Financial Secretary Paul Chan Highlights Hong Kong's Role in Xi'an's Aerospace Industry Development

2026-06-27 15:00 Last Updated At：15:08

FS concludes visit to Xi'an (with photos/video)

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, today (June 27) concluded the final day of his visit to Xi'an.

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FS concludes visit to Xi'an (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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FS concludes visit to Xi'an (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Mr Chan attended the First Western Commercial Space Conference this morning. In his speech, he said that Xi'an, with its strong scientific research capabilities, complete industrial chain, and deep accumulation in technology and talent pipelines, possesses unique advantages in depth in the aerospace industry. The related industries have progressed from being strong in supporting capabilities to becoming strong overall. He pointed out that the local industry has established an efficient and collaborative industrial system in areas such as rocket engines, satellite payloads, laser communications, precision measurement and control equipment, and new materials, significantly improving industry efficiency, lowering costs and accelerating technological iteration.

He noted that for commercial space to form a complete closed loop, it still needs to address the key issues of being able to secure financing, sell far, and proceed steadily, including connecting with international capital markets, expanding global customer networks, and aligning with cross-boundary rules and standards.

Mr Chan pointed out that Hong Kong can serve as an interface connecting the western region's aerospace industry with international markets from three dimensions: capital, research and market. In terms of capital, Hong Kong has a deep and broad pool of international capital and a global investor network, a mature offshore renminbi market, and an end-to-end fundraising and financing ecosystem, including patient capital that invests in small, early-stage, long-term and hard technology projects. These can help technology enterprises raise funds and complete valuation, pricing and cross-boundary mergers and acquisitions under rules familiar to international markets. In terms of research, Hong Kong's universities can collaborate with Xi'an's institutions on research into key technologies, promote the transformation of research outcomes, connect with international networks and attract high-end talent. In terms of market, Hong Kong can, with its common law system and internationally aligned intellectual property protection regime, assist enterprises in going global, expanding into international markets, converting standards and validating products.

He emphasised that Hong Kong has already incorporated commercial space into its industrial planning, including establishing the Space Robotics and Energy Centre, supporting the Chang'e-8 mission, and promoting local satellite projects and related investment. As commercial space enters the scaled development stage "fromone to N", co-ordination among the industrial chain, capital and markets is particularly crucial. Hong Kong will leverage its openness, internationalisation and financial advantages under the "one country, two systems" framework to empower the accelerated development of the western region's aerospace industry and support the development of the country's aerospace cause.

Mr Chan met with the Chairman of the Shaanxi Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Mr Xu Xinrong, at noon. He concluded his visit programme in Xi'an in the afternoon and departed for Hong Kong.

Annual Water Safety Campaign Promotes Swimming Safety and Health for the Elderly in Hong Kong

Results for Water Safety Campaign slogan and graphic design competitions announced

To further raise public awareness of water safety, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Hong Kong China Life Saving Society (HKCLSS) jointly organised the annual Water Safety Campaign. The prize presentation ceremony of its slogan and graphic design competitions for primary and secondary school students was held at the Kowloon Park Arcade today (June 27).

Addressing the ceremony, LCSD Assistant Director (Leisure Services) Ms Fung Miu-ling said that the Department has long encouraged the elderly to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle. Swimming, as an excellent full-body exercise, has always been popular among senior citizens. She added that the theme of the two competitions this year is to promote the health benefits of swimming for the elderly and also to enhance their awareness of safety practices such as assessing their physical conditions, warming up before swimming, swimming within their abilities and cooling down afterwards.

The response to both competitions was enthusiastic, with more than 1300 participants in total. The standard of entries was high, fully demonstrating the creativity and artistic talents of the students. The organisers have used the winning slogans (in Chinese) and graphic designs from both sections to produce two posters for the Campaign.

Ms Fung took the opportunity to appeal to members of the public to take heed of water safety advice while enjoying swimming. LCSD staff will closely monitor weather conditions at outdoor public swimming pools and beaches and will make timely arrangements as necessary. Members of the public are advised to check the latest weather forecasts before planning to swim, and to avoid outdoor water sports activities during adverse weather conditions. She noted that when the services at LCSD outdoor water sports facilities are temporarily suspended due to thunderstorms, swimmers should remain calm and follow the advice and instructions of venue staff. They should leave the water immediately and move promptly to indoor or sheltered safe areas, and avoid open spaces to stay away from danger.

The LCSD thanked the HKCLSS for its continued efforts over the years in promoting and organising lifesaving training courses, professional examinations and sports competitions, as well as nurturing lifeguards. These efforts have enabled lifesaving services to be maintained at aquatic venues across the city to keep swimmers safe.

Game stalls were also set up today at the entrance lobby of the Kowloon Park Swimming Pool's spectator stands to promote water safety. In addition, winning entries of the two aforesaid competitions are now on display at the same location until July 8 and can also be viewed on the LCSD's webpages atwww.lcsd.gov.hk/en/swimhandbook/poster/index.html (graphic design competition) and www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/swimhandbook/slogan/index.html (Chinese slogan competition).

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Highlights Hong Kong's Role in Xi'an's Aerospace Industry Development

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