HKSAR Government and MIIT sign co-operation agreement on new industrialisation
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and the Minister of Industry and Information Technology, Mr Jin Zhuanglong, witnessed the signing of the Co-operation Agreement on the Development of New Quality Productive Forces and the Promotion of New Industrialisation between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in Beijing today (September 19).
The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, and Vice Minister of Industry and Information Technology Mr Xiong Jijun represented Hong Kong and the Mainland, respectively, in signing the co-operation agreement. The agreement aims to support Hong Kong in developing new quality productive forces and promoting new industrialisation according to local conditions. Moreover, it strengthens exchanges between the two sides in the fields of industry and information technology, promoting co-operation and joint development in industries where both places have clear advantages.
Mr Lee said, "The HKSAR Government actively develops new quality productive forces, promotes new industrialisation, and fosters better integration into the national system of industry and innovation. The signing of the co-operation agreement between the HKSAR Government and the MIIT today signifies the importance of our efforts to integrate into national development. The HKSAR Government will collaborate with the MIIT to further advance innovation, technology and industry, injecting new impetus into economic development and making greater contribution to the comprehensive promotion of Chinese modernisation to build a great country and achieve national rejuvenation."
Before the signing ceremony of the co-operation agreement, both sides updated each other on the latest policy initiatives for developing new quality productive forces and promoting new industrialisation. They also exchanged views on areas for strengthened co-operation and discussed how the two places could promote the development of innovation and technology while integrating into the overall national development.
HKSAR Government and MIIT sign co-operation agreement on new industrialisation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKSAR Government and MIIT sign co-operation agreement on new industrialisation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKSAR Government and MIIT sign co-operation agreement on new industrialisation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Executive Council approves financial arrangements for Hung Shui Kiu Station project
The Chief Executive in Council approved on September 17 the financial arrangements for the Hung Shui Kiu Station (HSK Station) project. Subsequently, the Transport and Logistics Bureau has signed with the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) the project agreement for the HSK Station, construction of which is expected to commence this year for completion in 2030. The Government has been working closely with the MTRCL in taking forward the planning and design of the HSK Station, and will continue to support and co-ordinate the construction and commissioning of the project.
A Government spokesman said, "The HSK Station project is implemented under an ownership approach. The MTRCL will be responsible for the financing, design, construction, operation and maintenance of the project. The Government, supported by an independent checking consultant, has checked and verified the project financial estimates provided by the MTRCL. The capital cost estimate for the HSK Station project is about $6.639 billion (in September 2024 prices). The Government will provide funding support to the MTRCL in order to implement the project."
The Executive Council approved granting the MTRCL the property development rights of Planning Areas 28A and 28B of the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area (HSK/HT NDA) with an area of about 8.2 hectares, for residential and commercial development uses, and deducting a total fixed lump sum of $9.850 billion in money-of-the-day prices from the full market value land premium of the sites assessed on a "with-railway" basis in the future as funding support to the MTRCL to implement the project.
"The Government has been advocating 'infrastructure-led' and 'capacity-creating' planning principles in taking forward transport infrastructure projects. The HSK Station will be an intermediate station on the Tuen Ma Line between the Tin Shui Wai Station and the Siu Hong Station. It primarily serves the future HSK/HT NDA in the western part of the Northern Metropolis, offering an alternative transport choice to residents in the vicinity. Currently, the journey between the HSK/HT NDA and the Tin Shui Wai Station or the Siu Hong Station by road transport takes about 20 to 25 minutes during peak hours. Upon the commissioning of the HSK Station, it is expected that the same journey by rail will only take about four minutes, thereby bringing significant transport benefits for the total population of the HSK/HT NDA of around 226 000 upon full population intake. The Government will continue to foster a collaborative culture with the MTRCL through enhanced project communication and supervision platforms for more effective project delivery to enable residents to enjoy the benefit as soon as possible," the spokesman added.
