Hong Kong lawmakers hailed the Northern Metropolis’ efficient and high-quality development on Thursday following a visit to the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone.
They pledged to work with the city’s executive branch to advance the Northern Metropolis through their roles in funding and legislation, and by amplifying industry voices.
The delegation, comprising 53 lawmakers and Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong, visited Building 8, one of two operational “wet labs” — laboratories designed for experiments with liquids and chemicals — a substation built by CLP Group in the Lok Ma Chau Loop; and the park’s talent accommodation building. The delegation also engaged in discussions with enterprise representatives in the park.
Legislators and government officials also exchanged views on facilitating the cross-border flow of personnel within the park, including introducing dedicated legislation for the Northern Metropolis.
Sun said the lawmakers offered many constructive suggestions. While Hong Kong is working on its first five-year plan, he emphasized that both the executive and legislative branches are determined to jointly push forward the Northern Metropolis development in line with the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), Sun added.
Sun said the remaining five buildings in the park’s first phase are expected to be completed by the end of this year, and undeveloped land sites in the initial stage will also be offered to the market this year.
As for the three completed buildings, Sun said the two wet-lab facilities — Buildings 8 and 9 — have brought aboard nearly 80 enterprises, with occupancy rates approaching 90 percent.
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Legislative Council President Starry Lee Wai-king said that the Hetao zone’s Hong Kong Park is at a stage of rapid development and serves as a “testing ground” for institutional innovation. She said LegCo will continue to support Northern Metropolis development, and that lawmakers will utilize insights from the visit when reviewing future funding applications, and proposing practical and feasible suggestions.
After the visit, David Lam Tzit-yuen, a lawmaker representing the medical sector, told China Daily that he was impressed by the life sci-tech companies operating in the Hetao zone, particularly their products such as robotic arms for medical applications.
He praised the park’s well-designed layout, comprehensive facilities, and proximity to San Tin Technopole and the future university town, saying these will boost Hong Kong’s innovation and technology sector and maximize synergy with Shenzhen and other cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Lam emphasized his responsibility as a lawmaker to track Northern Metropolis development, which he described as a key engine for Hong Kong’s future growth — expected to bring new technologies, industries, jobs, and eventually homes for nearly one-third of the city’s population.
He pledged to maintain communication with stakeholders and residents, advise the government, and exercise oversight duties. Lam said he has been engaging with the biopharmaceutical industry to understand their challenges and needs, especially regarding new drug registration and approval processes.
Lawmaker William Wong Kam-fai said that during exchanges with enterprises, he learned that the Hetao zone’s location within the bordering area, along with its access to both Shenzhen and Hong Kong’s institutional strengths, is a key draw for companies.
He added that the Hong Kong Park had reviewed over 750 applications for its incubation program from Nov 17 to Dec 30, eventually selecting 108 startups — 16 percent of which are from overseas. As a review panel member for the program, Wong said he is encouraged by the growing global interest in the Hetao zone. He added that Hong Kong’s improved innovation ecosystem and Hetao’s unique advantages have won international acclaim.
Tech entrepreneur and lawmaker Johnny Ng Kit-chong said Hetao zone’s growth has exceeded his expectations, with high occupancy and quality enterprises. He promised to fast-track appropriations and legislative frameworks related to the Northern Metropolis, and bridge government-industry communication for better policies and supporting measures.
In particular, Ng stressed boosting cross-border flows of innovation factors, including people, biological samples, capital, and data.
The visit was LegCo’s second field trip to the new township. The first visit was on March 26, when lawmakers and officials visited the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area to learn about its progress.
