Strengthened ties: Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang and Vice-Minister of Science & Technology Liu Yanhua sign the agreement.

Hong Kong and the Mainland will set up a joint committee to boost exchange and co-operation in science and technology.

The committee, with senior representatives or officials from both sides, will organise and co-ordinate technology exchange and collaboration activities.

Both sides will strengthen ties in a number of technology areas, such as IT, electronics, biotechnology, new materials, advanced manufacturing, environmental protection and Chinese medicine. Other areas can be added in future when necessary.

The committee will meet at least once a year, and may set up working groups in the proposed areas of co-operation.

Effective framework for science, technology co-operation

Signing the agreement with Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang today, Vice-Minister of Science & Technology Liu Yanhua said its objective is to establish an effective framework for science and technology co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong and to step up co-operation on different areas and projects. To create greater synergy, both sides will identify and jointly support some major technology areas and research and development projects.

Mr Tsang said the committee will become a major platform for technology co-operation and will join the forces of Government and various sectors in the promotion of scientific research and industry development.

He said many Mainland enterprises are striving to add value to their products and build their brand names. Over 60,000 Hong Kong-related enterprises in the Pearl River Delta have a great demand for technology in their drive for moving up the value chain.

Mr Tsang believed the strengthened co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong can address the needs of both sides in adjusting and upgrading their industries.