Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong, and a delegation he led, began his visit to Xi’an today.

He exchanged views on the development of innovation and technology (I&T) in Hong Kong and Shaanxi when he called on CPC Shaanxi Provincial Committee Secretary Zhao Yide and shared the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's work on leading the development of the city’s I&T industry.

Meanwhile, Prof Sun learnt about Shaanxi Province's achievements in I&T and high-tech industrialisation, particularly its strengths in industries such as electronics information, new materials and equipment manufacturing.

He pointed out that the Innovation & Technology Commission and the Shaanxi Provincial Department of Science & Technology signed a memorandum of understanding on innovation & technology co-operation in September, noting that both sides would explore ways to enhance co-operation in research and development and I&T on this basis.

Prof Sun also visited iHARBOUR of Xi'an Jiaotong University, a national project jointly established by the Ministry of Education and the Shaanxi Provincial People's Government. Comprising a platform area, a college area and an incubation area, the project has established several research institutes, large platforms as well as scientific research bases.

Prof Sun was briefed that the project serves as an innovation engine by pooling together innovation resources and promoting the economic development of industry, thereby establishing a new paradigm to facilitate the Western Development Programme.