HKPC and ProSME China Sign Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement With Key Focuses on Supporting Enterprises to Go Global and Adopt Advanced Technology

(Hong Kong, 19 December 2024) The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) and the China Centre for Promotion of SME Development (ProSME China) under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) have recently signed the “Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement on Promoting SME High-quality Development” (the Cooperation Agreement) during the APEC SME Business Forum 2024 held in Shenzhen. Two key focus areas of the Cooperation Agreement are: supporting enterprises to go global, and empowering enterprises to transform and upgrade through the adoption of advanced technologies. HKPC and ProSME China aim to help more Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises to align with international standards, leverage Hong Kong's unique strengths when they explore opportunities overseas, develop internationalised operations, facilitate the globalisation of products, technologies, services, production and management practices, and enhance competitiveness.

Signed by Mr Edmond LAI, Chief Digital Officer of HKPC and Chief Executive Officer, Mainland Business of HKPC and Mr FENG Xu, Deputy Director General of ProSME China, MIIT, the collaboration between HKPC and ProSME China is an important measure to implement the Cooperation Agreement on the Development of New Productive Forces and the Promotion of New Industrialisation signed between the HKSAR Government and MIIT in September this year.

Mr Edmond LAI, Chief Digital Officer of HKPC and Chief Executive Officer, Mainland Business of HKPC, said, "We are very pleased to join hands with ProSME China, MIIT, in this endeavour that has immense significance for SME development. As a nationwide leader in innovative, market-driven R&D internationally, HKPC has made outstanding achievements in serving SMEs, fostering the application of advanced technologies and international cooperation in technology R&D. Through advanced technologies, FutureSkills training, and HKSAR Government funding schemes, HKPC leverages Hong Kong's unique advantages of internationalisation and connectivity to provide comprehensive support for enterprises going global, with expertise in fields such as remote factory management and automation, green technology and technical training, to help enterprises expand in ‘Belt and Road” markets. Since 2017, we have completed nearly 80 projects to support enterprises’ development in ASEAN markets. HKPC will strengthen cooperation with ProSME China, to support enterprises in areas such as digital transformation, industrial internet of things, smart manufacturing, artificial intelligence and robotics, new materials, life and health, smart living, food technology, and green technology, with the commitment to 'leveraging Hong Kong's advantages to meeting the country's development needs'."

ProSME China is dedicated to nurturing SMEs, promoting international cooperation, financing services and digital transformation. The collaboration between HKPC and ProSME China will accelerate the development of more “specialised, high-end and innovation-driven" enterprises with an international perspective, leading technologies, and exceptional quality. HKPC and ProSME China will support SMEs in enhancing product quality and innovative service models, helping competitive enterprises and industrial clusters to emerge. The partnership also includes training and exchange programmes aimed at empowering traditional industries, emerging industries, and future industry development. The China SME Service Network, a website operated by ProSME China, will open a special section showcasing HKPC's latest R&D achievements and support services to the SMEs. SMEs will have easy access to cutting-edge technologies, innovative solutions, and advisory services provided by HKPC, to accelerate business development and enhance competitiveness.

Mr LAI also shared insights at the 2024 APEC SME Business Forum on how new productive forces will spur industry development. HKPC has been expanding its network of R&D collaboration with research institutions both locally and overseas, serving as a super value-added partner for enterprises to go global and embrace new opportunities.

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Mr FENG Xu, Deputy Director General of China Centre for Promotion of SME Development, MIIT (left), and Mr Edmond LAI, Chief Digital Officer of HKPC and Chief Executive Officer, Mainland Business of HKPC (right), signed the “Strategic Co-operation Framework Agreement on Promoting SME High-Quality Development” during the 2024 APEC SME Business Forum held on 18 December 2024 in Shenzhen.

Mr Edmond LAI, Chief Digital Officer of HKPC and Chief Executive Officer, Mainland Business of HKPC, shared insights on how new productive forces will spur industry development. He stated that signing the “Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement on Promoting SME High-Quality Development” has immense significance for SME development. HKPC and ProSME China will support SMEs in enhancing product quality and innovative service models, helping competitive enterprises and industrial clusters to emerge.