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On October 11, 2017, the same day that Hong Kong Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, delivered her maiden Policy Address, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco (SFETO) hosted a leadership forum luncheon, titled “ Innovation and Technology – Opportunities in Hong Kong”.

Addressing more than 200 guests at the luncheon in San Francisco, the Director of SFETO, Mr Ivanhoe Chang outlined the new initiatives that the Chief Executive included in her Policy Address. Mr Chang said that the Chief Executive stated clearly that her term of Government would follow the principles of “Innovative, Interactive and Collaborative” and it was in this sprit that the office hosted the luncheon to explore collaboration for the development of innovation and technology in and through Hong Kong.

“Hong Kong is a very open economy and to help prepare for the future, we are developing a high value-added and diversified economy, in particular sectors such as innovation and technology,” he said.

He outlined the initiatives that the Chief Executive made to facilitate such development including tax relief to start-ups as well as small and medium-sized companies and a goal to double the gross domestic expenditure on research and development. “On the front of technological research infrastructure, we will work with the Shenzhen Government to jointly develop the Lok Ma Chau Loop into the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, and co-operate and develop an international innovation and technology hub in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area. This Bay Area comprises 11 cities with 66 million people and a GDP of over HK $ 1 trillion.,” he said.

Mr Chang welcomed a panel who shared their insights and stories on Hong Kong’s innovation and technology scene. Mr Edward King, Founding Partner of Quintus Partners, Mr James Lau, Cofounder of NetApp and Mr Redg Snodgrass, Founder and Chairman of ReadWriteLabs gave a first-hand perspective about their experience and their take on the opportunities for US companies in Hong Kong.
The leadership forum luncheon was co-organized with the Asia America Multi-Technology Association. The business luncheon was part of the year-long program to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.