Economic and trade cooperation between Beijing and Hong Kong is enjoying momentum. According to official statistics from the Beijing Investment Promotion Bureau, from January to September this year, investment from Hong Kong in Beijing had reached $59.13 billion, accounting for 44.9 percent of the capital's utilized direct investment from out of the mainland. Meanwhile Beijing's direct investment in Hong Kong reached $26.34 billion, accounting for 44.3 percent of the capital's direct investment to areas out of the mainland.

The 21st Beijing Hong Kong Economic Cooperation Symposium, under the theme of Leading Innovation, Exchange Resources, Open Development, and Create Prosperity, will be held in Hong Kong from November 28 to 29.

"The 21st Beijing Hong Kong Economic Cooperation Symposium will be held based on the capital's strategic positioning and Hong Kong's development orientation," said Xu Zhijun, Deputy Secretary General of Beijing Municipal Government, while addressing a media briefing. Xu said the symposium, held in the year that marks the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, and after the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), is of great significance in deepening cooperation between Beijing and Hong Kong and promoting common prosperity.

The symposium is planned to feature 15 activities, which includes the opening ceremony, discussion and exchange meetings, forums and program signing ceremonies, covering topics such as economic and trade cooperation, high-caliber personnel exchanges, housing, health, and city construction.

As a crucial cooperation area, scientific and technological innovation will be one of the key topics at the symposium.

"Hong Kong enjoys a big pool of high-caliber people from all over the world, while Beijing is one of the most important scientific research bases," said Wu Ziheng, Mainland Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, adding that the two have huge potential with prospects for collaboration in scientific research and development.

Copyedited by Francisco Little

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