A total of 338 applications have been received for the 2006 Hong Kong-Guangdong Technology Co-operation Funding Scheme.

During the application period from August 9 to September 29, the Hong Kong side received 62 applications and Guangdong 276.

Six key technology areas - information and communications technology; precision manufacturing technologies and products; new materials and nanotechnology; biomedicine and health; new energy and resources conservation; and modern agriculture - will be supported under the 2006 scheme.

Applications made by institutions established in Hong Kong will be processed by the Innovation & Technology Commission, while applications made by Guangdong institutions will be processed by Guangdong Province's Department of Science & Technology.

In the past two years, the two governments have supported 200 projects with a total funding of $660 million. This year the two sides have earmarked $800 million to support the projects.