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Representing the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, today (February 17) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on bilateral co-operation in industrial research and development (R&D) with Israel, which was represented by the Consul General of the State of Israel in Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR, Mr Sagi Karni.
The signing ceremony was also attended by the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Miss Janet Wong; the Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Economy of Israel, Mr Avi Hasson; and other guests.
Mr So welcomed the MOU as an important milestone of strengthening the ties between Israel and Hong Kong.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr So said, "Promoting the development of technology as a means of fostering economic development is of mutual interest to both Hong Kong and Israel. I am delighted to see that our partnership is extended to industrial R&D co-operation with the intention of enhancing industrial competitiveness of both places."
The MOU would provide a framework for the Innovation and Technology Commission and the Office of the Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Economy of Israel to jointly encourage industrial R&D collaborations and technology development between Hong Kong and Israeli entities.
Mr So said he was confident that this collaboration would inspire more joint innovative activities between the two places in the future.
The governments of both sides will work closely together to encourage joint industrial R&D activities by Hong Kong and Israeli entities.
Ends/Monday, February 17, 2014
Issued at HKT 15:35
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