Hong Kong scientists urge closer biotechnology collaboration with Shenzhen in bid to develop both cities into hi-tech hub

Professors Tsui Lap-chee and John Kao unveil 83-page policy study on capitalising on opportunities in innovation and technology cooperation zone

Report proposes seven-pronged strategy calling on central government to give both cities more power to work out policies on scientific cooperation

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Professor Tsui Lap-chee is one of the advisers to the report. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Published: 10:56pm, 26 Jul 2021Updated: 11:26pm, 26 Jul 2021

Top Hong Kong scientists have urged the city to work closer with Shenzhen in biotechnological research and train more talent so as to develop the two major metropolises into a high-technology hub.

Professor Tsui Lap-chee and Professor John Kao Weiyuan were speaking at a seminar to unveil a new policy study on cross-border biotechnology collaboration, jointly conducted by local think tank Our Hong Kong Foundation and two mainland Chinese research agencies, the China Development Institute and China Centre for International Economic Exchanges.

The 83-page report, which focused on capitalising on opportunities offered by the development of an innovation and technology cooperation zone on Hong Kong’s border with Shenzhen, proposed a seven-pronged strategy that called on Beijing to give both cities more power to work out policies on scientific cooperation on their own, as well as new agencies to be set up for more targeted policies.

An aerial view of the Lok Ma Chau border bridge (right) as seen from the Futian district in Shenzhen. Photo: Roy Issa

The cooperation zone comprises two technology parks, one of the Shenzhen side, and the other in the Lok Ma Chau loop area on the Hong Kong side.

The report also recommended a special team be set up under Chinese Vice-Premier Han Zheng’s leading group on the Greater Bay Area to expedite the formulation of a “joint policy package” between Hong Kong and Shenzhen in biotechnology development.