Joint Office of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Co-operation Zone
In September 2021, the governments of both sides signed the “Co-operation Arrangement on the Establishment of ‘One Zone, Two Parks’ in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Co-operation Zone at the Lok Ma Chau Loop”, setting out the direction of co-operation for the development of the Co-operation Zone. At the same time, in order to attract talent and enterprises to develop in the Co-operation Zone, the governments of both sides launched a joint policy package to implement measures conducive to the flow of talent, scientific research resources and business development, etc. The joint policy package is a summary of measures of both places to facilitate research institutes and enterprises in the Co-operation Zone, such as providing talent accommodation or concessions, jointly funded research and development projects, etc. The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC) has kick-started the establishment of the Shenzhen branch of the Hong Kong Science Park in the Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Zone of the Co-operation Zone, thus allowing innovation and technology institutes and enterprises in Hong Kong that are interested in starting business in the Greater Bay Area to first establish presence in the Shenzhen branch. The Shenzhen branch is expected to commission in the first half of 2023.
Before the commissioning of Shenzhen branch, the HKSTPC and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone Development Co. Ltd., with the support from the Futian District Government, started operating a joint office in the Futian Free Trade Zone in September 2021.