***************************************************
The governments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Guangdong Province announced today (September 6) the launch of a joint funding scheme to support research and development (R&D) projects in six key technology areas.
Under the scheme, the Guangdong Provincial Department of Science and Technology and the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Commission will provide funding support to universities, research institutions and private enterprises to conduct applied R&D in six technology areas.
The six areas are radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies; automotive parts and accessory systems; electronic and information technology; new materials and fine chemical processing; critical precision manufacturing equipment; and new energy and energy-saving related technologies.
These technology areas are relevant to the needs of the industry and will enhance economic development in the Greater Pearl River Delta (PRD) region.
Speaking at a press conference today, the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Mr Anthony Wong, said the governments of the HKSAR and Guangdong Province agreed at the Seventh Plenary of the Hong Kong/Guangdong Co-operation Joint Conference on August 4 this year to strengthen technology co-operation and drew up a plan for co-operation to facilitate the effective development and upgrading of industries in the Greater PRD region.
"Under the plan, there will be three main fields of co-operation, namely promoting the development of technology areas of mutual interest; jointly establishing R&D platforms; and organising seminars on selected topics," Mr Wong said.
"In terms of developing technology areas of mutual interest, both sides agreed to introduce a joint funding scheme to support R&D projects in the six key technology areas.
"Hong Kong and Guangdong will invite applied R&D project proposals to develop new components, tools, methodologies and systems, etc, that can spearhead the development of these six areas and significantly improve the capabilities of the industries in Greater PRD," he said.
Mr Wong said the Hong Kong side would accept applications with local organisations or companies as the principal applicants, while the Guangdong side would accept applications with organisations registered in Guangdong as the principal applicants. The applications received by both sides would be considered separately by assessment panels drawn up by each side, with the participation of experts from the other side.
"Guangdong Province has decided to commit 170 million renminbi this year to support these research projects. Hong Kong will inject a similar amount through the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) and the actual funding allocation will depend on the applications approved," Mr Wong said.
"Extra merit will be given to those that draw on both sides' R&D capability in the implementation of the project proposals. Collaboration among research institutions in both Guangdong and Hong Kong are also encouraged so that their existing R&D facilities, resources and knowledge may be leveraged for maximum benefit.
"Proposals with the participation of industry partners in both Hong Kong and Guangdong via provision of funding, development expertise and advice in the development areas are also encouraged," he said.
Applications from the Hong Kong side should be submitted under the Innovation and Technology Support Programme through the ITF Administrative System (on the ITF website at www.itf.gov.hk) from September 13 to October 21, 2004. Details of the solicitation document can be found on the ITF website. Further information can be obtained from the ITF Secretariat at 20/F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong (Tel: 2737 2229; Fax: 2957 8726; Email: enquiry@itf.gov.hk).
Ends/Monday, September 6, 2004
NNNN
Real Media (Floor
/
Cantonese / Putonghua
/
English)
Windows Media (Floor
/
Cantonese / Putonghua
/
English
