Strengthening Bonds: Hong Kong and Nansha’s Commitment to Technology and Innovation
In a significant move toward enhancing collaboration in technology and innovation, political leaders from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Guangzhou’s Nansha district recently signed a smart city and digital economy pact. This agreement, forged at the 2024 Hong Kong-Nansha Sci-tech and Industrial Cooperation and Exchange Event, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
The Framework of Cooperation
The newly established pact aims to expand investment and research collaboration across key technological sectors within the GBA. Officials emphasized that this agreement is a testament to the growing synergy between Hong Kong and Nansha, focused on harnessing innovation to drive sustainable growth in the region. As Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Sun Dong, highlighted, the GBA technology cluster, which includes Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Guangzhou, has sustained its impressive global second-place ranking in the 2024 Global Innovation Index for five consecutive years.
This accolade underscores the region’s immense potential for technological advancements and innovations. Sun articulated that the collaboration between Hong Kong and Guangzhou would bolster the GBA’s competitive edge in tech industries, aligning with China’s broader goals of technological self-reliance and high-quality development.
Nansha’s Geographical and Economic Advantages
Duncan Chiu, a Hong Kong legislator advocating for technological innovation, pointed out Nansha’s unique advantages, including its vast spatial capacity and strategic location. Covering an impressive 803 square kilometers, Nansha offers ample opportunities for advanced manufacturing, research facilities, and academic institutions.
Chiu further emphasized the ongoing successful partnerships, such as the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology’s campus in Nansha and the significant collaborations between Sun Yat-sen University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong Medical School. Such initiatives are indicative of the deepening ties and shared aspirations that both regions uphold.
A Growing Community and Business Hub
The migration of residents reflects deeper connections, with over 10,000 individuals from Hong Kong now calling Nansha home. This growing community illustrates the burgeoning business landscape, particularly evident as Hong Kong banks have established local branches and training centers in Nansha. The integration of Hong Kong’s business acumen and Nansha’s strategic industrial framework creates a fertile ground for innovation and collaboration.
Chiu also posited that both regions could augment their development strategies to leverage their respective strengths. He noted that Nansha possesses a complete industrial system, while Guangdong’s expansive market perfectly complements Hong Kong’s international character and professional service capabilities.
Nansha’s Industrial Ambitions
Positioned just an hour’s drive north of Hong Kong, Nansha aims to establish itself as the GBA’s foremost advanced industrial hub. Liu Wei, the secretary of Nansha district, reported that Nansha has attracted over 3,400 enterprises from the Hong Kong and Macao SARs over the past four decades. Notably, 95% of these investments stem from Hong Kong firms, underscoring the significant role that Hong Kong plays in Nansha’s economic landscape.
Liu also revealed that the district has secured an impressive $14.6 billion in investments from Hong Kong and Macao, supported by tax incentives that have saved Hong Kong residents more than 80 million yuan (approximately $11 million). These incentives demonstrate Nansha’s commitment to fostering a conducive investment environment for businesses from the HKSAR.
Conclusion
The smart city and digital economy pact not only marks a new chapter in the collaboration between Hong Kong and Nansha but also sets a clear direction for future developments within the GBA. The commitment from both regions to enhance technological innovation and economic growth presents boundless opportunities for collaboration, joint ventures, and sustainable development. As these partnerships evolve, they are poised to transform the GBA into a global leader in technology and innovation, demonstrating the power of regional cooperation in driving collective progress.