Chaoshan presents a distinctive blend of cultural heritage and technological advancement, offering immense potential for industrial upgrading and highquality development. The Chamber’s first delegation to Chaozhou and Shantou on 21-22 January, led by China Committee Chairman Felix Lee and Young Executives Club Chairman Victor Lam, aimed to strengthen ties with government bodies and businesses in Eastern Guangdong and to gain firsthand insights into local industrial progress.
“The region possesses a rich history and a solid industrial foundation,” explained Lee. “This visit has deepened our understanding of the local government’s policy directions and the innovative capabilities of enterprises. “There is great potential for cooperation with Hong Kong, particularly in pharmaceutical R&D and digital innovation. We look forward to fostering substantive exchanges and business matching, thereby injecting new momentum into the high-quality development of both regions.”
The delegation first visited Guangdong Taienkang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., where members learned about the latest advances in pharmaceutical research and industrial upgrading.
This was followed by a lunch meeting with Li Fei, Member of the Standing Committee of the Shantou Municipal Committee and Vice Mayor of Shantou, during which both sides held an indepth exchange on policy planning, industrial development, and regional strategies.
A tour of Shantou University, founded by renowned Hong Kong entrepreneur Li Kashing in 1981, threw light on its history, academic resources and developments in medical education. The group also visited Shantou University Medical College to better understand the institution’s achievements in medical teaching and research.
At the Digital Science and Technology Industrial Park in the Overseas Chinese Economic and Cultural Cooperation Experimental Zone, the only national development platform for overseas Chinese and cultural exchange, discussions with enterprise representatives focused on opportunities for cooperation in smart technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.
The second day began with a cultural exploration of Chaozhou Ancient City, including stops at Paifang Street, Guangji Tower and Hanshan Academy for a taste of the city’s deep historical and cultural heritage. The delegation also met with Chen Hongzheng, Vice Mayor of Chaozhou, for updates on the city’s latest cultural and industrial development policies and investment promotion.
One of the trip’s cultural highlights was Chaozhou Gu Liuxi Woodcarving Museum, which houses masterpieces created by Gu Liuxi, a craftsman of Chaozhou woodcarving – an art form recognized as intangible cultural heritage. The final stop was at Hybribio Biochemistry Co., Ltd., where members learnt about the region’s growing strength in biotechnology.
Describing the visit as a valuable platform for learning and exchange, Lam highlighted the remarkable vitality and potential of Eastern Guangdong, where cultural heritage and technological innovation serve as strong drivers for future development. “I hope new exchange platforms and cooperation mechanisms will encourage more young Hong Kong entrepreneurs to leverage Chaoshan’s innovationfriendly environment and contribute to regional growth,” he stated.