Hong Kong Hosts International Infrastructure Leaders Summit to Enhance Global Project Collaboration and Innovation

DEVB hosts International Infrastructure and Projects Leaders Summit

The Development Bureau (DEVB) today (November 15) hosted the International Infrastructure and Projects Leaders Summit, bringing together more than 500 major infrastructure project leaders and experts in infrastructure from over 20 countries and economies around the globe, including senior government officials from Mainland and overseas countries, and representatives of renowned international organisations such as the World Economic Forum and International Institute for Management Development, to delve into the strategies and policies of infrastructure delivery plans, and addressed the challenges and opportunities in implementing mega infrastructure projects under the theme of Strategic Leadership in Managing Complexity and Uncertainty in Infrastructure Delivery.

Addressing the Summit, the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said that the Hong Kong Special Adminstrative Region Government is committed to investing in infrastructure and advancing land development projects to promote social and economic development. Despite many challenges, Hong Kong's infrastructure development has remained robust with world-class infrastructure recognised internationally. The Government has taken proactive stances to spearhead the transformation of the construction industry over the past few years, promoting advanced construction methods and materials, integrated digital technologies, as well as adopting new project delivery model. Through exchanges that transcend geographical and sectoral boundaries at the Summit, the Government hopes to pool wisdom on the delivery of projects with enhanced efficiency and quality. She also mentioned that under the unique advantages of "one country, two systems", Hong Kong would continue to capitalise on the privilege of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, and consolidate its position as an international infrastructure centre, uniting the world's best talent, knowledge and investment to address upcoming challenges and promote quality infrastructure development.

Speaking at the Summit, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Water Resources of the People's Republic of China, Mr Li Liangsheng, said that the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China stressed the need to establish a system for the planning and standardisation of new infrastructure facilities, optimise the mechanism for the integration and utilisation of new infrastructure facilities, promote the digital transformation of conventional infrastructure, expand the diversity of investment and financing channels, and enhance the co-ordination mechanism for major infrastructure development. The Summit will inject impetus generated in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into the national development of new quality productive forces. It will further promote international infrastructural co-operation and bring far-reaching significance.

In his keynote presentation, the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau, said that the Government is taking forward the Northern Metropolis, the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands project as well as a number of major transport infrastructure projects. He stressed the Government's commitment to be an "enabler" fostering innovation and industrialisation to drive industry enhancement, and added that Hong Kong's diverse talent pool is also one of its most significant advantages, allowing the city to play a leading role in the construction industry.

The presentation and plenary sessions of the Summit gathered prominent infrastructure leaders and experts from various sectors worldwide, including government, academia, construction and finance, to share the latest initiatives and challenges facing infrastructure development. The first plenary session "The Next Growth Curve" highlighted the critical role of infrastructure in driving the city development and the next wave of global economic growth. The second session "Powerful Partnerships" explored effective financing and procurement strategies essential for advancing infrastructure projects within a culture of collaboration. The last session "Building Tomorrow" focused on how innovation and digital technologies are reshaping infrastructure development, promoting greater efficiency and sustainability.

At the Summit, the Building Technology Research Institute (BTRi) which was established by the DEVB in August this year to drive innovative applications in the construction industry, signed memoranda of understanding (MoU) with Mainland and overseas organisations, namely Guangdong Provincial Academy of Building Research and the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore, as well as three local universities, namely the University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. These MoU would expand the collaboration network of the BTRi for the promotion of innovative application in the construction industry. The major development directions of the BTRi are to promote applied research and development (R&D), review and uplift standards ,as well as to provide accreditation, certification and testing.

DEVB hosts International Infrastructure and Projects Leaders Summit Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DEVB hosts International Infrastructure and Projects Leaders Summit Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DEVB hosts International Infrastructure and Projects Leaders Summit Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DEVB hosts International Infrastructure and Projects Leaders Summit Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DEVB hosts International Infrastructure and Projects Leaders Summit Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Opening remarks by SCMA at media session

Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Miss Janice Tse Siu-wa, at a media session this afternoon (August 14):

Today marks the conclusion of the public consultation for Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government released the consultation document on June 15, and the consultation has run for two months.

During the consultation period, public response has been very enthusiastic. The general public and stakeholders from different sectors have taken the formulation of Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan very seriously, and have beenkeen to contribute their views and suggestions.

We organised over 100 consultation sessions throughout the public consultation period. About 30 sessions have been conducted by the Chief Executive himself to listen to the views and suggestions from various sectors and industries.

As of today, we have received over 16 000 submissions from different sectors, the general public and stakeholders from different backgrounds. The public's very strong support for our effort is most appreciated.

Indeed, Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan will help us better seize both international and national development opportunities. It is not only a matter for the HKSAR, but also an integral part of the National 15th Five-Year Plan.

Hong Kong's Five-Year Plan is a major initiative to integrate into and serve the overall development of the country, and at the same time, a milestone for public administration in Hong Kong.

We will continue with our efforts in collating and analysing the views and suggestions, and we will strive to publish the formal document within September. Thank you.

Source: AI-found images