The 2024 SmartHK Nanjing, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) in collaboration with the Jiangsu Provincial Government, successfully concluded with a significant focus on fostering high-quality development between Hong Kong and Jiangsu. The event, which attracted over 40 business and academic leaders, centered around innovative collaboration across key sectors including finance, innovation and technology (I&T), sustainable development, culture, and creativity.
During the opening ceremony, key figures such as Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Paul Chan, Jiangsu Provincial Government Vice Governor Fang Wei, and HKTDC Chairman Dr. Peter K N Lam, emphasized the strategic importance of Hong Kong-Jiangsu collaboration. Dr. Lam highlighted the complementary strengths of both regions, noting Jiangsu's development strategy and Hong Kong's established position as a global financial and innovation hub. He encouraged Jiangsu enterprises to leverage Hong Kong's professional services to facilitate business transformation and international expansion.
Driving Green Development and Innovation
A major highlight of SmartHK Nanjing was the focus on green development and innovation. The “Green and Sustainable Development” thematic session, sponsored by Hang Seng Bank, explored the green finance and sustainability needs between Hong Kong and Jiangsu. Industry experts discussed key topics such as the importance of ESG information disclosure, carbon neutrality, and the role of green technologies in achieving sustainable business growth. This session underscored the potential for deeper collaboration in green initiatives, with an emphasis on using Hong Kong’s financial expertise to support Jiangsu's sustainable development goals.
Enhancing Cross-Regional Cooperation
SmartHK Nanjing also facilitated cross-regional cooperation through a series of targeted business matching meetings and an exhibition showcasing Hong Kong’s latest I&T products and services. Over 60 Hong Kong enterprises and start-ups participated in the exhibition, presenting cutting-edge innovations in various fields, from smart technologies to creative designs. Additionally, around 400 business matching meetings were held, connecting companies from Hong Kong and Jiangsu, fostering new partnerships, and creating opportunities for future collaboration.
A standout feature of the event was the Smart+ pitching session, where 30 Hong Kong start-ups, including those from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, presented their innovative solutions to Jiangsu investors. This session highlighted the dynamic entrepreneurial spirit of Hong Kong’s start-ups and provided a platform for them to showcase their ideas to potential investors and partners in Jiangsu.
Strengthening Hong Kong-Jiangsu Relations
Throughout the event, speakers and participants reiterated the importance of strengthening the relationship between Hong Kong and Jiangsu. Paul Chan, Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary, pointed out the long-standing economic and cultural ties between the two regions, noting that Hong Kong entrepreneurs have invested in more than 35,000 projects in Jiangsu. Similarly, Fang Wei, Vice Governor of Jiangsu, emphasized the strategic role that technological innovation plays in driving high-quality development and expressed optimism about the future of Hong Kong-Jiangsu collaboration.
As the event drew to a close, it was clear that SmartHK Nanjing had achieved its goal of fostering multi-industry collaboration and paving the way for high-quality development between Hong Kong and Jiangsu. The event not only showcased the strengths of Hong Kong’s professional services and innovative technologies but also provided a platform for meaningful exchanges and partnerships that will drive future growth and development in both regions.