Hong Kong, November 12, 2026: Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Chairman Professor Frederick Ma has led a high-level business delegation to Hefei in Anhui Province, China, to explore collaboration opportunities in innovation and technology, including research and development, marketisation, and industry development. The delegation, which included over 30 representatives from the Hong Kong SAR Government, science and technology parks, major chambers of commerce, universities, and research institutions, was officially received by Anhui Acting Governor Wang Dongwei, Vice Governor Sun Yong, and Hefei Mayor Zhang Quan.
Anhui has recently advanced in sectors such as new energy, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and the low-altitude economy, expanding its profile beyond its traditional industries and regional culture.
Focus on innovation and technology
Professor Ma noted that Anhui-Hong Kong cooperation has broadened to emerging sectors centred on innovation and technology. He highlighted Hong Kong’s role in connecting the Mainland with global markets, with particular emphasis on collaboration in new energy vehicles, AI, and life and health sectors. Ma said the partnership aims to support enterprises in expanding internationally and to create an interconnected innovation and technology ecosystem.
GoGlobal Connect programme and fast-track service
During the visit, both sides agreed to introduce the HKTDC’s GoGlobal Connect programme to Anhui and to establish a fast-track service to help Anhui enterprises expand overseas in a structured and secure manner. The delegation visited the Anhui Innovation Centre, the University of Science and Technology of China, and the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. They also toured leading local enterprises such as Gotion High-tech, Huawei’s Zunjie Super Factory, and the Luogang Central Park Smart Centre to gain insights into Anhui and Hefei’s research and industrial capabilities.
Economic transformation in Hefei
Professor Ma recalled his previous visit to Hefei 15 years ago, when the city’s permanent population was about 5.7 million and its economic scale just over 300 billion yuan. He observed that Hefei’s permanent population has now exceeded 10 million and its economic scale has grown nearly fourfold, with a modernised urban landscape and increased presence of foreign businesspeople.
Key participants and future opportunities
Delegation members included Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR government Kevin Choi, CEO of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation Terry Wong, CEO of Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Ir Dr Ted Suen, Ecosystem Development Director of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Company Limited Anita Chau, and CEO of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited Bonnie Chan.
Kevin Choi, who is also Chairperson of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Company Limited, encouraged Anhui and Hefei enterprises to leverage opportunities from Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis and to visit the Loop Hong Kong Park. He said Hong Kong, and the Loop Hong Kong Park in particular, can address challenges related to capital, talent, technology, and international rules for enterprises seeking global expansion, creating mutual benefits for both regions.
The HKTDC, established in 1966, is a statutory body promoting Hong Kong’s trade and operates over 50 offices worldwide, including 13 in Mainland China.
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