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Hong Kong economy
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Letters | How to make the most of Hong Kong’s ‘one zone, two parks’ tech hub

  • Hong Kong could take a leaf out of the South Korean book on Pangyo Techno Valley in building a successful innovation and technology cooperation zone with Shenzhen

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Lok Ma Chau Loop on Hong Kong’s border with Shenzhen, part of the site for the “one zone, two parks” development involving the two Greater Bay Area cities. Photo: Nora Tam
Letters
I would like to respond to the “one zone, two parks” innovation and technology hub in the Lok Ma Chau Loop, as mentioned in the latest Hong Kong policy address.

To develop the area into a thriving community, comprehensive planning is a must. In addition to office buildings, we need housing, transport, logistics, medical and community facilities, and other support structures. The government should make good use of advanced technology, like the geographic information system (GlS), which has been used for more than 20 years in city planning.

Close communication with stakeholders to understand their needs is particularly important if we want to attract international tenants. Why don’t we use an interactive map dashboard like the one who has proved effective in enhancing information transparency amid the Covid-19 epidemic? With maps, charts and visual elements, key ideas for the loop can be shared on the dashboard to increase understanding, thus facilitating collaboration between the government and the public.

We should have learned our lessons with Hong Kong Science Park in Tai Po. It is like an isolated island, accessible by just a few minibus and bus services, and with no rail connection. Within the neighbourhood, there are only a few private housing estates with limited facilities, such as a tiny shopping mall, and not even a fast-food restaurant nearby. How can it become an attractive community?

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Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam delivers 2020 policy address

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam delivers 2020 policy address

With regard to establishing a good community, the Pangyo Techno Valley in South Korea is a good example.

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