The Mainland and Hong Kong today signed a framework agreement to further promote cultural heritage exchange and collaboration on archaeology and built heritage between the two places.

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn and Administrator of the National Cultural Heritage Administration Li Qun signed the pact.

The framework agreement aims to establish a mechanism to facilitate regular exchange and collaboration between the Mainland and Hong Kong in the area of archaeology and built heritage to implement joint projects and jointly carry out the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in building a cultural Greater Bay Area.

It also seeks to support the development of Hong Kong as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, and to deepen the Mainland and Hong Kong public's understanding of the Chinese nation's history to enhance their national pride and patriotism.

Under the framework agreement, the National Cultural Heritage Administration and the Development Bureau will strengthen collaboration and exchange in various aspects, including archaeology and archaeological heritage protection; research in built heritage conservation technology, philosophy and adaptive reuse; sharing of information on built heritage resources and experience in accessioning of data on cultural heritage; and application of advanced technology on heritage and traditional skills.

The two parties will step up the development of tourist heritage trails in the bay area, and enhance exchanges of exhibitions, development of creative cultural heritage products and talent nurturing. Youth activities will also be organised, and education and publicity programmes will be launched.