As dawn broke over Victoria Harbour, the 28th Beijing-Hong Kong Economic Cooperation Symposium kicked off at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Over two days, the event featured an opening ceremony, thematic presentations, 13 specialized sessions, and investment discussions. The highlight was the signing of 29 key cooperation projects, totaling nearly 56 billion yuan (559.76 billion yuan).
These projects span 11 sectors, including tech services, commercial services, finance, biopharmaceuticals, AI, cultural tourism, urban renewal, infrastructure, clean energy, logistics, and smart connected vehicles.
WeRide Inc. (WRD), a recent Hong Kong IPO debutant, signed an autonomous driving partnership with Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings. Vice President Luo Lin revealed plans to deploy 200 autonomous minibuses in Hong Kong within three years. The company also aims to introduce L4 autonomous taxis based on Geely’s GXR platform, initially at Hong Kong International Airport before expanding to Lantau Island. A right-hand-drive GXR model tailored for Hong Kong is under development, targeting a 2026 launch. WeRide expects to operate over 500 autonomous vehicles in Hong Kong within three years, with investments exceeding 1 billion yuan.
Other notable deals include: - Beijing Urban Construction Group’s airport construction projects in Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Kenya with Hong Kong International Airport Consultants. - Minglue Technology’s international HQ establishment at Cyberport. - A private equity fund collaboration between WFOE Financial Group and Yingke Law Firm. - A logistics investment project between Hong Kong’s Topler International and Beijing New Land Port Group.
**Deepening Ties in Finance, Talent, and Tech** At financial sessions, Beijing’s local financial regulator released the *2025 Guide for Foreign Asset Managers in Beijing*, while Bank of China (Beijing) unveiled an overseas expansion support plan. HSBC showcased its cross-border financial services, and Bank of East Asia inked a strategic pact with Beijing Shounong Co.
In talent initiatives, Beijing Overseas Talent Center partnered with Hong Kong’s Science Park and alumni alliances to launch the Global Innovation Service Network (GNIS) Hong Kong node. The Greater Bay Area Entrepreneurs Alliance teamed up with Beijing’s Haidian Overseas Talent Startup Park to create an "Overseas Expansion Platform," offering policy, legal, and market-entry support.
On the tech front, Beijing’s Science Commission renewed a collaboration memo with Hong Kong Trade Development Council, while the Federation of Hong Kong Industries signed a deal with the Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Youth Innovation Center. The 8th "Jing-Gang Youth Innovation Cup" startup competition finale spotlighted eight AI and biotech ventures.
**"Your Voice" Film Premiere Highlights Governance** Beyond business, the symposium emphasized cultural exchange. *Your Voice*, a documentary on Beijing’s "12345" citizen hotline, premiered in Causeway Bay, showcasing urban governance through seven real-life cases—from alley parking disputes to emergency responses.
"These stories feel relatable, blending efficiency with humanity," remarked an audience member. Director Xu Jieqin and lead actor Liu Huan later discussed the film’s insights with Hong Kong City University students, sparking lively dialogue on governance lessons for Hong Kong.