hong Kong SAR Government has been developing the Hong Kong Park part of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Innovation & Technology Co-operation Zone at the Loop and will continue to work with the Guangdong and Shenzhen governments to jointly promote the zone’s development.

The initiative is being developed according to a vision of “one zone, two parks” that is underpinned by the “one country, two systems” principle and involves bringing Hong Kong’s and Shenzhen’s strengths together for intensive I&T co-operation.   

Mr Lee said he hopes the Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch will fully capitalise on the opportunity presented by the central government’s recent announcement of its Development Plan for the Shenzhen Park part of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone and contribute to the creation of an I&T ecosystem that has international impact.

Mr Lee highlighted that the Hong Kong SAR Government promulgated the Hong Kong Innovation & Technology Development Blueprint at the end of last year, establishing a clear roadmap for the city’s I&T development over the next five to 10 years.

He added: “Hong Kong will continue to make every effort to promote the development of the GBA into a world-renowned international I&T hub, and contribute to the country’s high-level self-reliance and greater strength in science and technology.”