Springboard showcases pathways for mainland enterprises to go global at World Internet Conference: Sun Dong

The World Internet Conference (WIC) Asia-Pacific Summit will be held in Hong Kong from April 13 to 14, which comes as the nation's "15th Five-Year Plan" explicitly supports the city's development as an international innovation and technology center.

Speaking at a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday (Mar 17), Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong stated that the city is positioned as a crucial springboard to help mainland enterprises go global by leveraging its rich international resources and networks.

Hong Kong's vibrant startup ecosystem, free and open business environment, and simple, low tax system are key attractions for domestic and overseas companies and talent, which further promotes cooperation and development in the I&T sector, he said.

Sun affirmed that the government will actively align with the national strategy for technological innovation, seizing the significant opportunities presented by digitalization, networking, and intelligent development.

The SAR government, he added, will increase its push to establish AI as a core industry for future growth, aiming to achieve both the "industrialization of AI and the application of AI across industries."

Ren Xianliang, secretary-general of the World Internet Conference, pointed out that while global digitalization is undergoing a new leap, it also faces challenges such as technological hegemony, a widening intelligence divide, and ethical risks.

Ren argued that all countries have the right to develop AI and should participate equally in its development, governance, and benefits. 

He expressed hope that the summit, as a high-end platform for international exchange in the digital domain, will inject new momentum into the economic and social development of Asia-Pacific nations.