Hong Kong signs 2 MOUs with Greater Bay Area partners to commercialise aerial technology

Hong Kong has formalized partnerships with Greater Bay Area entities to harmonize standards and commercialize cutting-edge aerial technology. Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun announced the memorandum of understanding (MOU) agreements on Thursday, highlighting the convergence of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau bay area's production and testing prowess with Hong Kong's expertise in research, standards, and innovation.

The MOUs aim to streamline common standards and boost the commercialization of low-altitude economy applications. Wong emphasized the government's push for a regulatory scheme to oversee advanced aerial projects, aligning with national objectives for low-altitude urban economic development. Over 140 applications for commercial services, such as delivery, infrastructure surveillance, and materials lifting, have been approved, alongside 33 complex projects selected for a new testing phase under Sandbox X. Wong recently witnessed the maiden flight of an unmanned electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at Hong Kong's Cyberport.

He underscored Hong Kong's strategic position as a superconnector and value-adder, particularly in addressing domestic challenges like safety standards, airspace coordination, and infrastructural support. Wong believes Hong Kong's legal system, aviation regulatory expertise, and its status as an international financial and trade hub position the city as an effective platform for Belt and Road partners.

A Greater Bay Area delegation, led by lawmaker Elizabeth Quat, had recently journeyed to Malaysia and Indonesia to forge new opportunities and lasting partnerships.