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Hong Kong and Shanghai Sign MOU to Enhance Digital Cargo Trade and Finance Cooperation

HK

Hong Kong and Shanghai Sign MOU to Enhance Digital Cargo Trade and Finance Cooperation
HK

HK

Hong Kong and Shanghai Sign MOU to Enhance Digital Cargo Trade and Finance Cooperation

2026-03-02 14:30 Last Updated At:16:58

Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Shanghai Data Bureau, and National Technology Innovation Center for Blockchain sign MOU to strengthen Shanghai-Hong Kong co-operation in digitised cargo trade and finance

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the Shanghai Data Bureau (SDB), and the National Technology Innovation Center for Blockchain (NTICBC) announced today (March 2) that they have jointly signed the Memorandum of Understanding between Shanghai and Hong Kong on Digitised Cargo Trade and Finance Cooperation (the MOU). This aims to deepen the collaboration between Shanghai and Hong Kong in areas of digitised cargo trade and finance. The collaboration leverages the unique advantages of Hong Kong as a "super connector" and "super value-adder", with its connections to both the Chinese Mainland and the world, to support Shanghai's integration with the international data ecosystem through Hong Kong.

Under the MOU, the HKMA, the SDB, and the NTICBC will jointly conduct research on digital technology and its applications, and promote the innovative application of the technology in areas such as cargo trade and finance. The parties will work together to examine the use of digital technology to develop a "cross-border platform". Through this platform, cross-border financial co-operation and the use of electronic bills of lading (eBL) will be explored under Project Ensemble, while the facilitation of trade finance through cargo and trade data will be studied via connection with the Commercial Data Interchange (CDI) and CargoX.

Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA Mr Howard Leesaid, "We are pleased to sign the MOU with the SDB and the NTICBC. This marks an important milestone in the collaboration on financial innovation between Shanghai and Hong Kong, and underscores the joint commitment to strengthen the collaboration between the two jurisdictions in areas of digitised cargo trade and finance. We look forward to driving innovative application of digital technology in areas such as cargo trade and finance, promoting joint achievements in digital innovation, exploring a digital infrastructure that links Shanghai and Hong Kong, promoting digitalisation of trade finance, as well as facilitating the integration of cargo and trade data in the Chinese Mainland with the international data ecosystem through Hong Kong."

The Director of SDB, Dr Shao Jun,said, "The joint signing of the MOU with the HKMA and the NTICBC marks a significant step towards deepening co-operation between Shanghai and Hong Kong on data. We remain committed to data-powered and innovation-driven development, striving to establish a secure, efficient, and open digital infrastructure. This collaboration will fully leverage Shanghai's strengths in data integration and commercialisation, working in tandem with Hong Kong to realise innovative applications in digitised cargo trade, and finance. We also look forward to showcasing a range of innovation outcomes through close co-operation, thereby injecting new momentum into Shanghai-Hong Kong digital collaboration."

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the Shanghai Data Bureau (SDB), and the National Technology Innovation Center for Blockchain (NTICBC) announced today (March 2) that they have jointly signed the Memorandum of Understanding between Shanghai and Hong Kong on Digitised Cargo Trade and Finance Cooperation (the MOU). Photo shows Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA Mr Howard Lee (centre); the Director of the SDB, Dr Shao Jun (left); and the Director of the NTICBC, Mr Dong Jin (right), signing the MOU. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the Shanghai Data Bureau (SDB), and the National Technology Innovation Center for Blockchain (NTICBC) announced today (March 2) that they have jointly signed the Memorandum of Understanding between Shanghai and Hong Kong on Digitised Cargo Trade and Finance Cooperation (the MOU). Photo shows Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA Mr Howard Lee (centre); the Director of the SDB, Dr Shao Jun (left); and the Director of the NTICBC, Mr Dong Jin (right), signing the MOU. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speech by SITI at Award Presentation Ceremony of Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Asia-Pacific Robot Contest 2026

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Award Presentation Ceremony of Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Asia-Pacific Robot Contest (ABU Robocon) 2026 today (August 23):

Mr Ahmed Nadeem (Secretary General of the ABU), Angelina (Director of Broadcasting, Ms Angelina Kwan), Cordelia (Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Ms Cordelia Chung), esteemed judges, brilliant young innovators, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. It is my honour to join you today at the ABU Asia-Pacific Robot Contest 2026 as Hong Kong proudly hosts this flagship competition again after 14 years.

This year's theme, "Kung Fu Quest", perfectly blended traditional martial arts with cutting-edge technologies in robotics. Thank you and congratulations to all participants, for letting us witness agility, precision, and strategy reimagined through your brilliant engineering. The robots you built showhow technological innovation can bridge culture and modernity, while your passion and teamwork embody perseverance that defines both martial arts and scientific discovery.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is fully committed to developing Hong Kong into an international I&T (innovation and technology) centre. We are enhancing the I&T ecosystem across the full spectrum, from upstream basic research, to midstream and downstream industry development. Seeing your incredible creations today reinforces our confidence in the future. Bright young talents like you would provide impetus to I&T development, and we spare no effort in providing support to turn your boldest ideas into reality. Through innovation hubs like the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, we offer comprehensive incubation, mentorship and business-matching support. Wherever you come from, Hong Kong is an ideal place to unlock your potentials, to groom your passions and to realise your aspirations.

To all our participants tonight, you are all champions in my eyes. Carry this "Kung Fu" spirit of discipline and continuous self-improvement into your future journeys. Keep questioning the impossible, and never stop innovating!

Finally, I wish you all a memorable evening and all overseas participants an enjoyable stay in Hong Kong. Thank you.

The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, speaks at the Award Presentation Ceremony of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Asia-Pacific Robot Contest 2026 today (August 23). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, speaks at the Award Presentation Ceremony of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Asia-Pacific Robot Contest 2026 today (August 23). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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