FS concludes visit to Xi'an (with photos/video)
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Mr Chan attended the First Western Commercial Space Conference this morning. In his speech, he said that Xi'an, with its strong scientific research capabilities, complete industrial chain, and deep accumulation in technology and talent pipelines, possesses unique advantages in depth in the aerospace industry. The related industries have progressed from being strong in supporting capabilities to becoming strong overall. He pointed out that the local industry has established an efficient and collaborative industrial system in areas such as rocket engines, satellite payloads, laser communications, precision measurement and control equipment, and new materials, significantly improving industry efficiency, lowering costs and accelerating technological iteration.
He noted that for commercial space to form a complete closed loop, it still needs to address the key issues of being able to secure financing, sell far, and proceed steadily, including connecting with international capital markets, expanding global customer networks, and aligning with cross-boundary rules and standards.
Mr Chan pointed out that Hong Kong can serve as an interface connecting the western region's aerospace industry with international markets from three dimensions: capital, research and market. In terms of capital, Hong Kong has a deep and broad pool of international capital and a global investor network, a mature offshore renminbi market, and an end-to-end fundraising and financing ecosystem, including patient capital that invests in small, early-stage, long-term and hard technology projects. These can help technology enterprises raise funds and complete valuation, pricing and cross-boundary mergers and acquisitions under rules familiar to international markets. In terms of research, Hong Kong's universities can collaborate with Xi'an's institutions on research into key technologies, promote the transformation of research outcomes, connect with international networks and attract high-end talent. In terms of market, Hong Kong can, with its common law system and internationally aligned intellectual property protection regime, assist enterprises in going global, expanding into international markets, converting standards and validating products.
He emphasised that Hong Kong has already incorporated commercial space into its industrial planning, including establishing the Space Robotics and Energy Centre, supporting the Chang'e-8 mission, and promoting local satellite projects and related investment. As commercial space enters the scaled development stage "from one to N", co-ordination among the industrial chain, capital and markets is particularly crucial. Hong Kong will leverage its openness, internationalisation and financial advantages under the "one country, two systems" framework to empower the accelerated development of the western region's aerospace industry and support the development of the country's aerospace cause.
Mr Chan met with the Chairman of the Shaanxi Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Mr Xu Xinrong, at noon. He concluded his visit programme in Xi'an in the afternoon and departed for Hong Kong.
Ends/Saturday, June 27, 2026
Issued at HKT 15:00
Issued at HKT 15:00
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