Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Co-operation Zone plans to achieve contactless clearance to facilitate personnel exchange

閱讀中文版本

The HKSAR Government suggests implementing pre-registration arrangements and using technology to shorten travelling time between the Hong Kong and Shenzhen Parks.

The HKSAR Government has promulgated the Development Outline for the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone.

The Development Outline suggests implementing dedicated cross-boundary policy measures to facilitate the convenient flow of important innovation elements including personnel, materials, capital and data within the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Loop, making it a crucial source of new quality productive forces for the country.

Hong Kong's Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong introduced the Development Outline at a press conference on 20 November 2024.

The Hetao Co-operation Zone, with the Hong Kong Park and the Shenzhen Park located on the two sides of the Shenzhen River, is established under the vision of "one river, two banks" and "one zone, two parks". The Hong Kong Park is situated in the Loop in the northern part of Hong Kong, measuring about 87 hectares. It will be developed in two phases from west to east.

The Hong Kong Park will develop in accordance with the basic principles of “being free and open, connecting the Mainland and the rest of the world, and facilitating movement” to pool together I&T resources and talent from the Mainland and overseas, becoming an important platform for attracting business, investment and talent.

Sun said the HKSAR Government proposes to focus on the following six aspects to develop the Hong Kong Park into an I&T Resources Hub:

1. Creating a technology exchange platform

Striving to attract eminent Mainland and overseas institutes of advanced studies to establish a presence in the Hong Kong Park, thereby fostering cross-territorial research collaboration. Local tertiary institutions and research institutes are also encouraged to establish a presence in the Park and cooperate with the enterprises therein.

2. Establishing a hub for high-calibre talent

The Hong Kong Park will adopt flexible measures to attract technical talent from the Mainland and overseas to come to Hong Kong and the GBA for career development, and create an embracing living environment to attract and retain talent.

3. Becoming a wealth creation and accumulation hub

Assisting enterprises of the two Parks in attracting Mainland and overseas capital, and utilising policy innovation to channel more capital from the market into the development of local technology industries.

4. Providing one-stop professional services

Including I&T information services, legal services, accounting and taxation, IP protection, and other high-end professional services that Hong Kong has first-mover advantages.

5. Incubation and support for start-ups

The Hong Kong Park will, through establishing a service centre for start-ups or attracting renowned Mainland and overseas start-up services agencies to set up operations in the Park, provide guidance for tenants on “commercialisation” and “market-led approach”.

6. Branding of the Hong Kong Park

The Hong Kong Park will coordinate the organisation of large-scale global talent matching events, job fairs, activities, industry expos, and roadshows. An exhibition gallery/exhibition hall has also been set up in the Park to demonstrate its value and potential, building its image as an international R&D hub.

To facilitate frequent daily cross-boundary travel and smooth exchanges between I&T personnel, the HKSAR Government is actively exploring with the Shenzhen Municipal Government the construction of footbridges across the Shenzhen River at the eastern side and western side of the Hetao Co-operation Zone respectively to directly connect the two Parks.

Sun said: "We also suggest providing innovative and convenient clearance modes and facilities to allow the designated personnel of the two Parks to enjoy travel convenience by, for example, implementing pre-registration arrangements and using technology to significantly shorten the travelling time between the two Parks, with a view to achieving contactless clearance and enhancing clearance experience.”

With the completion of the first batch of buildings in Phase 1 of the Hong Kong Park starting from the end of this year, the Park will officially enter into its operational phase next year.

Photo / HKSAR Government Press Releases