SITI: InnoEX 2026 Launches with Focus on AI and Global Innovation Collaboration

Opening remarks by SITI at InnoEX Opening Ceremony cum Luncheon

Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the InnoEX Opening Ceremony cum Luncheon today (April 14):

Dr Gerd Müller (Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization), Sophia (Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Ms Sophia Chong), Secretary-General Ren Xianliang (Secretary-General of the World Internet Conference), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon. It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to InnoEX 2026. A special warm welcome to our Guest of Honour, Dr Gerd Müller, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, for joining us today.

Today, we celebrate the opening of the fourth edition of InnoEX. This year's theme - "Innovate • Automate • Elevate" - is all about technology. The four letters "T-E-C-H" aptly describe why we host the annual exhibition, what we strive to achieve, and how we make the best out of this international forum.

"T" stands for Thriving Participation. This year's InnoEX is buzzing with energy - we have over 550 exhibitors coming from 21 countries and regions, seeing a continuous growth in both number and diversity. As we welcome patrons from Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, we greet new friends from Austria, Germany, Hungary, Israel, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and the United States. Our motherland also continues to show a strong presence, with 18 pavilions from 17 provinces and cities from the Chinese Mainland, and they are coming with larger delegations.

"E" stands for Elevation. At the core of InnoEX 2026 is AI+, empowering innovations with AI. The AI force spurs possibilities and elevates the potentials of robotics, smart living, low-altitude economy, property technology and retail applications. Highlights this year include the "RoboPark" zone showcasing over 100 robots from up-and-coming and heavyweight companies, as well as the Smart Hong Kong Pavilion, staged by our Digital Policy Office to demonstrate Hong Kong's unwavering commitment to not only having AI for entertainment but also bringing real improvements to people's lives with AI.

"C" stands for Connection and Collaboration. InnoEX is more than an exhibition - it is a vibrant nexus where start-ups meet investors, researchers meet industry, and local enterprises meet global markets. InnoEX 2026 hosts more than 80 exchange and networking sessions. The collaborative spirit of InnoEX is further bolstered by myriad events of the "Business of Innovation and Technology Week (BIT Week)".

Last but not least, "H" stands for Hong Kong. We take pride in hosting InnoEX and the BIT Week events as an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre. Hong Kong enjoys the staunch support from our country. With our unique advantages under "one country two systems", Hong Kong is the best place to link businesses and opportunities between the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world.

Hong Kong's leading role as a global I&T hub is cemented by two important events this week. The World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit that opened yesterday here in Hong Kong speaks volume of our role as a "super connector". Later today, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau will sign a joint statement on collaboration to advance industrial development, innovation and digital transformation.

On this note, I express gratitude to DrMüller for your visit to Hong Kong, which will lay a solid foundation for international partnerships to help foster inclusive and sustainable industrial solutions to the world.

Ladies and gentlemen, T-E-C-H is not just an acronym - it is our promise for the future. My sincere thanks to you all for being part of this exciting journey, and also to our long-standing partner, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, under the leadership of Sophia, for bringing InnoEX to the next higher level.

May I wish you all a fruitful "InnoEx-perience", and an enjoyable stay in Hong Kong. Thank you.

The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, speaks at the InnoEX Opening Ceremony cum Luncheon today (April 14). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

GoGlobal Task Force to visit Canada to support Mainland enterprises in expanding their global business

Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), a member of the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global (GoGlobal Task Force), will lead a delegation on a seven-day visit to Canada starting September 20 to support Mainland enterprises in expanding their global business.

As one of the outbound missions under the supervision of the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK Ms Loretta Lee will lead the delegation comprising Chinese Mainland companies in sustainability and life and health sciences on a visit to Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton. The visit aims to help Chinese Mainland enterprises understand the local ecosystems and precisely align their go-global needs, while attracting Canadian businesses in these strategic sectors to invest in Hong Kong, thereby driving new growth impetus.

Ms Lee said, "Canada is globally recognised for its exceptional research talent, clean technology leadership, and established life sciences ecosystem. As more Mainland green technology and life and health sciences enterprises pursue international growth through Hong Kong, they bring not only capital and access to one of the world's largest markets, but also serve as ideal partners for Canadian companies seeking to explore Asia and beyond. We are keen to build fresh synergies with Canadian businesses to strengthen innovation, collaboration, and investment flows."

During the visit, the delegation will meet with local institutions, chambers of commerce, and industry associations. They will also hold targeted discussions with leading Canadian green tech and healthcare enterprises, visit universities and research parks, and take part in sector-specific roundtables and business networking sessions.

Source: AI-found images