Xia Baolong backs Northern Metropolis I&T push

Hong Kong's innovation and technology development received a strong vote of confidence on Tuesday as Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, conducted an inspection tour of the Northern Metropolis as part of his two-day visit to the SAR.

Xia inspected various major I&T projects, including the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone and the Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute.

During a tour of the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, Xia received briefings on the park’s construction progress, industry promotion and cross-border flow of I&T elements.

He also visited several enterprises already based in the park.

The senior Beijing official was accompanied by Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong, who told reporters afterwards that Xia's visit demonstrated the central government's high regard for the city's I&T development.

"Director Xia fully affirmed the SAR government's efforts to push forward the construction of the Hong Kong Park and the other two projects (Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute and Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster) at full speed, and to achieve initial results within a short period," Sun said.

"Director Xia's inspection today has given us a strong boost. It made us deeply understand that we must align with the nation's development strategies."

Meanwhile, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said she briefed Xia on the transport and logistics network of the Northern Metropolis, emphasising that the district is the engine of Hong Kong's future economic development.

Writing on her social media page, Chan expressed gratitude for Xia's guidance, saying it enabled her team to gain a thorough understanding of how to align with national development strategies and jointly create a planning blueprint for Hong Kong's future.

Chan added that the future Hung Shui Kiu station will serve as a strategic hub where three railway lines converge, fully integrating the economic and living spheres of Hong Kong and Shenzhen. She also spoke about Hong Kong's 100th heavy rail MTR station, Kwu Tung station, opening next year.

The transport chief also briefed Xia on measures to expand the yacht economy and expressed gratitude for the central government's support.

Edited by Edmond Fong ...