Chief Executive John Lee met Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) Zhuang Rongwen in Hong Kong today, with the two exchanging views on deepening innovation and technology (I&T) collaboration as they jointly witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU).

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong and Deputy Director of the CAC Wang Jingtao signed the “Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation in Innovation & Technology Development” on behalf of the Innovation, Technology & Industry Bureau and the CAC.

Covering key aspects such as artificial intelligence, cross-boundary data flows and blockchain, the MoU will support the implementation of the National 15th Five-Year Plan and Hong Kong's development as an international I&T centre, besides promoting a “new real economy” driven by technological innovation and driving Hong Kong's deeper integration into and contribution to national development.

The two places will strive to strengthen co-operation, jointly propel the development of new quality productive forces, deepen co-operation in cybersecurity, and strengthen international exchanges.

Mr Lee expressed his gratitude to the CAC for supporting Hong Kong's I&T development. He said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will actively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and formulate Hong Kong's own first five-year plan, while striving to develop as an international I&T centre and a hub for high-end international talent, and to achieve high-quality development.

The Chief Executive added that the MoU marks a new milestone in co-operation between the Hong Kong SAR Government and the CAC in the development of the digital economy, and fully demonstrates the country's commitment to and support for Hong Kong's I&T development.

“Hong Kong will continue to capitalise on our distinctive advantages of having strong support from the motherland and close connection with the world under the 'one country, two systems' principle, deepen collaboration with the CAC to further promote cross-boundary data flow in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and jointly contribute to building a technologically advanced nation.”

Over two days from tomorrow, Hong Kong will once again stage the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit. Mr Lee said the city will proactively demonstrate its strengths in the digital economy and innovation, and leverage its pivotal role as a bridge for “going global” and attracting foreign investment, thereby deepening international I&T exchanges and co-operation.

Prof Sun Dong said the Hong Kong SAR Government will accelerate I&T development, establishing Hong Kong as a centre of innovation for the country and the world.