This undated file photo shows Hong Kong Science Park in Sha Tin. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

President Xi Jinping’s speech on Friday delivered his hopes for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s future growth, which charts the directions for the city’s innovation and technology development, the SAR government’s I&T secretary told China Daily in an exclusive interview.

Xi visited on Thursday the Hong Kong Science Park, where he saw evidence of Hong Kong’s innovation and technology development.

It was seen as a strong message to the heavyweights in the city’s technology sector that President Xi expected and encouraged Hong Kong to develop its role as an international I&T hub.

President Xi Jinping noted in his speech that he hopes Hong Kong will keep strengthening the momentum of development. I think it is also the key to the technology and innovation development of the city, said Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry

“President Xi noted in his speech that he hopes Hong Kong will keep strengthening the momentum of development. I think it is also the key to the technology and innovation development of the city,” said Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry.

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“President Xi lauds (that) the city’s I&T industry ‘has developed rapidly’, but we should also think about how to go for the next step,” he said.

Although Hong Kong has a strong foundation in technology, it should focus on enhancing development to retain its strengths, Sun said. “Hong Kong has retained its status as an international hub in finance, shipping, and trade for a long time, while the technology industry would be a new growth point for the city to start a new chapter,” he said.

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“We should improve the whole ecosystem for Hong Kong’s technology and innovation development, including the commercialization of scientific and technological achievements as well as the development of high-quality industries,” Sun added. “It’s also our key priority in the future.”

Sun echoed the president’s call for the new-term SAR government to prioritize solving the city’s social and livelihood problems. “It reminds us that the ultimate goal of I&T development is to serve the public and provide a more convenient life for the residents,” he said. 

Also, he said that the bureau would consider how to help young people overcome difficulties, such as finding employment, when they make new industry policies.

This undated file photo shows Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)