On March 25, Wang Zhigang, Minister of Science and Technology, met with Vice Chancellor and President Zhang Xiang of the University of Hong Kong and his delegation in Beijing. The two sides exchanged views on strengthening STI cooperation between the Mainland and Hong Kong, and the participation of the University of Hong Kong in the development of national STI and other topics.  

Minister Wang Zhigang firstly extended a warm welcome to the delegation for its visit. He recalled his visit to the University of Hong Kong in September 2018 and expressed his gratitude to the University of Hong Kong for its long-standing STI cooperation with the Mainland. Minister Wang Zhigang pointed out that the University of Hong Kong has a long history and a world-class research team and has made active contribution to the development of STI in Hong Kong and even the whole country. He noted that under?°one country, two systems?±, the University of Hong Kong should give full play to its international strengths, carry out sound research in key fields and actively participate in the development of the International Science, Technology and Innovation Center in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Minister Wang Zhigang said that the Ministry of Science and Technology will actively promote the participation of Hong Kong universities and research institutions in national STI planning consultations and strategic consultations related to national mega-science projects and support the development and arrangements of the University of Hong Kong in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. 

President and Vice Chancellor Zhang Xiang thanked the Ministry of Science and Technology for its long-term support to the University of Hong Kong. He said that Minister Wang Zhigang??s visit to the University of Hong Kong last year and his discussions with researchers at the University have greatly inspired the faculty and students of the University. He said that the University of Hong Kong will fully leverage its research strengths, actively participate in national STI activities and serve the development of the International Science, Technology and Innovation Center in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Director-General Ye Dongbai and Deputy Director-General Xu Jie of the Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Director Chen Jiachang of China Science and Technology Exchange Center attended the meeting. Jiang Jianxiang, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Education, Science and Technology of the Liaison Office of the Central People?¯s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was also present at the meeting.