Hong Kong to grow into I&T hub to complement BRI: CE
Chief Executive John Lee on Wednesday said Hong Kong will work to develop into an international hub for innovation and technology, in line with the needs of the China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Speaking after attending the Belt and Road Forum at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, the CE said Hong Kong’s strengths line up well with the eight directions set out by President Xi Jinping for the BRI – including a focus on promoting technological innovation; enhancing connectivity and supporting people-to-people exchanges. He noted in particular that the territory has “unlimited” scope to contribute to technological development. “We’re very glad that Hong Kong has a lot of potential to offer, such as the professional services and the financial services,” he said. “All these connect people to people, and connect country to Hong Kong. We are conscious of developing Hong Kong as an international I&T centre.” Lee added that the government will continue working hard to play its role in the nation’s development. “As the eight points action plan as proposed by the President, I think Hong Kong has a lot to offer in this area because Hong Kong has the advantage of attracting talents from all over the world,” he said. “Hong Kong itself has strong [research and development] capability and we are developing Hong Kong in this area so that we can contribute to the Belt and Road Initiative.” Three projects worth more than US$450 million on investment and technical co-operation involving Hong Kong enterprises were signed on Tuesday.