Govt unveils development outline for HK Park of Hetao Cooperation Zone

The government on Wednesday announced the "Development Outline for the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone" and delineated primary directions for the initiative.

The Outline proposes four major development directions that aimed to be implemented over two five-year phases, which include "world-class industry-academia-research platform", "internationally competitive R&D transformation and pilot production base for industries", "hub for pooling global innovation and technology resources" and "testing ground for institutional and policy innovation".

Echoing the development pace and objectives set out for Shenzhen Park, the development of Hong Kong Park will proceed in a coordinated manner with two phases in 2030 and 2035, respectively.

As the first batch of buildings in Hong Kong Park is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2024, the Park will officially start operation next year, emphasizing attracting investment, leading companies, and talents from both local and international markets.

The Outline said the cross-boundary flow of innovation elements will become increasingly efficient by 2030 after Phase 1 of the Hong Kong Park is completed as well as under the synergistic development of innovation with Shenzhen Park.

As a comprehensive development pattern of Hong Kong Park to be completed by 2035, it will emerge with the growth of an overall vibrant I&T ecosystem and transform the Hetao Cooperation Zone into a global leader in I&T in collaboration with Shenzhen.

As the Hetao Cooperation Zone will operate under "one zone, two parks" and research personnel go to work early and return home late between the two Parks daily, a contactless and convenient clearance mode could be implemented to shorten the traveling time between the two Parks.

The SAR government is also exploring with the Shenzhen authorities the construction of footbridges across the Shenzhen River at the eastern side and western side of the Hetao Zone respectively to connect the two Parks directly.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu stated that the government would leverage the advantages of one country, two systems and the geographic advantages to collaborate with Shenzhen to construct the Cooperation Zone as a world-class innovation and technology platform while also encouraging high-quality growth within the GBA.

The Zone, which spans 87 hectares in Hong Kong and 300 hectares in Shenzhen, embodies the concepts of "one river, two banks" and "one zone, two parks."