On March 21, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive Mr. John Lee Ka-chiu met with representatives from leading enterprises, including BGI Group CEO Dr. Yin Ye, at the Hetao Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park (HSITP), to explore new opportunities for collaboration and growth. The meeting took place during the topping-out ceremony for the No. 8 and 9 laboratory buildings and successful completion of the No. 11 talent accommodation building.
Chief Executive John Lee, accompanied by Deputy Financial Secretary Mr. Michael Wong Wai-lun, Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry Prof. Sun Dong, HSITP Chairman and Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry Mr. Eddie Mak Tak-wai, and HSITP CEO Mr. Vincent Ma Wai-shin, marked the milestone achievement of the buildings' completion.
Lee emphasized that the latest developments in the Hetao region would attract global top-tier enterprises and high-caliber talents, transforming the park into a world-class innovation hub connecting the Chinese Mainland and the international community. He noted that the HSITP plays a critical role in fostering new productive capabilities that are vital for Hong Kong, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and China's high-quality development.
Following the ceremony, Chief Executive John Lee held a productive discussion with Dr. Yin Ye, CEO of BGI Group, exchanging insights on the company's strategic development in the Hetao region and future collaborative prospects.
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive John Lee (right) together with BGI Group CEO Dr. Yin Ye.
Dr. Yin Ye expressed that BGI Group highly values this development opportunity and is actively investing and participating in the Hetao region. Leveraging its longstanding technological expertise and resource, BGI is committed to enhancing the innovation of Hetao area.
During conversations with Dr. Yin and other leading enterprise representatives, Chief Executive John Lee expressed satisfaction at witnessing top-tier enterprises and talents setting-up in the HSITP. He reiterated Hong Kong’s unique advantage in bridging Chinese mainland and global markets, positioning Hetao as a leading innovation and technology gateway. Lee affirmed the HKSAR government's commitment to accelerating the Park’s growth, harmonizing cross-border regulatory frameworks, and facilitating the seamless flow of people, goods, capital, and information. These initiatives aim to establish HSITP as a globally recognized platform for technological innovation and provide robust momentum to the high-quality development of the Greater Bay Area and beyond.
Chief Executive John Lee (second from the left) in conversation with representatives of leading enterprises. (Source: John Lee Ka-chiu’s Facebook page)
Dr. Yin Ye remarked, "Today's meeting lays a solid foundation for deeper cooperation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong in life sciences. With collective efforts, the Hetao region will achieve transformative development through technological innovation, becoming a key driver of high-quality growth in the Greater Bay Area."
During the COVID-19 pandemic, BGI responded swiftly to the HKSAR government’s call to set up the "Huo-Yan" Laboratory. The facility provided critical support to Hong Kong’s precise epidemic control and prevention measures.
In August 2023, the "Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone Shenzhen Park Development Plan" was officially released, emphasizing coordinated sci-tech innovation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong and the establishment of internationally compatible research management systems. Responding actively, BGI Group established a research and development center in Hetao, introducing advanced scientific equipment, breakthrough genomic technologies, and attracting outstanding researchers from Hong Kong and across the globe. These initiatives have significantly contributed to scientific talent clustering and exchange in the region.