Chen Maobo: Hong Kong can play the role of a connector between the western space industry and the international market.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan concluded his visit to Xi'an today, the last day of his trip.

This morning, Chan attended the first Western China Commercial Aerospace Conference. In his speech, he noted that Xi'an, with its superior scientific research capabilities, complete industrial chain, and deep accumulation in technology and talent, possesses unique "depth advantages" in the aerospace industry. The relevant industries have moved from "strong supporting capabilities" to "strong overall development." He pointed out that the region has established an efficient and collaborative industrial system in areas such as rocket engines, satellite payloads, laser communications, precision measurement and control equipment, and new materials, significantly improving industry efficiency, reducing costs, and accelerating technological iteration.

He pointed out that to form a complete closed loop in commercial aerospace, key issues such as "access to financing, global market reach, and stable operation" still need to be resolved, including connecting with international capital markets, expanding global customer networks, and aligning cross-border rules and standards.

Chan noted that Hong Kong can serve as an "interface" connecting the western aerospace industry with the international market from three dimensions: capital, research, and market. In terms of capital, Hong Kong has a deep and broad international capital pool and global investor network, a mature offshore renminbi market, and a full-chain financing ecosystem, including patient capital that invests in small, early-stage, long-term, and hard-tech ventures, helping tech enterprises raise funds and complete valuation pricing and cross-border mergers and acquisitions using rules familiar to the international market. In research, Hong Kong universities can collaborate with Xi'an institutions on cutting-edge technology research, promote technology transfer, connect with international networks, and gather top talent. In the market, leveraging the common law system and intellectual property protection regime aligned with international standards, Hong Kong can help enterprises go global, expand into international markets, conduct standard conversion, and product verification.

He emphasized that Hong Kong has incorporated commercial aerospace into its industrial layout, including establishing the Space Robotics and Energy Center, supporting the Chang'e-8 mission, and promoting local satellite projects and related investments. As commercial aerospace enters the stage of large-scale development from 1 to N, the synergy between the industrial chain, capital, and market is crucial. Hong Kong will leverage its openness, internationalization, and financial advantages under "one country, two systems" to empower the western aerospace industry to accelerate development and support the nation's aerospace endeavors.

At noon, Chan met with Xu Xinrong, Chairman of the Shaanxi Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). In the afternoon, he concluded his visit to Xi'an and departed for Hong Kong.