Hong Kong-Shenzhen Park to Bolster Innovation

The 11th meeting of the Joint Task Force on the Development of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park in the Loop took place in Shenzhen, co-chaired by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, and the Vice Mayor of the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government. The discussions centred around advancing the innovation and technology (I&T) landscape within the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, a key platform for collaboration between Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao under China’s 14th Five-Year Plan.

This park, part of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, is set to become a significant innovation hub, supporting various industry clusters and facilitating cross-border collaboration under the “one country, two systems” principle.

The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry emphasised that the Co-operation Zone, comprising both Hong Kong Park and Shenzhen Park, serves as a significant initiative in bolstering I&T development across the region. The Hong Kong Park, also known as the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, is set to be developed in two phases, stretching from west to east.

The first phase, which has now completed its planning stage, will feature a total floor area of up to 1 million square meters. This phase will house various industry clusters, designed to cultivate a diverse I&T ecosystem. The focus will be on key areas such as life and health technology, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and collaboration among industry, academia, and research sectors. The initial three buildings of this phase are expected to be completed gradually, starting at the end of this year.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government remains committed to supporting the construction of the Hong Kong Park within the Loop. This support extends to the efforts of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited (HSITPL), particularly in leasing and investment promotion, which are crucial for attracting global talent and fostering innovation. The strategic importance of this development lies in its ability to leverage the “one zone, two parks” model under the “one country, two systems” framework, creating unique opportunities for collaboration between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

Earlier in the year, the HSITPL held a Partnership Launching Ceremony, where it signed a Memoranda of Understanding with around 60 partners from nine different economies. This strategic positioning underscores Hong Kong Park’s potential as a pivotal area for I&T development, particularly in collaboration with Mainland China. The park is poised to play a vital role in integrating Hong Kong into the broader national development strategy, further strengthening the region’s innovation capabilities. The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry highlighted the ongoing collaboration with Shenzhen, aimed at introducing innovative, cross-boundary facilitation measures. These efforts are intended to benefit both the partners within the Hong Kong Park and the local I&T industry, ensuring that the region remains at the forefront of technological advancement.

During the meeting, both sides received updates on the progress of the I&T collaboration between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. The HSITPL provided insights into the construction status of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, while the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) reported on the development of supporting infrastructure within the Loop.

Additionally, representatives from the Development Authority of the Shenzhen Park of the Co-operation Zone shared the latest developments from the Shenzhen side. The meeting also included discussions on the future trajectory of the Co-operation Zone, with particular attention to the proposed construction of a cross-boundary footbridge, aimed at further enhancing connectivity between the two parks.

The meeting was attended by key officials from both Hong Kong and Shenzhen, including representatives from various governmental bureaus and departments.