Lawmakers seek to accelerate development of HK Park of Hetao Cooperation Zone

Lawmakers expressed frustration over the slow progress of the Hong Kong Park within the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone, noting its development lags significantly behind that of the Shenzhen Park. 

They urged the government to step up the development to create new economic growth points.

Jimmy Ng Wing-ka from the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong suggested mapping out a comprehensive blueprint of Hong Kong Park and introducing related measures by following the four major directions proposed in the development outline.

The outline set up directions that aimed to be implemented over two five-year phases, including "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."

Lawmaker Lo Wai-kwok criticized the slow progress of Hong Kong Park, noting that the first eight buildings in Phase 1 are still under construction, while Phase 2 is still under planning, and Shenzhen Park has already taken shape. 

He believed accelerating the Park's development could effectively support the planning and construction of the Northern Metropolis.

Lawmaker Tony Tse Wai-chuen advocated hiring mainland construction workers and applying building technology from the mainland to address high construction costs and expedite construction progress.

In response, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong expressed optimism that the first phase of Hong Kong Park will be finished by 2030, establishing a highly efficient synergistic mechanism with Shenzhen Park and strengthening its competitiveness as a leading international I&T platform after the Park fully commences by 2035.

Furthermore, Sun noted the government's plans to establish a life and health innovative center in the Lok Ma Chau Loop, allocate HK$ 2 billion  to support the InnoHK research platform in the Park,  and provide HK$200 million for startup projects in life and health technology.