Amid the global tide of technological advancement, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and vertical takeoff and landing aircraft are increasingly being utilized. Shenzhen, merely a river’s breadth away from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, has become a paragon of the “low-altitude economy”. According to the Chinese mainland’s industry data, in 2022, Shenzhen’s UAV-related industries achieved a production value of 75 billion yuan ($10.35 billion), indicating that the low-altitude economy is emerging as a new engine driving urban innovation and development.

The low-altitude economy refers to an integrated economic model that encompasses civil piloted and unpiloted aviation activities within a low-altitude airspace extending up to 3,000 meters.

UAVs, as a vital component of the low-altitude economy, are extensively used for smart-city applications, such as in logistics, emergency rescue, aerial surveying and environmental protection, propelling the development of related fields.

As an international financial hub in the Asia-Pacific region, Hong Kong boasts abundant resources and a prime geographical location. It should actively explore the developmental potential of the low-altitude economy and formulate corresponding strategies and plans to coordinate and regulate the growth of this nascent industry.

The Hong Kong SAR government should legislate to dismantle barriers for UAVs and ensure the legality and safety of UAV activities in order to boost the low-altitude economy. We can draw on the Chinese mainland’s experiences to formulate regulations suitable for Hong Kong, balancing innovation with standardization.

Improving airspace management, streamlining the approval process for low-altitude flights, and enhancing airspace utilization efficiency are imperative. There is a need to construct and optimize ground infrastructure, such as charging stations, takeoff and landing sites and maintenance centers, and to establish industry standards to foster technological innovation and talent development.

The low-altitude economy is a captivating domain, with several mainland cities actively promoting related developments. Shenzhen has formally applied to the relevant national ministries for the creation of a comprehensive demonstration zone for the development of a national low-altitude economy. The Civil Aviation Administration of China has expressed explicit support for this initiative, endorsing Shenzhen’s efforts to perfect its industrial development service system and greenlighting pilot studies in low-altitude logistics and urban air traffic. Shanghai, one of the top producers of industrial UAVs, has introduced numerous policies related to the low-altitude economy and provided support for industry-academia-research integration, industrial clustering, and talent attraction.

These mainland cities offer valuable experience that Hong Kong can learn from while developing a low-altitude economy, and they serve as an example for Hong Kong to explore local UAV logistics models.

As a cosmopolitan city, Hong Kong possesses unique advantages for developing a low-altitude economy. With strengthened policy support, investment in scientific research, and international cooperation, we can make breakthroughs in the development of the low-altitude economic sector, bringing substantial benefits to the economy and society.

UAVs and unmanned vehicles can swiftly traverse different urban areas, achieving rapid goods delivery, shortening transportation times, and enhancing efficiency.

To enhance its capability as an international trade and logistics hub, Hong Kong should aggressively develop UAV technology and related services by, for example, attracting more multinational groups and technology companies to invest in this sector. The development of a low-altitude economy would not only bring technological innovation and talent to Hong Kong but also create employment opportunities and room for career advancement for young people.

As part of policy support for the development of a low-altitude economy, the Hong Kong SAR government should review existing regulations and introduce specialized laws to regulate and facilitate the development of this emerging sector. It should also consider establishing innovative technology parks to attract domestic and international innovative enterprises and research institutions to conduct UAV-related technology research and applications in Hong Kong, as well as measures to establish cooperative relationships with international partners to jointly promote the development of a low-altitude economy, share experiences and resources, and strengthen talent training.

The development of the low-altitude economy sector would bring tremendous economic and social benefits to Hong Kong, including enhancing the city’s logistics efficiency, creating business and career opportunities, and promoting technological innovation.

The author is a certified professional forensic accountant and a member of the Area Committee of Sham Shui Po Central and South of the Home Affairs Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.