The Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, attended a reception at the Central Government Offices in Tamar on May 11, to commend the Hong Kong delegation on their award-winning inventions shown at the 45th International Exhibition of Inventions. Also in attendance were the Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang, and the Consul-General of Switzerland to Hong Kong and Macau, Mr Reto Renggli.

The Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung spoke at the reception and congratulated the Hong Kong delegation for winning awards from 51 entries, including six special prizes, 34 gold medals, 15 silver medals and two bronze medals. Mr Leung said the Hong Kong delegation had made outstanding achievements in a world-class exhibition and demonstrated Hong Kong's capabilities, especially in scientific research.

The awarded entries cover a wide range, including medical technology, new electronic materials, automotive safety systems, mechanical engineering, new textiles materials, environmental technology, food freezing systems and sports equipment, amongst others. Mr Leung said that these research results not only make our lives more convenient and more comfortable, but also have great potential to bring significant social and economic benefits.

Mr Leung expressed his vision of seeing more opportunities for local scientists and I&T enterprises. The development plan of the InnoTech Park in the Lok Ma Chau Loop is now proceeding at full speed. A research base will be built in the park to facilitate commercialisation of scientific research and industrialisation by integrating Hong Kong's strong R&D capabilities and Shenzhen's industrial advantages.