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Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, at the signing ceremony of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong DuPont Solar Energy Photovoltaic Technology Development Project today (May 5):
Mr Liu, Dr Muzyka, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning.
I am truly delighted today to witness the signing ceremony of the Shenzhen - Hong Kong - DuPont Solar Energy Photovoltaic Technology Development Project.
In recent years, rapid economic growth in this region has exerted enormous pressure on energy supply and on our environment. From a global perspective, energy resources generated from fossil fuels are facing at this time a host of formidable challenges, particularly rising prices and environmental concerns. Renewable energy, such as solar energy, is becoming increasingly important as an alternative power source to meet the global energy demand.
Pressing energy needs and environmental concerns are indeed some of the many challenges shared by Hong Kong and Shenzhen. But with challenges come opportunities. Transitioning from a fossil fuel-based economy to one based on renewable energy can spur economic growth and create jobs.
The solar energy industry is expected to develop rapidly into a multi-billion dollar industry, providing us with many new job opportunities. I am pleased that the Governments of Shenzhen and Hong Kong are joining hands in establishing a Solar Energy Research and Industrial Platform in partnership with DuPont. Together we will develop solar energy technologies and engage the potential of the solar energy industry.
The two letters of intent that will be signed later on today mark the launch of the Solar Energy Research and Industrial Platform. Under this arrangement, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation will take the lead in establishing a Solar Energy R&D Support Centre at the Science Park in Tai Po in the development of solar energy and related technologies in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta; DuPont will join the centre as the first anchor tenant by locating its Global Photovoltaic R&D Centre in the Science Park. At the same time, the Shenzhen Municipal Government, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Government, will provide land and other facilities to support downstream solar product development and manufacturing activities. We will work together jointly in promoting the use of these products.
With this initiative, we reaffirm the Hong Kong Government's commitment to protect the environment and to promote technology development. Solar energy is a clean and sustainable energy resource. The development of solar energy will help reduce the use of fossil fuels in generating electricity. This will in turn help to reduce air pollution and the effects of global warming.
With this initiative, we are also establishing a new model of co-operation in our region that will no doubt be replicated in the future maximising the comparative advantages of all the parties concerned.
Innovation and technology are key to enhancing the overall productivity and competitiveness of our economy. This new centre will be at the forefront of developing more efficient means and devising new products in generating electricity from solar energy. There will be plenty of opportunities for collaboration with researchers in our universities. There will also be plenty of new opportunities for manufacturers here and throughout the Pearl River Delta to play a key role in each one of the different segments of the supply chain in producing relevant components and products for use in the overall process. We have an opportunity here to play a leading role in this industry.
The Solar Energy Research and Industrial Platform is a major co-operation initiative between Hong Kong and Shenzhen to improve the environment and to promote the development of renewable energy. It also marks a significant milestone for the "Shenzhen-Hong Kong Innovation Circle". The benefits of our joint efforts will be extended to other parts of the Mainland and Asia.
I am very pleased that DuPont has chosen to locate its Global Photovoltaic R&D Centre in Hong Kong. The decision reinforces our position as a prime location for innovation and technology-based companies in the region. And I look forward to even more companies making use of this novel modus operandi in creating new technologies for mass application in the region.
Ladies and gentlemen, I congratulate DuPont on the momentous decision to make a significant expansion of its operation in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta region. I am confident that this unique strategic partnership among Hong Kong, Shenzhen and DuPont will flourish as we work towards a - dare I say - brighter future.
Thank you.
Ends/Monday, May 5, 2008
Issued at HKT 13:16
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