John Lee Highlights Hong Kong's Role in GBA Development at Greater Bay Area Conference 2026

Speech by CE at Greater Bay Area Conference 2026: New Dynamics in Asia-Pacific Cooperation, New Opportunities for GBA Connectivity (with video)

Following is the video speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at Greater Bay Area Conference 2026: New Dynamics in Asia-Pacific Cooperation, New Opportunities for GBA Connectivity today (September 3):

Honourable Vice-Chairman C Y Leung (Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Chief Convenor of the Hong Kong Coalition), Mr Qu Yingpu (Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of China Daily),Deputy Director Sun Shangwu (Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)),Deputy Commissioner Hua You (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. I'm pleased to speak to you, once again, at the Greater Bay Area Conference. This annual event brings together business and political leaders, lawmakers, academics, and more for the national strategy of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) development. Through today's panels, you will explore the immense opportunities in finance, innovation, education and beyond, from Hong Kong's integration into the GBA.

The GBA is fast becoming one of the most dynamic and integrated economic powerhouses in the world. It brings together the strengths of nine Mainland cities and the two Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macao. Within this city cluster, Hong Kong plays a unique and irreplaceable role, supported by our distinctive advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle.

Hong Kong is the only world city that converges both the China advantage and the global advantage. We offer a highly market-oriented environment, anchored in the rule of law. We maintain a common law system. Capital, information and talent flow freely. Our tax regime is simple and low, backed by world-class professional services. Taken together, these strengths make Hong Kong a gateway connecting the Mainland and global markets.

This role takes on new significance this year. China will host the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen, a historic first for the GBA. Hong Kong will be hosting the APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting in October, while cities across the GBA will be organising different ministerial meetings. The spotlight is on our region. And we are ready.

In finance, Hong Kong has long been recognised as a leading international financial centre. Our markets are deep and liquid. Our regulatory regime is robust. Our pool of financial and professional talent is strong. Hong Kong is Asia's premier fundraising, asset management and risk management hub.

We build on these strengths through concrete measures, including the Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect Scheme, and facilitating offshore Renminbi bond issuance. Step by step, we are building a more interconnected and diversified financial ecosystem.

In innovation, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster ranked first, globally, in the Global Innovation Index last year. It shows what the GBA does best: turning cutting-edge ideas into tangible outcomes, and world-class research into products.

The Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone is key to this effort. Here, Hong Kong's research excellence meets the Mainland's advanced manufacturing capabilities. As part of the Northern Metropolis, it will deepen collaboration with our GBA partners, from AI and biotech, to fintech and new energy.

Central to the development of our booming I&T (innovation and technology) industries is talent. Hong Kong is home to five of the world's top 100 universities. This is a powerful foundation for nurturing innovators and professionals who will shape the region's future. It also helps to attract a world of academics and research talent to our global city.

At the heart of our vision is the Northern Metropolis University Town Area. By adopting the concept of "one town, five elements", we will bring universities, research institutes and industries closer together, integrating the five elements of education, technology, talent, industry and urban development. This is how we cultivate talent, support enterprises and strengthen long-term competitiveness.

Ladies and gentlemen, the GBA is writing its next chapter. Hong Kong will continue to serve as a "super connector" and a "super value-adder" between the GBA and global markets. Integrating into and serving the overall national development, Hong Kong brings together ideas, capital and talent across boundaries, and connects the GBA with global markets. Together, we are not just building the GBA. We are shaping a more connected, innovative and prosperous future.

My thanks to China Daily for organising this meaningful annual gathering. I wish you all an insightful and inspiring conference today. Thank you.

Source: AI-found images

Vetting Committee supports three applications under New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme

The Innovation and Technology Commission announced today (September 3) that the New Industrialisation Vetting Committee (the Vetting Committee) under the Innovation and Technology Fund has supported in principle three applications submitted by Huayao International Co., Limited (a subsidiary of Jiuhua Huayuan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd), HKIC International Technology Limited, and Hong Kong Smart Construction Industry Park Limited (a subsidiary of China State Construction International Holdings Limited) respectively under the New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme (NIAS).

Huayao International Co., Limited plans to set up production lines for health supplements, with an estimated total investment exceeding $240 million and an expected NIAS funding amount of around $80 million. HKIC International Technology Limited plans to set up a production line for semiconductor memory modules and storage devices, with an estimated total investment of over $210 million and an expected NIAS funding amount of around $70 million. Hong Kong Smart Construction Industry Park Limited plans to set up processing facilities for steel rebar prefabrication and Multi-trade integrated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MiMEP), with an estimated total investment of nearly $390 million and an expected NIAS funding amount of around $130 million.

The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, said, "The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) actively promotes the development of industries of strategic importance and provides support for enterprises to set up new smart production facilities in Hong Kong through the NIAS. The Vetting Committee supported three projects this time, covering the sectors of life and health technology as well as advanced manufacturing, which demonstrates our commitment to advancing the development of new industrialisation in Hong Kong. The HKSAR Government will continue to adopt a multi-pronged approach to foster a more vibrant ecosystem for industries, thereby opening up new space for high-quality development of Hong Kong."

The NIAS aims to provide funding support on a 1 (Government): 2(enterprise) matching basis for enterprises engaging in industries of strategic importance (i.e. life and health technology, AI and data science, advanced manufacturing and new energy technologies) and contributing no less than $100 million to set up new smart production facilities in Hong Kong. Each enterprise can receive up to $200 million of funding. In addition, the Government also provides additional funding for relevant enterprises to engage research talents and/or technical personnel.

The NIAS is open for applications throughout the year. Details are available on the website of the Innovation and Technology Fund (www.itf.gov.hk). For enquiries, please contact the Secretariat of the scheme (Tel: 3543 5904; email: enquiry@itf.gov.hk).