The Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang, today (November 17) met with the Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), Mr Xu Lin, and addressed the Cross-Strait, Hong Kong and Macao Internet Development Forum at the 3rd World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, Zhejiang Province.

     At a meeting with Mr Xu in the morning, both sides discussed issues of mutual concern, in particular how to make better use of Hong Kong's unique advantages under "one country, two systems" to create mutual benefits.

     In his presentation at the Cross-Strait, Hong Kong and Macao Internet Development Forum this afternoon, Mr Yang outlined the competitive edge of Hong Kong in innovation and technology. He said that big data is a major pillar of smart city development in a data-driven world.

     He said that promoting a "smart city" and big data application is one of the priority tasks of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Its objectives are manifold: first, to use innovation and technology to address urban challenges and to improve management, quality of living, sustainability, efficiency and safety of the city; second, to enhance the city's attractiveness to global business and talent; and third, to inspire city innovation and stimulate sustainable economic development.

     On the margins of the World Internet Conference, Mr Yang met with Hong Kong delegates attending the Conference this morning. Representatives of the CAC and the Ministry of Commerce also joined the meeting.

     In addition to attending the opening ceremony and plenary session of the 3rd World Internet Conference, Mr Yang held separate side meetings yesterday (November 16) with the Senior Executive Vice President and President of Social Network Group of Tencent, Mr Dowson Tong, and the Convenor of the working group ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 27/WG 1, Professor Edward Humphreys.

     Mr Yang departed for Hong Kong after the Forum.

Ends/Thursday, November 17, 2016
Issued at HKT 15:51

NNNN