Photo taken on June 7, 2025 shows the International Science, Technology and Innovation Forum of Boao Forum for Asia 2025 Hong Kong Conference in Hong Kong, south China. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said that Hong Kong will continue to advocate for free trade, economic openness and cross-border investment, ensuring that technology serves as a bridge to promote economic prosperity and social well-being.

The International Science, Technology and Innovation Forum of Boao Forum for Asia 2025 Hong Kong Conference concluded on Saturday, highlighting the growing role of China and other Asian and Global South nations and regions in driving global economic transformation through technological innovation.

The two-day conference, themed "Transitioning Towards the Future: Powered by Science, Technology and Innovation", was jointly hosted by the Boao Forum for Asia and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government. It attracted government officials, representatives from international organizations, entrepreneurs, and experts from over 20 countries and regions.

Ho Hau Wah, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said at the conference that China has consistently placed technological innovation at the core of its national development strategy, striving to enhance its innovation ecosystem, committed to improving the technological innovation system and fostering new drivers of economic growth.

Photo taken on June 7, 2025 shows John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, speaking at the International Science, Technology and Innovation Forum of Boao Forum for Asia 2025 Hong Kong Conference in Hong Kong, south China. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

Ho said that in this process, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has emerged as a global benchmark for innovation density and synergy, exemplifying open collaboration and coordinated innovation.

Liu Guangyuan, deputy director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, said at the conference that the International Science, Technology and Innovation Forum of Boao Forum for Asia is a key platform with a big influence, and plays an increasingly vital role in international sci-tech cooperation.

John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said that Hong Kong will continue to advocate for free trade, economic openness and cross-border investment, ensuring that technology serves as a bridge to promote economic prosperity and social well-being.

Zhang Jun, secretary-general of the Boao Forum for Asia, said that Hong Kong was chosen as the conference location because the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is one of the world's most concentrated hubs for technological innovation. Its innovation strengths not only support the high-quality development of the region but also play a crucial role in driving and influencing progress across the Asia-Pacific.