The China Manned Space delegation visiting Hong Kong today attended the China Manned Space Exhibition opening ceremony in the morning and exchanged views with technology and higher education sectors at a luncheon hosted by the Innovation, Technology & Industry Bureau.
 
Speaking at the luncheon, Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong said the National Manned Space Programme has been breaking new ground and making remarkable achievements in the past some 30 years.
 
He recounted that the country launched the recruitment of the fourth batch of astronauts and the recruitment of payload specialists in Hong Kong for the first time last year, giving Hong Kong citizens the opportunity to participate in the important missions of the National Manned Space Programme.
 
“This demonstrated the country's care and support to Hong Kong, and the importance and recognition attached to Hong Kong's technology sector,” he said.
 
Prof Sun added that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been rendering its full co-operation to the country's recruitment exercise.
 
“We are deeply honoured and encouraged that Hong Kong candidates have entered into the final stage of the recruitment process. We hope that the Hong Kong candidates could have the opportunity to realise their space aspirations and contribute to the country.”
 
He also stressed that Hong Kong has a solid foundation in basic scientific research, and will continue to leverage on the city’s strengths to contribute to the country's building of an aerospace power.
 
Meanwhile, China Manned Space Agency Deputy Director General Lin Xiqiang shared the country's achievements and latest developments in aerospace technology with representatives from the technology and higher education sectors at the luncheon.