Commissioner for Innovation & Technology Eddy Chan has urged industries to grasp the new opportunities brought by the Outline of the Plan for the Reform & Development of the Pearl River Delta and invest in technological research and development to enhance long-term competitiveness.

Addressing an information technology and logistics associates luncheon meeting today, Mr Chan said the outline has taken into consideration Shenzhen's momentum in technology development and Hong Kong's strengths in sales and marketing, raising of capital and brand promotion. The two sides complement each other to help hone their industries' edge.

He noted the city had essential elements for supporting applied R&D work. This included its favourable foundation in developing innovative technology and its excellent software and hardware - including world-class universities, a sound legal system with notably good protection for intellectual property, and an open and flexible commercial market.

"Hong Kong can also make good use of the advantage of the Pearl River Delta region in manufacturing and the vast Mainland market to achieve economies of scale in production," he said.

Mr Chan hoped the collaboration mode of "R&D in Hong Kong, manufacturing in Shenzhen" can attract more overseas enterprises to conduct R&D projects in Hong Kong.

The Government is also actively exploring the Science Park phase 3 development's feasibility to ensure it can continue to support the development of the city's research capacity effectively.