The 16th Cross-Strait, Hong Kong and Macao Economic and Trade Cooperation Seminar was held in Hong Kong on June 6. The event was themed on promoting cooperation among the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, Hong Kong and Macao in the digital economy for win-win development. Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Gao Yunlong, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, and President of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong Lo Kam-wing addressed the opening ceremony. Gao, who is also chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), emphasized the shared heritage of both sides of the Strait, Hong Kong and Macao, urging collaboration for a digital future. Highlighting innovation as the essence of the digital economy, he stressed the importance of empowerment and integration, and called for accelerated efforts in digital industry advancement, digital transformation of traditional industries, and nurturing of young tech talents. He added that enterprises across the Strait and in Hong Kong and Macao should leverage their respective strengths, focus on the cutting-edge fields of digital technology to enhance collaborative research and development, promote industrial chain integration, market expansion, scenario sharing and talent cultivation, and work together to help China gain the edge in the global digital economy competition. 

He also raised his hope that chambers of commerce in the regions would continue to tap their advantages, take this seminar as an opportunity to deepen pragmatic cooperation, and help the regions set an example in digital economy innovation so as to inject momentum into the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. 

Lee said that Hong Kong enjoys the advantage of connecting both domestic and international markets under the principle of "one country, two systems". It boasts the most comprehensive commercial regulations in the world and the convergence of data from both the mainland and the international markets, which provides crucial support for technology companies to expand their businesses, he said. The mainland, on its part, has a solid foundation in high-end industries, is fully committed to future industries, enjoys huge market potential, and has distinct advantages in materializing sci-tech research outcomes, he noted. He expressed confidence that the two sides of the Strait, Hong Kong and Macao will continue to thrive and achieve mutual benefits in emerging industries such as the digital economy and artificial intelligence (AI).

In his speech, Lo called on the regions to further leverage their respective advantages, integrate scientific research resources and innovation forces, deepen cooperation in cutting-edge technologies such as AI, quantum computing and blockchain, and promote joint research and breakthroughs of key core technologies. 

Jointly hosted by the ACFIC, the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Macao Chamber of Commerce, the event featured keynote speeches and parallel sessions on topics such as the development trend of the digital economy and its opportunities, and intelligent science and technology and industrial upgrading.