The central and local governments will set up a science and technology cooperation mechanism, Science and Technology Minister Wang Zhigang said on Monday.
Wang made the remarks in a press conference on the sidelines of the current annual session of the National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing.
Wang said that Macau’s scientific and technological strength was an important part of the nation’s scientific and technological development, particularly in the Greater Bay Area (GBA).
Wang said that his ministry was coordinating its scientific and technological development drive with Hong Kong and Macau for the GBA project.
The minister pointed out that he held a meeting with Chief Executive Fernando Chui Sai On recently, where both sides agreed to set up a scientific and technological relationship and cooperation mechanism within the framework of the nation’s development needs and the GBA project.
He said the mechanism would give Macau an important role in the GBA development.
Wang also pointed out that his ministry has done a great deal to strengthen scientific and technological cooperation with Macau, such as through research funding and projects and the setting-up of four national key laboratories in Macau.
Wang said the next step was to combine the technological and scientific advantages of the mainland and Macau, pointing out that in this context one plus one is greater than two. He also said the focus should be on the GBA development efforts.
The minister also underlined the importance of innovation in Macau’s role as an “important force” in the GBA development.
