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The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Shenzhen Municipal Government announced today (May 5) the launching of the first major technology co-operation project under the ¡§Shenzhen Hong Kong Innovation Circle¡¨ to establish a Solar Energy Research and Industrial Platform in collaboration with DuPont.
According to the letters of intent signed today, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation will take the lead to establish a Solar Energy R&D Support Centre at the Hong Kong Science Park to assist the development of solar energy and related technologies in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta region. DuPont will join the centre as the first anchor tenant by locating its Global Thin Film Photovoltaic Business/ R&D Centre in the Hong Kong Science Park. At the same time, the Shenzhen Municipal Government will collaborate with Hong Kong to provide land and other facilities to support the downstream development and manufacturing of solar energy products.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Financial Secretary Mr John C Tsang said: ¡§Solar energy is a clean and sustainable energy source. The development of solar energy will help reduce the use of fossil fuels in the generation of electricity. This will help to reduce air pollution and the effects of global warming. The joint Solar Energy Research and Industrial Platform is a major co-operation initiative between Hong Kong and Shenzhen to improve the environment and promote the development of renewable energy.
¡§We are pleased that DuPont has chosen to locate its Global Thin Film Photovoltaic Business/ R&D Centre in Hong Kong. The decision reinforces our position as a prime location for innovation and technology-based companies in the region¡¨, Mr Tsang said.
At the signing ceremony, President ¡V Greater China, DuPont Corporate Vice-President and President for Greater China Dr Douglas Muzyka signed letters of intent on the co-operation proposal with Chairman of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation Mr Nicholas Brooke and Deputy Secretary General of the Shenzhen Municipal Government Mr Gao Guohui. Also present at the signing ceremony were the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Mr Frederick Ma, and Chairman of the Shenzhen side of the ¡§Steering Group on Shenzhen/Hong Kong Co-operation in Innovation and Technology¡¨ Mr Liu Yingli.
¡§The latest studies show that there is a growing global demand for the use of renewable energy including solar energy. This joint project will help meet this demand and bring about significant economic benefits to Hong Kong as it will create new job opportunities and spur further technological developments in this field¡¨, Mr Ma said.
¡§Shenzhen-Hong Kong co-operation is to congregate the edge of resources for the two places, as to be more competitive internationally,¡¨ Mr Liu said at the signing ceremony.
"The establishment of the Solar Energy Research and Industrial Platform project, as the first major technology collaboration project between Hong Kong and Shenzhen after the signing of the agreement on the 'Shenzhen-Hong Kong Innovation Circle' in May 2007, is the proof," he said.
Ends/Monday, May 5, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:59
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