A forum is held at Lifestyle International Ltd for the Suzhou delegation. [Photo/WeChat account: suzhoufabu365]
Suzhou's Party Secretary Cao Lubao led a delegation to Hong Kong for economic and trade investment promotion and cooperation activities from Feb 23 to 25.
During the visit, Cao met executives from Jardine Matheson Holdings, Hongkong Land Holdings and Lifestyle International Ltd.
Hong Kong has always been one of Suzhou's most important trade and investment partners. In January, Suzhou's actual use of foreign capital increased by 28.7 percent year-on-year to $796 million, among which 55.5 percent was from Hong Kong.
Cao said that Suzhou has been working to develop a first-class business environment that is market-oriented, rule-of-law based, and international, hoping that enterprises will develop confidence and increase investment in Suzhou, especially in the modern service and digital economy industries.
The Suzhou delegation visits Hong Kong ASTRI. [Photo/WeChat account: suzhoufabu365]
Cao also visited the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI), the largest R&D institution in Hong Kong, and talked anout Suzhou's technological innovation.
According to Cao, Suzhou is accelerating the construction of national bio-pharmaceutical technology innovation centers, national third-generation semiconductor technology innovation centers, and national new-generation artificial intelligence innovation development pilot zones.
Cao hopes to further focus on areas such as third-generation semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and biomedicine to strengthen joint innovation and the practical application of technological achievements, and invites ASTRI to Suzhou in an effort to achieve greater development.
During the visit, Suzhou signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, aiming to attract more talent and improve scientific and technological innovation in Suzhou.
The Suzhou delegation visits Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. [Photo/WeChat account: suzhoufabu365]