************************************************************
The Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Mr Eddy Chan, representing the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on co-operation in science and technology with the Deputy Director of the Danish Agency for Science, Technology and Innovation, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of the Kingdom of Denmark, Mr Hans Muller Pedersen, in Denmark, yesterday (May 28, Denmark time).
Commenting on the MOU, Mr Chan said that Denmark was well known for renewable energy technologies, such as in wind and solar energy, as well as energy efficiency and advanced materials, especially nanotechnology.
In biotechnology, the Medicon Valley in Denmark is one of Europe's strongest life science clusters.
Mr Chan said, "Through the MOU, Hong Kong can benefit from joint R&D projects and exchange of experts with our R&D centres such as the Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials Institute and universities, and the Hong Kong Science Park, in promoting innovation and technology."
Mr Chan said the MOU recognised that the challenges of stimulating innovation and economic growth were of mutual concern to the two sides. It also considered the mutual interest in making progress in science and technology research and development as well as the resulting advantages for Hong Kong and Denmark.
In accordance with the MOU, both sides will explore possible bilateral co-operative activities in joint R&D projects; exchange of scientists and experts; exchange of science and technology information and documentation in the context of the co-operative activities; and joint scientific workshops, conferences and symposia.
Co-operation will be carried out mainly in nanotechnology and advanced materials; biotechnology and medical life science; solar energy; and energy efficiency.
Ends/Friday, May 29, 2009
Issued at HKT 11:45
NNNN