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Memorandum with Chinese Academy of Sciences signed

The Director-General of Industry, Mrs Regina Ip, today (Friday) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) on technology collaboration on applied research and development between Hong Kong and China.

The signing took place at the Industry Department with the Director of Bureau of Applied Research and Development, Mr Huang Tieshan, and was witnessed by a delegation from the Academy headed by the Vice President, Professor Yan Yi-xun.

Under MOU, the Academy will provide support for the Co-operative Applied Research and Development Scheme (CARDS) by facilitating its research units and researchers to co-operate with recipient companies under the Scheme.

Administered by the Applied Research Council, CARDS was launched in June to promote applied R and D activities in Hong Kong by providing funding support for worthwhile projects undertaken by Hong Kong manufacturers utilising the technological research expertise of Hong Kong and China.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mrs Ip said the signing of MOU "signifies an important step forward in technology collaboration and exchanges between China and Hong Kong".

"It will foster closer links and co-operation between the Industry Department and the Chinese Academy of Sciences in developing R and D and high technology, in a bid to commercialise technological achievements," Mrs Ip said.

"To adjust to changing market conditions, the manufacturing industry in Hong Kong has been moving towards the high-tech and high value-added direction in recent

years.

"In order for Hong Kong to remain competitive in world markets, the manufacturing sector has an urgent need to engage in more applied R and D work."

The Chinese Academy of Sciences, China's highest research centre for natural sciences, has over 50,000 scientists and technologists, and attained outstanding achievements in the area of scientific and technological research. Hong Kong manufacturers who had applied for funds under CARDS would have much to benefit from the assistance of the researchers of CAS, the Director-General said.