A senior Beijing official has called on state key laboratories in Hong Kong to explore "uncharted territories" in technological development while setting their sights on cementing a powerful position in the global race.

Minister of Science and Technology Yin Hejun told a plaque presentation ceremony on Monday that the SAR should do its part in turning the city into an international innovation and technology centre and supporting the nation's development.

"I hope the state key laboratories in Hong Kong will further bolster their mission positioning, focus on scientific challenges arising from national demands, boldly explore the uncharted territories in frontier technologies, and strive to achieve more original and leading breakthroughs in basic theoretical research and key core technologies, to seize the commanding heights in the global scientific and technological competition," he said.

Zhou Ji, director of Beijing's liaison office, expressed the hope that Hong Kong would continue to attract more high-calibre individuals.

"In recent years, a group of leading international academics and scientists have made Hong Kong their home," he said.

"I look forward to the city further leveraging its strengths, promoting the integrated development of education and tech talent, and using high-level research platforms to attract and nurture more top-tier global talent and innovative teams to provide strong support for the high-quality development of both Hong Kong and the nation."

Chief Executive John Lee, for his part, said the presence of state key labs, which are all affiliated with local universities, showcased the city's strength in research and development.

He also vowed a further push in developing the Hong Kong part of the Hetao cooperation zone with Shenzhen.