Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying suggests the Hong Kong information technology industry try to get to “know more about the country’s [China’s] policies and actively participate in the mainland market.”
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong International Entrepreneurs Festival (HKIEF), Leung said that the industry should “seize the opportunities brought by the development of internet economy in the mainland.”
Leung also said first-hand experiences of working in the mainland for young people in Hong Kong can “not only help them gain deeper understanding of major national policies, but also equip them for starting or developing their businesses.”
He cited examples of study tours and internships at Chinese internet giants, such as Baidu and Sina. These programmes were organised by the China Internet Development Foundation, Hong Kong Information Technology Joint Council, and Hong Kong United Foundation, which was founded by Leung’s campaign advisers.
The three-day festival was organised by China’s Internet Department Foundation, which is backed by the State Internet Information Office under the State Council. The event was also attended by Nicholas Yang Wei-hsiung, the Secretary for Innovation and Technology Bureau (ITB), and other high-ranking Chinese officials.
Leung also added that IT startup companies are booming in Hong Kong, and the government was committed to creating a favourable environment for IT startups.
The ITB was officially formed on November 20 and funding was approved by the Legislative Council Finance Committee last month.
