HK, Macao firms see business potential in Hetao

Video and photos by Wang Haolan

Nearly 70 members of Hong Kong and Macao commercial associations and representatives from tech and research institutes, gathered at the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Cooperation Zone on Friday to explore the park's innovative environment, key industrial areas, and preferential policies in search of business opportunities. 

Guests pose for a group photo at the Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch during the Hetao Open Day Event on Friday.

This Hetao Open Day event was specially organized for members of Hong Kong and Macao commercial associations and took place shortly after Hong Kong chief executive John Lee highlighted the Hetao cooperation zone in his third annual policy address Wednesday.

Grace Lai, director of the Shenzhen Liaison Unit of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong, delivers a speech during the event.

During the event, Li Huilai, deputy director-general of the Hetao Development Authority, reported that the Hetao Shenzhen Park has established 13 specialized industrial parks and implemented cross-border bus services for commuters. She also noted that the park offers various preferential policies to support scientific research and innovation. Looking ahead, the park will continue to collaborate with Hong Kong to drive technological innovation.

Jackie Ng, deputy chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, told Shenzhen Daily that the federation plays an important role in fostering cooperation between industries and research institutes to promote the commercialization of scientific research.

Jackie Ng, deputy chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, admires Shenzhen's urban view from the China Front Center in the Hetao Shenzhen park.

She emphasized the need for deeper communication between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, highlighting the role of Hetao Shenzhen park in facilitating cross-border exchanges. “Data sharing is very important. We hope that Shenzhen and Hong Kong can leverage the advantages of Hetao to enhance research data exchange, thereby accelerating the process of technological innovation,” Ng stated.

Three representatives from Hong Kong and Macao research institutes and enterprises already operating in the Hetao Shenzhen Park shared their development experiences and the favorable measures they have encountered.

Yu Jinming, vice president of Global Strategy at i2Cool Ltd., mentioned that the attractive measures in Hetao, including preferential rents and the geographical advantage of proximity to Hong Kong, influenced their decision to establish the company there. 

i2Cool Ltd., a startup specializing in electricity-free cooling technology, was founded in 2022 by a Ph.D. holders’ team from the City University of Hong Kong. 

“I have high expectations for Hong Kong Chief Executive raising to boost the development of low-altitude economy,” Yu told Shenzhen Daily. “The applications of the low-altitude economy could alleviate traffic congestion. If the use of drones enables us to transport cross-border goods, it would greatly facilitate the movement of products like oil paint, which is typically measured in tons.”

During the event, 17 enterprises in the Hetao Shenzhen Park showcased their products on-site, helping association members gain a deeper understanding of the key industries developing in Hetao and explore additional cooperation opportunities.

In addition to the presentations, participants visited an exhibition hall to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Hetao Shenzhen Park, and XtaiPi, an innovative research platform company powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, which was established in 2015 and went public earlier this year. They also toured the Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch, which currently hosts around 50 companies, most of which are from Hong Kong.