The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, today (August 19), called on the central ministries in Beijing and visited innovation and technology (I&T) related enterprises there.

Professor Sun called on the Executive Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office (HKMAO) of the State Council, Mr Xu Qifang, and briefed him on the latest development of Hong Kong’s I&T and new industrialisation, as well as the progress of key areas of work and future work plans under the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB) which include accelerating the development of the Hetao Hong Kong Park, enhancing Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem, promoting new industrialisation, fostering development of technology industries. He expressed his sincere gratitude to the HKMAO of the State Council for its care and support to Hong Kong's I&T development.

Professor Sun also visited the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC) and met with the Chairman of the SASAC, Mr Zhang Yuzhuo, and Vice Chairman of the SASAC, Mr Li Zhen, as well as the key officials of its various departments. Professor Sun introduced Hong Kong's I&T overall development plan and the latest progress of the setting up of the Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund (ITIF) by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government. Both sides had an in-depth discussion on matters including stepping up efforts in the participation of state-owned enterprises in developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre, leveraging Hong Kong’s international advantages and attracting talents to support the building of an international hub for high-calibre talents.

Professor Sun also held a meeting with the key officials of the Department of Foreign Capital and Overseas Investment of the National Development and Reform Commission to exchange views on how Mainland institutions can participate in the ITIF.

Professor Sun, then visited the Tsinghua Unigroup. He toured the group's exhibition centre and received a briefing on its achievements in relevant semiconductor chip technology and industry development. He also held discussions with the group's management to understand the full industry chain layout of this smart technology industry group in semiconductor chips, information and communication technologies, finance, education, cloud services and digital solutions. Professor Sun also met with the management of an enterprise focusing on technologies including electron-beam inspection to understand the latest technological developments in semiconductor testing equipment and its future industry plan.

Yesterday (August 18), Professor Sun, visited the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and held a working meeting with Vice Minister of Industry and Information Technology Mr Xiong Jijun and relevant key officials of the Technology Department, International Department and Electronics Department. They discussed the latest progress in implementing various initiatives since the signing of the Co-operation Agreement on the Development of New Quality Productive Forces and the Promotion of New Industrialisation between the HKSAR Government and the MIIT in September last year, as well as the development of the manufacturing innovation centre. Professor Sun expressed gratitude to the MIIT for its strong support to the HKSAR Government in promoting new quality productive forces and the development of new industrialisation.

In addition, Professor Sun also visited the State Development and Investment Group Co., Ltd and met with the Group's Party Secretary and Chairman, Mr Fu Gangfeng. Professor Sun learnt about the Group's achievements in promoting technology innovation, leading the upgrade of the industry, and serving national strategies as a state-owned capital investment company, as well as the Group's experience in managing various funds, including national-level government investment funds.

The Commissioner for Industry (Innovation and Technology), Dr Ge Ming, also joined the visit.

Professor Sun will visit China Chengtong Holdings Group Limited, and then meet with representatives from several Zhongguancun technology enterprises in Zhongguancun tomorrow (Aug 20).

Professor Sun will conclude his visit tomorrow afternoon and return to Hong Kong.

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