Hong Kong tech bureau can boost links with mainland China, says IT adviser after three-day visit to Beijing
City's technology adviser says pet project of C.Y. Leung would boost digital interaction with the mainland and increase business opportunities
Establishing an innovation and technology bureau would help to boost interaction between Hong Kong and the mainland under the country's "Internet Plus" strategy, the city's technology adviser said in Beijing yesterday.
"There are quite a lot of projects in the pipeline on the mainland," said Nicholas Yang Wei-hsiung. "We should bring Hong Kong's industry players to the mainland for exchanges and to seek business opportunities.
"Hongkongers are innovative, and the mainland's internet sector has good value. [Both sides] can benefit if we have more interaction."
The proposed bureau is a pet project of Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying but it has been repeatedly blocked by lawmakers. Yang is considered the front runner to head the bureau.
READ MORE: Can Li Keqiang's Internet Plus strategy really save China?
In his first official visit to the capital since taking office as Leung's adviser on innovation and technology in March, Yang led a 50-strong delegation from the IT sector on a three-day visit.
Although he did not discuss the bureau with officials of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, Yang said the industry would continue to strengthen communication with the mainland to achieve a "win-win situation".
