Top scientist calls for Hong Kong genetic testing firms to be allowed in Greater Bay Area
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Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming of Chinese University said the moves would be important steps towards realising Beijing’s ambitions of creating a hi-tech region that could compete with other leading economic clusters such as Silicon Valley in the United States or Tokyo’s Bay Area.
“If the Greater Bay Area wants to compete with technology pioneers in other bay areas, there should be more flexibility and encouragement for people to start their own businesses,” Lo said.
For a start, he said, the current ban on Hongkongers opening genetic testing companies in mainland China could be lifted.
“It will be very important to do so,” he said, explaining that Hong Kong, with only 7.5 million people, would not be able to develop influential hi-tech companies.
