Hong Kong to play due part in making GBA world-class city cluster

Hong Kong will participate in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) into a world-class city cluster with global influence, John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said on Wednesday.

Delivering Hong Kong's first five-year plan for economic and social development (2026-2030), Lee said that Hong Kong will contribute to developing an information and technology industry chain in the GBA.

It will strive to invite more I&T leadership talent from the mainland and overseas to establish a presence in Hong Kong and facilitate the application of intellectual property rights arising from research and development outcomes.

Infrastructure is a major component of connectivity within the GBA.

Lee said Hong Kong will advance the construction of cross-boundary rail links and expedite the formation of enormous intelligent computing clusters.

To further align rules and mechanisms in the GBA, efforts will be made to foster the mutual recognition of professional qualifications and promote the alignment of healthcare services and regulatory frameworks.

The cross-boundary flow of people, goods, capital and data will be facilitated, said the blueprint, also putting the development of cross-boundary autonomous driving on the agenda.

In deepening exchanges between the residents of GBA cities, the plan listed measures to strengthen cooperation between universities, promote cross-boundary elderly services, jointly conserve biodiversity and achieve integrated development of culture, sports and tourism.