According to a report by China News Service, the Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, John Tsang, stated on the 20th at the Cross-Strait Economic and Trade Forum that under the backdrop of economic globalization, Hong Kong must not only consolidate its four pillar industries that currently have international competitive advantages (trade logistics, finance, professional services, and tourism) but also actively promote the development of new industries to explore new economic growth points for Hong Kong.
The fourth Cross-Strait Economic and Trade Forum was held that day at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, focusing on the innovative development of the internet, finance, and culture. John Tsang indicated that the technology and creative industries not only bring substantial economic benefits on their own but can also complement and drive traditional industries towards high-value development.
He believes that Hong Kong possesses the necessary elements to promote innovation and technological development, including world-class infrastructure, internationally recognized academic and research institutions, creative and technology-savvy talent, a broad business network, and a first-class financing platform; as well as a comprehensive legal framework and intellectual property protection system. These excellent conditions enable Hong Kong to stand out in competition.
He pointed out that the Hong Kong SAR government has been committed to creating a favorable environment for promoting local innovation and technology, focusing its main measures on infrastructure development, supporting research and development, and nurturing talent.
In addition, John Tsang noted that the mainland has made significant progress in innovation and technology in recent years, with internet platforms and technologies ranking among the world's top. To fully leverage the country's technological advantages, the SAR government has maintained close cooperation with the Ministry of Science and Technology of the country. For example, in recent years, it has encouraged Hong Kong technology personnel to participate in major national science and technology projects and recommended Hong Kong experts to join the national science and technology program expert database.
This forum was jointly organized by the China Federation of Industrial Economics, the Taiwan Business Association, the Macao Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, and the Hong Kong Chinese General Chamber of Commerce. During his speech, the President of the Hong Kong Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Yang Zhao, pointed out that the four regions across the strait can work together to leverage each other's unique advantages and jointly explore vast business opportunities in the fields of technological innovation and cultural creativity amidst the new economic landscape.
The Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR, Yang Jianping, the Executive Vice President of the China Federation of Industrial Economics, Lu Yaohua, the President of the Macao Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Ma Youli, and the Chairman of the Taiwan Business Association, Lin Bofeng, attended the forum that day.
In addition, elite enterprises from the four regions across the strait in the fields of technology, finance, and cultural creativity shared their experiences in promoting industrial innovation and development at the forum.