HK delegates explore HTCZ-SZ’s tech prowess

A deligation comprising members of Hong Kong’s consular corps and business communities embarked on a trip through the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) today, with their first destination being Shenzhen, a city renowned for its technological advancements and innovation ecosystems.

The delegation’s itinerary in Shenzhen included visits to key cooperation zones that underscore the interconnectivity between Hong Kong and the mainland, including the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone.

Additionally, the group toured the Shenzhen branch of the Hong Kong Science Park, a facility that serves as a bridge for technological exchange and partnership. 

During their visit, delegation members engaged in discussions with representatives from several technology companies, gaining firsthand exposure to cutting-edge developments and fostering potential synergies between Hong Kong’s business acumen and Shenzhen’s tech prowess.

Iñaki Amate, chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, believes that this tour takes place at a crucial time. According to him, collaboration — not fragmentation — is the only path forward.

“The world needs to discover the GBA. What we saw today is an eye-opener, and I live just across the border. The combination of cutting-edge businesses with a very livable city environment should be a clear proposition to attract talent, companies, and investors,” Amate said.

Having worked in Guangdong years ago, Brian Davidson, British consul general to Hong Kong, has been greatly impressed by the scale of progress and development in Shenzhen over the last 15 years.

“So coming across the border, one is forced to reconsider preconceived notions of Shenzhen and the Greater Bay Area. Witnessing the dynamism here, particularly the collaborative spirit between Hong Kong and Shenzhen in zones such as Hetao, it’s clear that this partnership aims to project its innovations and initiatives onto the global stage,” Davidson said.

Mojalefa Mogono, South Africa’s consul general to Hong Kong, stated, “I love Shenzhen. It’s a dynamic, innovative city, a hidden gem in terms of technology. I’m looking forward to seeing even more innovative companies emerge and showcase what Shenzhen is all about.”

The GBA trip is hosted by the Commissioner’s Office of Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), with the theme of “Revisiting the Greater Bay Area to Embrace New Opportunities.” The first trip was hosted by the office in 2023.

Cui Jianchun, commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR, is leading the delegation to Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Zhuhai from today to Friday for a series of meetings, inspections, and visits.