Professor Sun Dong Promotes AI Cooperation Between Hong Kong and Guangxi During Nanning Visit

2026-01-14 19:57 Last Updated At：20:43

SITI visits Guangxi

The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, visited Nanning in Guangxi today (January 14).

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SITI visits Guangxi Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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SITI visits Guangxi Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

This morning, Professor Sun called on the Secretary of the CPC Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Committee and Director of the Standing Committee of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Regional People's Congress, Mr Chen Gang, and learned that Guangxi is accelerating the high-quality development of artificial intelligence and building an industrial co-operation highland for the AI industry facing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). They also had exchanges and in-depth discussions on further strengthening the co-operation and synergistic development between Hong Kong and Guangxi in various areas including AI, innovation and technology (I&T) parks, data infrastructure, data governance, and nurturing talent. Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Committee and Vice Chairman of the People's Government of the Autonomous Region Ms Lu Xinning also attended the meeting.

Professor Sun said Hong Kong will fully leverage its distinctive advantage of having strong support from the motherland and a close connection with the world. Through complementary co-operation and synergistic development, Hong Kong and Guangxi will explore co-operation between the two places and with ASEAN countries in industries such as AI and the digital economy.

Professor Sun then met with Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Committee and the Secretary of the CPC Nanning Municipal Committee, Mr Xu Yongguo, to exchange views on I&T co-operation between Hong Kong and Nanning.

Professor Sun visited the Display Center of the China-ASEAN Countries Artificial Intelligence Application Cooperation Center and toured its display hall. The Center is an AI co-operation platform, jointly established by the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and ASEAN countries, which aims to promote regional co-operation in AI technologies and the digital transformation of industries. The center is also an industrial highland facing ASEAN.

He was briefed on the Center's construction and operation, as well as its co-operation with ASEAN countries. He also observed the AI+ industries and application scenarios, including industrialisation and social governance, and exchanged views on the co-operation model of research and development, integration in Guangxi, and applications in ASEAN.

Professor Sun also visited the exhibition centre of the China-ASEAN Information Harbor and the Beibu Gulf Big Data Exchange Center and studied the collaboration in AI between Guangxi and ASEAN countries, as well as the development and transaction of data products. He also learned about the cross-boundary data flow channels and industrial Internet platforms, the construction of the Digital Silk Road, and co-operation with the ASEAN market.

Professor Sun then visited the China-ASEAN Geographic Information Town to study the industrial applications of technologies, such as satellite navigation and geographic information, in the fields of smart city, cross-boundary logistics, and so on.

Meanwhile, Professor Sun visited the China-ASEAN Mercantile Exchange (China-Singapore Nanning International Logistics Park) to learn about the operation of the large-scale cross-boundary integrated logistics park and one-stop trade platform that integrates functions including production, warehousing, logistics, exhibition, commerce and finance. He also studied the international co-operation between ASEAN countries and Guangxi through the Western New Land-Sea Corridor.

Upon his arrival in Nanning, Guangxi yesterday, Professor Sun immediately met with Deputy Secretary-General of the People's Government of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Party Secretary and Director of the Guangxi Big Data Development Bureau Mr Zhao Zhigang, to have an in-depth exchange on issues including the promotion of data sharing, smart city development, and co-operation in digital industry.

The Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, Dr Rocky Cheng, also joined the visit.

Professor Sun will continue his visit tomorrow. He will visit a digital intelligent operations and maintenance service provider and its intelligent computing centre to learn about the service provider's latest achievements in AI and computing power, digital intelligence technology and products. He will also visit the China Mobile Group Guangxi Company to conduct studies on the planning of its infrastructure in computing power and its AI industry large models.

Professor Sun will conclude his visit before noon and return to Hong Kong.

Two Passengers Sentenced for Smuggling Duty-Not-Paid Cigarettes in Hong Kong

Incoming passengers convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes

Two incoming passengers were each sentenced to two months' imprisonment with a fine of $2,000 by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (January 14) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted a 67-year-old incoming female passenger on January 2 at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point and seized 581 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $2,300 and a duty potential of about $1,900, found on her. She was subsequently arrested.

In addition, Customs officers intercepted a 66-year-old incoming male passenger at the same control point on January 4, and seized 421 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $1,700 and a duty potential of about $1,300, found on him. He was subsequently arrested.

Customs welcomes the sentences. The custodial sentences have imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.

Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).