Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry (SITI) Prof Sun Dong will depart tonight for a visit to Belgium and France to strengthen the city’s ties and co-operation in innovation and technology (I&T) with the European Union and France.

In Paris, Prof Sun will attend VivaTech 2024, Europe’s largest technology and startup event that will be held from May 22 to 25.

What’s more, he plans to deliver a keynote speech at a Hong Kong Trade Development Council seminar on how global startups succeed in Asia through Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem.

Also during his stay in Europe, the tech chief will meet local I&T leaders, visit technology enterprises, and tour local research institutions and startup parks.

Prof Sun will return to Hong Kong on May 26. During his absence, Under Secretary Lillian Cheong will be Acting Secretary from May 22 to 24 and on May 26, while Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui will take up the SITI post on May 25 concurrently.