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FOREWORD
No time than ever before has the world placed spearheading the I&T drive by chairing a high-level
so much emphasis on innovation and technology steering committee. And we put our money
(I&T). For we all realise that I&T is the key to where our mouth is: in the past two years,
modern economic development and bears we have invested HK$78 billion (US$10 billion)
significant impact on all facets of human life. to support I&T development. We are currently
introducing super tax deduction for corporates
As a Special Administrative Region of the of up to 300% for R&D expenditure and rolling
People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong has out other new programmes to make us a preferred
the best of both worlds. We enjoy full national location for I&T research and businesses.
support under the “one country” principle,
whilst preserving our own systems and practices Going forward, we will focus our efforts on
under the rule of “two systems”. As the world’s four areas in which we have notable strengths,
freest economy with a rich mix of cultures namely: biotechnology; artificial intelligence and
and ethnicities, Hong Kong is the most robotics; smart city; and financial technologies.
cosmopolitan of Chinese cities and uniquely Exciting things are going to happen, with
placed to serve as the portal to the Mainland. the convergence of gifted scientists and
visionary entrepreneurs, local and overseas,
The country’s latest 13th Five-Year Plan in this interesting place at the heart of the
has pledged support for developing I&T in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area.
Hong Kong. Leveraging our competitive
strengths across a broad spectrum of areas, we Enormous opportunities are beckoning in
actively participate in the national development, Hong Kong and neighbouring Mainland cities.
including the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao To assist in your consideration, this booklet
Bay Area – the place to be in China for at least provides essential information on the state of
the next few decades. Hong Kong’s pivotal role I&T development in Hong Kong, and a feel of
was underlined by a recent instruction made what it is like to live in this fascinating city.
by President Xi Jinping to the State Council
that affirmed the solid scientific foundation Let’s be a part of the technology renaissance
of Hong Kong and supported Hong Kong’s of China, starting here in Hong Kong.
development into an international I&T hub.
CARRIE LAM
I&T is high on our Government’s agenda. Set up
in late 2015, the Innovation and Technology Chief Executive,
Bureau has launched initiatives on all fronts to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
enhance the local I&T ecosystem. I am personally
Summer 2018
FOREWORD / 03
