Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu joins senior SAR officials and legislators at the Legislative Council for his first Policy Address on Oct 19, 2022. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government is considering the introduction of a special project in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Cooperation Zone to facilitate the cross-border flow of people, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said during a question and-answer session at the Legislative Council on Thursday, a day after delivering his first Policy Address.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu revealed that the new program announced in the address to speed up the commercialization of the city’s scientific prowess will make good use of the existing industry chains in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

Lee also revealed that the new program announced in the address to speed up the commercialization of the city’s scientific prowess will make good use of the existing industry chains in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

During the Q&A session, Lee said that the implementation of the “patriots administer Hong Kong” principle has provided favorable conditions for cross-border communication among residents. The HKSAR government also hopes to formulate more convenient policies to boost such communication.

He said the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Cooperation Zone at the Lok Ma Chau Loop border site could be a possible platform to launch special programs in the field.

A bridgehead for cross-border innovation and technology cooperation, the zone comprises a technology park in Hong Kong, and another technology zone in Shenzhen. The authorities will consider using the “one zone, two parks” arrangement innovatively to facilitate cross-border people-to-people interaction, Lee said.

The government has earmarked HK$10 billion ($1.27 billion) to launch the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme, which will fund at least 100 research teams in universities to become startups.

When asked by a lawmaker whether the new program can be “market demand-oriented” and how to better collaborate with mainland cities via the project, Lee said experts would assess the potential of the teams and ensure that those being funded incubate products that are commercially viable. The government will also improve the innovative science ecosphere and match research teams with investors to lead suitable products to mass production, he added.

Lee said that Hong Kong has reached a consensus with the other GBA cities on tech and innovation areas. He expressed confidence that the plan will make the most of the existing industry chains in mainland GBA cities.

READ MORE: HK announces institutional setups and measures to lure investment

Also on Thursday, the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai told a news conference following the Policy Address that the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong will set up a dedicated promotion center to support the development of Hong Kong residents and enterprises in the GBA.

The government will also set up various stations across Hong Kong to promote up-to-date information to the public on developing and living in the GBA, Tsang added.

Delivered on Wednesday, Lee’s Policy Address received widespread acclaim from Hong Kong communities. Maria Tam Wai-chu, deputy director of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Basic Law Committee of the National People’s Congress, said a highlight of the address is that the government is changing its long-standing mindset of “positive noninterventionism” to an executive-led administration system, bringing in aspiring talents while maintaining the checks and balances in the Legislative Council.

Nicolas Aguzin, CEO of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd, said Lee’s address affirms his administration’s commitment to supporting Hong Kong’s position as a leading international financial center and a global listing venue of choice.

ALSO READ: CE vows to enhance city’s inno-tech ecosystem

Nancy Ip Yuk-yu, the newly inaugurated president of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, also expressed her gratitude for the series of measures rolled out by Lee on promoting education, innovation and technology as well as attracting talent.

Xi Tianqi and Liu Yifan contributed to this story.

Contact the writers at oasishu@chinadailyhk.com