The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued his visit in Shanghai today (July 6).
 
     In the morning, Mr Chan attended the opening ceremony of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference 2023, and delivered a keynote speech at its Plenary Session - Industry Development in the afternoon. In his speech, Mr Chan said that artificial intelligence (AI) has been reshaping the relative advantages of technology, industry structure and economic axes of economies in recent years. It also creates new scenarios for applications and new industrial models, as well as new opportunities for businesses and industries as well as better living for people. However, it poses new challenges at the same time, including copyright issues arising from contents created by AI and impacts brought to employment. Mr Chan quoted Hong Kong's experience in developing Web 3.0 as an example to illustrate the need to set appropriate guardrails for technology and its applications, so that they could develop in a responsible and sustainable manner.
 
     Mr Chan said in his speech that Hong Kong can make unique contributions in supporting AI development in three areas, namely gathering top research institutions and talent with strengths in scientific research from the Mainland and overseas,  while the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will continue to offer policy and financial support for AI development; as an international financial centre, facilitating AI enterprises and institutions to raise funds in Hong Kong; and complementing the strengths of sister cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to form a complete industrial chain of AI, from research and development to industrial and research applications.
 
     In the afternoon, Mr Chan visited the Hong Kong Pavilion of the exhibition held under the Conference. The Hong Kong Pavilion was organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and supported by the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, targeting to assist innovation and technology enterprises as well as cutting-edge technology and products from Hong Kong to fit into the Mainland market more speedily, with a view to jointly boosting innovative technology and scenarios for applications. The Pavilion showcased latest products and scientific research outcomes of four AI companies from Hong Kong, covering areas of blockchain, medical intelligence, digital asset platforms and omni-channel AI smart services.
 
     Mr Chan also met with Vice Mayor of the Shanghai Municipal Government Mr Hua Yuan. They exchanged views on topics of mutual interest for Shanghai and Hong Kong.  Noting that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Conference, they explored further co-operation of the two places in such areas as finance, industry and commerce, trade, green transformation, digital economy, innovation technology, shipping, culture and tourism, as well as city management.
 
     Mr Chan also met with the Chief Executive Officer of Shanghai Data Exchange, Mr Tang Qifeng, and exchanged opinions on data transaction, digital commerce development, international and cross-boundary data flow, etc. Mr Chan also visited an enterprise focusing on AI chips and cloud computing with a view to understanding its business.
 
     Mr Chan will visit Fudan University and deliver a speech in the evening to update academic staff and students on Hong Kong's latest situation and opportunities available.
 
     He will continue his visit in Shanghai tomorrow (July 7).

Ends/Thursday, July 6, 2023
Issued at HKT 19:34

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