Pledge of support: Chief Executive Donald Tsang says assistance will be offered to help Hong Kong business people adapt to the changes brought by the Mainland's 11th Five-Year Plan.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang has pledged to help Hong Kong business people face challenges brought by the Mainland's 11th Five-Year Plan. A seminar will be staged to boost ties between the Government, business and Mainland authorities.

Speaking at the Federation of Hong Kong Industries luncheon today, Mr Tsang said responding to the Mainland's 11th Five-Year Plan is one of the challenges the Government and the business sector are facing.

While assistance will be offered to help business people adapt to the changes, he said close ties with the Central Government and provincial authorities will be maintained to convey their views and concerns. Discussions with counterparts in the Pan-Pearl River Delta will also start working out details of future work plans.

New technologies

Mr Tsang said Hong Kong enterprises should no longer rely on the low production costs provided by the Mainland in exploring new technologies, and urged them to upgrade their technological level.

He said the five research and development centres set up last year will offer Hong Kong companies advice and solutions. Some requirements of the Small Entrepreneur Research Assistance and University-Industry Collaboration Programmes under the Innovation & Technology Fund may be lifted to bolster innovation and technology development.

Looking ahead, Mr Tsang said close collaboration with the Mainland will continue, making the best use of Hong Kong's unique advantages to enhance local companies' competitiveness and contribute to the Mainland's development.

He pledged that the Government will offer the best business environment for Hong Kong entrepreneurs by promoting the city's industrial and technological development.

With close partnership between the Government and the business sector, the Chief Executive said Hong Kong can respond to the Mainland's 11th Five-Year Plan effectively, grasp new opportunities and create more wealth for the city.