Chief Executive John Lee on Friday said he attaches great importance to the development of innovation and technology in Hong Kong, adding that the city must proactively integrate into the national development as the central government firmly supports the SAR to become China's innovation and technology centre.

Lee was speaking at an event to launch the Hong Kong Alliance of Technology and Innovation.

The CE pointed out that President Xi Jinping visited the Science Park two weeks ago and said he approved of the rapid growth of the innovation and technology industry in Hong Kong.

Lee said he would work hard with his cabinet to leverage Hong Kong's unique advantages with the support of the motherland, while engaging with the world.

"I will lead the SAR government to press ahead at full steam with the development of innovation and technology in Hong Kong and promote the combination of industry chains and complementary development of Hong Kong and other cities in the Greater Bay Area," he said.

"The government will build a vibrant innovation and technology ecosystem, speed up the development of smart city and make Hong Kong an international innovation and technology centre."