Wang: HK should push education, science strengths

The development drive of the Guangdong-Hong KongMacao Greater Bay Area, which aims to become an international technology and innovation hub, will boost Hong Kong’s integration into the nation’s overall development and kick off the city’s “new golden era”, according to the central government’s liaison chief in the special administrative region.

Wang Zhimin, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR, made the remarks in his article published in the Central Party School’s Chinese-language newspaper, Study Times, on Friday.

In his article, Wang called on Hong Kong to maximize its strengths in higher education, scientific research and professional services, and help realize the country’s ambition to boost science and technology power.

Such an alliance will enable the country to achieve its goals in science and technology and improve the nation’s core competitiveness, Wang noted. In return, it will also provide more resources and opportunities for the city’s further development.

In May, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Finance promulgated provisions on opening up the application of national sci-tech funds to higher education institutions and research institutions in Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s advantages in traditional industries and the city’s innovative technology development drive should complement each other, Wang said.

On one hand, Wang said development of the sci-tech industry chain will stimulate and strengthen the competitiveness of Hong Kong’s traditional industries, such as finance, trade and professional services, pushing forward the upgrading of existing industry structures.

The traditional pillar industries, on the other hand, provide support for the development of the sci-tech industry, especially for commercialization and application of research findings, Wang said.

The complementary effect between traditional and emerging industries will create a stronger growth engine for the city’s economy.

Moreover, Wang said Hong Kong should pick up the pace in drawing more talents and improve its environment for science and innovation.

To improve the environment, the Liaison Office will support the sci-tech development policies delivered by the SAR government, and inform Hong Kong people more about the country’s technological achievements and national sci-tech strategies, Wang wrote.