An agreement was signed in Hong Kong Monday to boost exchange and cooperation in science and technology between Hong Kong and China's mainland.

Signing the agreement with Hong Kong's Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology John Tsang, China's Vice-Minister of Science and Technology Liu Yanhua said its objective is to establish an effective framework for science and technology cooperation between the mainland and Hong Kong and to step up cooperation on different areas and projects.

A committee, grouping senior representatives or officials from both sides, will organize and co-ordinate technology exchange and collaboration activities. The committee will meet at least once a year, and may set up working groups in the proposed areas of cooperation.

Both sides will strengthen ties in a number of technology areas,such as IT, electronics, biotechnology, new materials, advanced manufacturing, environmental protection and Chinese medicine.

Tsang said many mainland enterprises are striving to add value to their products and build their brand names. Over 60,000 Hong Kong-related enterprises in the Pearl River Delta in China's mainland have a great demand for technology in their drive for moving up the value chain.

Tsang believed the strengthened cooperation between the mainland and Hong Kong can address the needs of both sides in adjusting and upgrading their industries.

(Xinhua News Agency May 18, 2004)